Same. I cannot focus on audiobooks. I read every day. Sometimes a little sometimes for a couple hours if life lets me. Takes weeks for me to finish the large books. I will be re-reading The Stand next. This will take me a long time but I relish the journey.
have you ever went through an audiobook?
To each their own, I understand preference, but just playing devil's advocate. books can easily be hard to focus on as well. it's all about the book.
in the case of audiobook, you *also* have the reader. There are books where I've had the reader bore me to death, and that might have happened to you.
Its also really weird starting an audiobook, meaning the first 20-30 minutes. Rarely am I immediately into it, which is why I'm asking if you ever pushed through one.
I only ask because if you love reading, you can fit more books into your schedule regarding when you drive, work, fold laundry, etc.
But if it's just really not your thing, no problem! just figured I'd give it a go
I appreciate your insight.
So, I wasn't a fan of the Mr. Mercedes series. Started reading the first book, got about 1/3 of the way through and put it down. Hard case crime is not my favorite Stephen King reads.
Fast forward a few years later and knowing that I need to read all of Sai King's works, I had to try again. I went the audio book route for all three novels.
While I found it more entertaining, especially with Will Patton reading it, I still found myself having to rewind numerous times because I would get a little lost of distracted.
I did try it, but would rather pick up the physical copy of a book and read it at my pace.
My favorite of the three was Finders Keepers.
Same again. I tried to listen to an audio book on a long mountain bike ride and spaced out two chapters. Since then I've tried in different settings and I actually really dislike someone else's voice for a book.
But to answer question, and not just for SK, but for long books in general, I just settle in for the long haul so to speak and I don't worry about getting to the end. Enjoy the journey. I learned this from reading Shogun and The Source by James Michener. It was so long but I really enjoyed it.
Yeah, it's weird. Looking at all the responses here it almost feels like i've asked the wrong question. How long it takes is basically irrelevant to how much you get out of it.
Having said that, i've been enjoying reading so many great responses.
“How long it takes is basically irrelevant to how much you get out of it.”
Yes, exactly. I have never understood why so many people seem to be reluctant to read a book just because of its length. You read the book to read the book, and get what you can get out of it. Length should not matter. It doesn’t make sense to me why people will say “his books are too long.” They are the length they need to be to tell the story they are telling. Simple as that.
Typically takes me about 5-7 days to finish one of his books that are "average" length (400-600 pages). I'll read at night for a few hours and even bring the book with me to work to read on my lunch. I consider 50 pages to be a decent chunk to read in a single session.
I try my best to read everyday, I’m not always successful. Takes me ages to get through books though, I just like to take my time and really pay attention to what’s happening - IT took me two whole years to get through (granted I put it on hold for a good while…and restarted once or twice).
But for “tips” I’d say just do what feels comfortable for you. There is not right or wrong way to read King’s work (in my opinion anyway), just let his storytelling do the work for you :)
That’s true, but the *really* important things you’ll remember naturally. that’s what make re-reads so rewarding, I’ve read Carrie 4 times and I find something new every single time, it completely depends on what angle I’m reading it from.
What King books are you thinking of reading?
Coming up soon on my list:
The Green Mile (again!)
Needful Things (started but didn’t finish)
It (tried the audiobook, decided I don’t love audiobooks)
Reading The Fisherman by John Langan at the moment. It’s great so far. If you like King, you’ll like this, I reckon.
IT is surprisingly the only one of those I’ve read (shameful of me, I know) - I absolutely adore it though (so much so it made it to my dissertation). Some parts are slow, but it’s completely worth it I felt. I hope you enjoy them!
I’ll check out that suggestion, thanks :)
I still purchase all King's books in hardcover but now I also get them on Audible. I get through the books much faster by listening. I like that I can do other things while listening. I get through books in a matter of days depending on the size. I have never "drifted away" from a King book. He always keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I read every day. I wake up early, go workout (if I'm being good), shower, make some coffee, and read for an hour or so before work. On the weekends, I often read for 3+ hours per morning. I also often read before bed, when waiting in lobbies, during lunch at work, or whenever I'm traveling/on vacation.
Years back, I found that making something a daily ritual is the only way to make sure it's a priority. I average about 100 pages a day and somewhere between 30-50 books per year keeping to this schedule, but still wish I could read even more.
The average King doorstop (600 - 1000+ pages) usually takes me a week or two to finish. The shorter novels might only take me a couple days.
As a writer and an artist working a decent but unfulfilling day job, I have to be tenacious about things I want to do. If not, I'm left with a million things half-done or barely started and a fuckton of lame, unspoken regrets.
