Man bag options: Carrying a book out in public?

You could carry a tote bag. But if I were you, I'd get a messenger bag with a shoulder strap that can be worn cross-body (so its secure) which leaves your hands free. Then you can put your wallet and phone in there too (and a small rolled up umbrella, and your brown paper bag lunch, etc). If you start carrying a bag, you will discover useful things to carry in it, I promise you.

Just use a record bag like this one. They are cheap, they last for years, and people won't think you're gay if you carry one

Use a laptop case and sling it across your body like a bandolier. No one thinks twice about that.

I am a woman who does not carry a purse. You should be thankful you aren't expected to carry a purse, they are cumbersome and annoying. Unfortunately, being a woman, most girlie pants available don't have pockets, or only have pockets that are big enough to hold a quarter. I have to sew new pockets into every pair of pants I buy, and into every skirt and dress.

I also travel with just my wallet and phone, and keys. I also constantly carry my e-reader, in my hands, enclosed in a case.

It doesn't bother me to carry it, though when the weather gets cooler, I can put it in a jacket pocket with no problem. Jacket pockets are bigger.

In your case, there are plenty of small black man-bags you can buy that would hold your damn e-reader. Nobody cares if a man slings a bag over his shoulder these days, so I don't know what your problem is. Go shopping.

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2015-fash...

By a Kindle.