A good book, peace and quiet and somewhere to sit: who could ask for more? | Adrian Chiles

When nature calls, so does the world of literature

It's excellent toilet reading, I say, when I'm talking about my book of some of these columns. People laugh, but on the quiet I mean it as a great compliment to myself, having done a great deal of satisfying reading over the years while perched upon my throne. I don't mean to be coarse. And I am mindful, too, of medical advice that says we shouldn't spend any longer than we have to going about our business. I also sense that it's probably a bloke thing.

It's also, on reflection, possibly an ADHD thing - being forced to sit still awhile, which is good, but finding it impossible to sit in that moment without needing some distraction, which is less good. Having said that, with nothing other than reading matter available to occupy my mind, it's an opportunity to really sit and concentrate for a bit.

Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster, writer and Guardian columnist