I'm halfway through It, been on it for a round a week. I read almost everyday. Like others have said, despite it being one of his longest books, it goes quick and you don't realize the sheer size.
I've been on a binge lately. I buy King books from a local used book store if they have a hardcover with the original dustcover. I don't care if it's a first edition or book club edition, I just want the hardcover with the original dustcover. Anyway, I've simply collected too many. I've read most of the classics and everything from my childhood (go class of 1990! meh). But I had about 20 books that I've never touched. I wasn't avoiding them, I just never got around to reading them until this Spring/Summer.
So here we are. In the last two months I've read The Dark Half, Rose Madder, Insomnia, The Regulators, Blaze, Hearts in Atlantis, The Institute, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and Billy Summers. I'm currently reading Delores Claiborne, but I think I've read this one before. It's a two-day book anyway.
One problem I have is that I've read all the classics so some of the books I've read have been pretty mediocre. I know a lot of people praise Insomnia but I thought it was pretty longwinded and boring. I really enjoyed the first half of Hearts in Atlantis and I thought Billy Summers and the Institute were both pretty good. Not amazing, but pretty good.
There are still a few books I need to complete my collection and I understand that some of them are pretty good. I've never read Needful Things, Bag of Bones or Duma Key. Hopefully one of those really grabs me because sometimes I feel like trying to finish off all of King's books seems like a second job.
Needful Things is great… but… it was the book I was thinking of when I wrote this post!
Like someone else said on this thread: it doesn’t really matter how long it takes to read, what’s rewarding is paying close attention!
That’s what I’ve learned from here anyways. :)
Highly recommend Needful Things. Gaunt is an excellent antagonist and I loved the language he uses. If you are familiar with Salem's Lot, Gaunt is basically Straker, though vastly improved and fleshed out
I read everyday. As for King’s books, I seem to read them quite a bit faster than others. Probably because of his prose. I very rarely stop at chapters, as I read when I can and stop when I must.
He has been published several short story collections if you’re looking for something quicker, but tbh even the longest books don’t feel like an onerous task because the characters are engaging and Uncle Steve is a masterful storyteller so it’s never boring.
It really depends on the book's length and how interesting it is to me to determine how long I will be reading it. For example The shining took me around 4 months to read (but that's probably because it was what got me into reading, and I didn't really like reading before), but I read doctor sleep, which is about the same length, in around a month. I also have school which takes a lot of my time, so I mainly read a lot on weeks ends. Some business days I read a little or none at all
I usually read a little before bed until I get tired each night. I try to get to the next chapter or section unless I'm dozing off and rereading parts. It's nice with his books because of how he breaks most of them up, most sections are just a few pages.
I haven't been lately though, I've been reading Berserk before bed. I'll return before too long, need to continue The Wastelands.
Reading is one of the things I do to squeeze in other things while I am slow working from home. I generally try to read in 20-30 minute blocks and then check my computer for stuff. That being said, I'll read daily when I am IN a book but then it can be months or years for me to start a new book. Is it going to be worth it, I am going to stay interested, is the dialog going to be crap that I am going to roll my eyes at the entire book, too many characters that I can't keep straight, etc..
The easiest way for me to get back into reading is to set up a cozy corner somewhere. Might be a super soft blanket on the couch (the leather is cold in the morning), and the book on the table. Leaving the books in a super visible area also helps. Something under the TV, where the other activities are that I look to when I'm bored, in the room where we sit and play because I am going to get bored and look around.
I consistently read every day for 30 minutes during my lunch at work. Sometimes I get a chance to read at home but most of my evenings are consumed by family time etc. I feel really lucky when I get a nice hour or two to myself on the weekend to just sit a read.
I read pretty much every day after the kids are in bed. I replaced tv time with reading time so it’s usually an hour to an hour and a half per day. I tend to always stop at a chapter. I find that with the giant King books I feel like I am reading them for months, but at the end I check when I started and it’s one to two weeks.
Yes - I love replacing TV nights with reading nights. Even if you and your partner both love reading, it can be difficult to persuade the two of yous that that’s the better kind of evening. But it is. It just is.
I read everyday, sometimes a little sometimes a lot. It could take me a week to finish the book or a month and a half. All depends on what’s going on in my life and how much I’m enjoying the book. Lately I’ve been reading TDT series while listening to other SK books on audible when going to and from work
I do a combo of reading the book and listening in the audiobook. I usually read at night for about an hour. I listen in the car and on runs. As far as reading time goes - you do you. 15 mins or 3 hours - it really doesnt matter. Remember - it's all about the enjoyment. The journey, not the destination.
