I'm never going to complain about receiving free early copies of books, because clearly there's nothing to complain about, but it does introduce a rogue element into one's otherwise carefully plotted reading schedule. ...Being a reader is sort of like being president, except reading involves fewer state dinners, usually. You have this agenda you want to get through, but you get distracted by life events, e.g., books arriving in the mail/World War III, and you are temporarly deflected from your chosen path.
Receiving advance copies of books is a privilege that most readers cherish, yet it can disrupt a carefully planned reading routine. The excitement of new arrivals can shift focus away from a predetermined reading list, much like unexpected events can change a president's agenda. Readers often find themselves navigating distractions that lead them away from their initial choices, which might include personal interests or significant global events.
Nick Hornby humorously compares the experience of being a reader to holding the office of a president, highlighting the unforeseen interruptions that can arise. Just as presidents deal with various crises and events, readers must adapt to the surprises that come their way, including freshly delivered books. This playful analogy underscores the challenges of maintaining a consistent reading schedule amidst life's unpredictability.