“What makes for a perfect 'subway read'? Unlike the beach read, it cannot feel meandering. Like a train, the narrative must move with as few delays as possible, and also be transportive. When I’m packed into a musty, fluorescently lit rail car during rush hour, I want to be anywhere else, and fast. The beach and the cabin are inherently relaxing, calming and rejuvenating environments. Needless to say, the subway is none of those.”