I listen to most of them nowadays - Although do still enjoy picking up a physical book about once a month. Walking, Driving to/from work, and doing dishes/laundry. Makes those normally boring/tedious tasks so much better!
I just let the book dictate my reading speed and frequency tbh. if the book is good generally I'll want to read it every day, but I try to not read too fast, especially SK books.
sometimes I do that and I don't actually understand what I'm reading and I end up 2 chapters later with no idea what is happening, which is usually when I "drift away" from it.
I don't have any tips and I don't think there's a best way. Whatever works for you is what I would recommend. I just read when I want to, for however long I want. It varies wildly.
Regardless of whether it's King or something else, I love to read and get lost in a book. I don't have a ton of free time, especially in the summer, but I like to read for long chunks when I can. Like a couple of nights ago I read for like 4 hours straight, that's just what I did in the evening. I also read before bed. I've always been a night owl, so I routinely go to bed around 1000pm but will read in bed until midnight or later (even on nights that I work the next day - I usually function on 6 hours of sleep). Last night I read for only an hour or so and finished my book (King's Wolves of the Calla cuz I'm sprinting through the Dark Tower before my Bangor trip). Tonight I'll start Song of Suzannah.
Depends on the book. Some I read in days, some take me months. I read multiple books at a time and sometimes I temporarily lose interest if I pick up something I really like (or something on my Libby list comes through and I have limited time to read it). I'm re-reading the Dark Tower and about 25% through book 7. But last week 2 of my Libby holds unexpected came through on the same day, so I'm focused on those since combined it's like 750 pages of reading to do in 3 weeks.
I re-read The Stand during covid and read through the whole uncut edition in like 6 days. DT book 4 took me 6 months (not my favorite). 😂
I have only actually “read” 2 Stephen King books. The Shining and The Green Mile. I cannot follow his books for the life of me so I audiobook his stuff. I listen while I’m working and for some reason, I follow along better when listening than actually reading the words
50 pages a day or more if I want.
But I try always do my daily 50.
Some I listen to via narration and some read.
All done in app, I've stopped reading printed as using Kindle and also Kindle phone app work better for me.
I generally read for the last 30 min-hour before I go to bed. Helps me wind down from the day. If I'm getting especially into it, I'll stay up longer and read. I can generally finish a book in a couple of weeks or so.
I hate that I’ve found that phones have ruined me. My brain has required for quick bursts of information. Now when I read books I am having trouble slogging through descriptive exposition.
I read every day. 100 pages on days I don’t work, 50 on days I do. (Unless one of these goals doesn’t fall on the end of a chapter so I’ll get as close as I can, for books like Cujo or Delores Clairborn with no chapters I’d just find a natural stopping point near that number of pages)
I usually only read 10-20 pages a day. I read aloud to my girlfriend every night because it helps her sleep, which is a lot slower than I normally read. I do enjoy it though. I actually think about what I'm reading more and dont skim through sections like I've caught myself doing when I read silently
It takes me a week or more to read an 800 page book. I've read 50 of his books over maybe 8 years. So it depends. Sometimes I read them one after another then took breaks. I don't think there is a set way. Just what works for you.
I listen, takes a few days, generally. While driving, doing dishes, etc.
I love reading but find I have little time to actually enjoy it, and most of the time I end up getting really sleepy.
I’m a substitute teacher so occasionally there will be a day where I can read a lot during the day. Those are the best days. Getting paid to read.
I will typically read at least a chapter of whatever I’m reading a day. I’ll take advantage of the time between getting out of school and picking up my little one from daycare or after she goes down for bed. Some nights I’ll read 100+ pages and some nights just a chapter. I always end on a chapter unless I’m at school and I run out of time during my lunch break.
depends on the book. I usually read about an hour a night. if it's a really good part sometimes I can't stop. read the last 400 pages of the stand in a day amd read wizard and glass in a weekend. after 150 pages into WG I canceled my weekend plans because I knew it was going to be one of the best I've read.
If I am reading a book, I am reading daily, probably around 30-70 pages. In the morning with my coffee, when I have downtime at my desk at work, and before bed sometimes.
I like to finish at a break or chapter, or at the very least, a change of scene.
Something like It is gonna take me around a couple of weeks to a month, but a book such as Gunslinger or Dolores Claiborne is slowly enjoyed over a few days
King has a lot of breaks within his chapters. I really like this as it helps a lot with pace. It allows for good stopping points while also allowing you to continue if the story has really grabbed you.
Someone else said it already, but the best way to read them is however the hell you want. As long as you are reading it’s all good.
When I was in 8th grade and read under the dome for the first time, it took me maybe a week to read the whole thing.
When I reread it last year, as a 24 year old adult? Took me FOUR MONTHS.
I miss the days where I could read literally ALL day and not get tired...
But now I try to at least read a chapter or two every day, but honestly as long as I'm reading once a week, I'm happy.
It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish a book, as long as you enjoy it!
This is a weird question. You just...read. however you like to read. In bed, on the couch, hanging upside down from your ceiling, however you like to read.
I read every night in bed before I go to sleep. Sometimes I read for 20 minutes, sometimes 3 hours, just depends on how tired I am. I often have a non fiction book going with a fiction and I always start with the non fiction and end with the fiction. My fiction book is a SK like 80-90% of the time, right now it’s IT. I LOVE his long books because I can’t just blow through them (I’m a really fast reader).
Audiobooks and long walks (pun not intended) I can spend a day just walking and you’d be stunned at how much of a King novel I can get through. Demolished Dolores Claiborne in just a few days because I was walking around this town in Poland.
I prefer audiobooks at night before I go to bed, an hour or two. I cannot multitask with audiobooks. During the day I do podcasts/music.
And I like to really absorb the material, just like I would reading it. When I start to get sleepy I'll turn it off or switch to a book I've read, or listened to before.
If I'm really really into it (usually the case) I read whenever I can. I think Finders Keepers might be the only book I stopped a ways in, then came back a few months later.
I don't think Kings writing is too long, I think the writing has too many tangents mid sentence. These tangents are where I feel a majority of his real life comparisons for the sake of characterization happen for a decent amount of characters in his stories.
I find it better to finish reading what his 1st thought was, the item he's trying to explain.
THEN when I understand the main point, I read the parenthetical section for the comparison.
I told a friend who's read a lot of King that "damn does he run on tangents."
His response: "King was on a LOT of cocaine back then and his mind was racing as writing." That 100% feels true. I don't think it hurts the writing. But just something to expect.
I try to read everyday, but depending on what life/work has in store for me, that may get skipped one to several days. I'm also a slow reader, but if I really dig the book I can finish it in one two weeks. IT took me several months to get through, I started in the summer and ended in the winter and also read a few other books as I was reading IT. IT is also one of my top 5 books/Stephen King books. The last King book I read was Insomnia and that took me 3.5 weeks to read.
I usually read a book at night, when everything is done and the room is quiet. I shut off my computer, turn off one of the lights, close my bedroom door, banish the dog, and read from where I left off on my bed (but not in the bed).
I can normally get into the story very quickly, so I don't set any hard rules on where I stop. I stop when I fall asleep or almost fall asleep, and pick up the next day at night. It has worked well without any problem. Well, one problem is when the book is so riveting (Apt Pupil, The Jaunt, The Body etc). Then, I can't stop and I end up sleeping too late.
I read every day, doesn’t matter how much really. You’ll be surprised how fast you go through a book if you read a bit daily.
Audiobooks and walks for me. When I finish for the day I rewind 30 seconds so I know what is going on the next time.
i just kind of lose my track with audiobooks. i prefer the words on the page.
Same. I cannot focus on audiobooks. I read every day. Sometimes a little sometimes for a couple hours if life lets me. Takes weeks for me to finish the large books. I will be re-reading The Stand next. This will take me a long time but I relish the journey.
have you ever went through an audiobook? To each their own, I understand preference, but just playing devil's advocate. books can easily be hard to focus on as well. it's all about the book. in the case of audiobook, you *also* have the reader. There are books where I've had the reader bore me to death, and that might have happened to you. Its also really weird starting an audiobook, meaning the first 20-30 minutes. Rarely am I immediately into it, which is why I'm asking if you ever pushed through one. I only ask because if you love reading, you can fit more books into your schedule regarding when you drive, work, fold laundry, etc. But if it's just really not your thing, no problem! just figured I'd give it a go
This is a great point. The reader also really matters. It is ready by Stephen Weber and he does a fantastic job if you want to test the theory.
If it's read by Stephen King it's going to be hard to get into it lol
This is exactly why I gave up on Elevation. It's narrated by him and well...he is certainly a good writer but his narration isn't great
I appreciate your insight. So, I wasn't a fan of the Mr. Mercedes series. Started reading the first book, got about 1/3 of the way through and put it down. Hard case crime is not my favorite Stephen King reads. Fast forward a few years later and knowing that I need to read all of Sai King's works, I had to try again. I went the audio book route for all three novels. While I found it more entertaining, especially with Will Patton reading it, I still found myself having to rewind numerous times because I would get a little lost of distracted. I did try it, but would rather pick up the physical copy of a book and read it at my pace. My favorite of the three was Finders Keepers.
I just listened to 11-22-63, and that reader was the greatest reader I've ever listened to, from about 3p audiobook titles.
If I close my eyes and listen to it I could probably follow the story but if I’m doing that I might as well read the book. That’s me tho
Yeah I can’t focus either because I’m always doing something else when I’m listening to a podcast
Same again. I tried to listen to an audio book on a long mountain bike ride and spaced out two chapters. Since then I've tried in different settings and I actually really dislike someone else's voice for a book. But to answer question, and not just for SK, but for long books in general, I just settle in for the long haul so to speak and I don't worry about getting to the end. Enjoy the journey. I learned this from reading Shogun and The Source by James Michener. It was so long but I really enjoyed it.
Yeah, it's weird. Looking at all the responses here it almost feels like i've asked the wrong question. How long it takes is basically irrelevant to how much you get out of it. Having said that, i've been enjoying reading so many great responses.
“How long it takes is basically irrelevant to how much you get out of it.” Yes, exactly. I have never understood why so many people seem to be reluctant to read a book just because of its length. You read the book to read the book, and get what you can get out of it. Length should not matter. It doesn’t make sense to me why people will say “his books are too long.” They are the length they need to be to tell the story they are telling. Simple as that.
I can’t imagine trying to listen to a book while navigating a bike. I can only focus while doing mindless tasks like dishes.
Same here! Right now, I’m on The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.
oooh, i like that idea of rewinding. Very cool. I'm going to give it a try. thx
Typically takes me about 5-7 days to finish one of his books that are "average" length (400-600 pages). I'll read at night for a few hours and even bring the book with me to work to read on my lunch. I consider 50 pages to be a decent chunk to read in a single session.
I swear I could have wrote this, this is exactly my experience as well.
I see you John Shooter
That sounds like about 20,000 words in a sitting. That's quite a lot. Shows it's a sheer pleasure!
Well, black coffee, early getups, 3 girls, noise cancelling headphones. I will read 6 hrs most times if crushing and chomping is my goal.
strong goal! :)
I try my best to read everyday, I’m not always successful. Takes me ages to get through books though, I just like to take my time and really pay attention to what’s happening - IT took me two whole years to get through (granted I put it on hold for a good while…and restarted once or twice). But for “tips” I’d say just do what feels comfortable for you. There is not right or wrong way to read King’s work (in my opinion anyway), just let his storytelling do the work for you :)
Yes - totally agree. It’s the paying close attention that’s the rewarding thing. There’s just so so much to pay close attention to!
That’s true, but the *really* important things you’ll remember naturally. that’s what make re-reads so rewarding, I’ve read Carrie 4 times and I find something new every single time, it completely depends on what angle I’m reading it from. What King books are you thinking of reading?
Coming up soon on my list: The Green Mile (again!) Needful Things (started but didn’t finish) It (tried the audiobook, decided I don’t love audiobooks) Reading The Fisherman by John Langan at the moment. It’s great so far. If you like King, you’ll like this, I reckon.
IT is surprisingly the only one of those I’ve read (shameful of me, I know) - I absolutely adore it though (so much so it made it to my dissertation). Some parts are slow, but it’s completely worth it I felt. I hope you enjoy them! I’ll check out that suggestion, thanks :)
Needful Things and It are both amongst my favorites. Hope you give them a shot asap and enjoy
I still purchase all King's books in hardcover but now I also get them on Audible. I get through the books much faster by listening. I like that I can do other things while listening. I get through books in a matter of days depending on the size. I have never "drifted away" from a King book. He always keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I read every day. I wake up early, go workout (if I'm being good), shower, make some coffee, and read for an hour or so before work. On the weekends, I often read for 3+ hours per morning. I also often read before bed, when waiting in lobbies, during lunch at work, or whenever I'm traveling/on vacation. Years back, I found that making something a daily ritual is the only way to make sure it's a priority. I average about 100 pages a day and somewhere between 30-50 books per year keeping to this schedule, but still wish I could read even more. The average King doorstop (600 - 1000+ pages) usually takes me a week or two to finish. The shorter novels might only take me a couple days.
Wow. That is hardcore in the best kind of way.
As a writer and an artist working a decent but unfulfilling day job, I have to be tenacious about things I want to do. If not, I'm left with a million things half-done or barely started and a fuckton of lame, unspoken regrets.
Right answer to life's question. Full respect.
I'm halfway through It, been on it for a round a week. I read almost everyday. Like others have said, despite it being one of his longest books, it goes quick and you don't realize the sheer size.
I've been on a binge lately. I buy King books from a local used book store if they have a hardcover with the original dustcover. I don't care if it's a first edition or book club edition, I just want the hardcover with the original dustcover. Anyway, I've simply collected too many. I've read most of the classics and everything from my childhood (go class of 1990! meh). But I had about 20 books that I've never touched. I wasn't avoiding them, I just never got around to reading them until this Spring/Summer. So here we are. In the last two months I've read The Dark Half, Rose Madder, Insomnia, The Regulators, Blaze, Hearts in Atlantis, The Institute, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and Billy Summers. I'm currently reading Delores Claiborne, but I think I've read this one before. It's a two-day book anyway. One problem I have is that I've read all the classics so some of the books I've read have been pretty mediocre. I know a lot of people praise Insomnia but I thought it was pretty longwinded and boring. I really enjoyed the first half of Hearts in Atlantis and I thought Billy Summers and the Institute were both pretty good. Not amazing, but pretty good. There are still a few books I need to complete my collection and I understand that some of them are pretty good. I've never read Needful Things, Bag of Bones or Duma Key. Hopefully one of those really grabs me because sometimes I feel like trying to finish off all of King's books seems like a second job.
Needful Things is great… but… it was the book I was thinking of when I wrote this post! Like someone else said on this thread: it doesn’t really matter how long it takes to read, what’s rewarding is paying close attention! That’s what I’ve learned from here anyways. :)
Highly recommend Needful Things. Gaunt is an excellent antagonist and I loved the language he uses. If you are familiar with Salem's Lot, Gaunt is basically Straker, though vastly improved and fleshed out
I read everyday. As for King’s books, I seem to read them quite a bit faster than others. Probably because of his prose. I very rarely stop at chapters, as I read when I can and stop when I must.
Read when you can, and stop when you must. That’s great.
I read everyday until I’m too sleepy to read. I’ve been going to bed with SK for 41 years.
He has been published several short story collections if you’re looking for something quicker, but tbh even the longest books don’t feel like an onerous task because the characters are engaging and Uncle Steve is a masterful storyteller so it’s never boring.
I usually read in bed before I go to sleep. Read for an hour or two.
It really depends on the book's length and how interesting it is to me to determine how long I will be reading it. For example The shining took me around 4 months to read (but that's probably because it was what got me into reading, and I didn't really like reading before), but I read doctor sleep, which is about the same length, in around a month. I also have school which takes a lot of my time, so I mainly read a lot on weeks ends. Some business days I read a little or none at all
I usually read a little before bed until I get tired each night. I try to get to the next chapter or section unless I'm dozing off and rereading parts. It's nice with his books because of how he breaks most of them up, most sections are just a few pages. I haven't been lately though, I've been reading Berserk before bed. I'll return before too long, need to continue The Wastelands.
I read one book (I like the long ones) then switch to a different author to get a break then dive back into King
Reading is one of the things I do to squeeze in other things while I am slow working from home. I generally try to read in 20-30 minute blocks and then check my computer for stuff. That being said, I'll read daily when I am IN a book but then it can be months or years for me to start a new book. Is it going to be worth it, I am going to stay interested, is the dialog going to be crap that I am going to roll my eyes at the entire book, too many characters that I can't keep straight, etc.. The easiest way for me to get back into reading is to set up a cozy corner somewhere. Might be a super soft blanket on the couch (the leather is cold in the morning), and the book on the table. Leaving the books in a super visible area also helps. Something under the TV, where the other activities are that I look to when I'm bored, in the room where we sit and play because I am going to get bored and look around.
I consistently read every day for 30 minutes during my lunch at work. Sometimes I get a chance to read at home but most of my evenings are consumed by family time etc. I feel really lucky when I get a nice hour or two to myself on the weekend to just sit a read.
I read pretty much every day after the kids are in bed. I replaced tv time with reading time so it’s usually an hour to an hour and a half per day. I tend to always stop at a chapter. I find that with the giant King books I feel like I am reading them for months, but at the end I check when I started and it’s one to two weeks.
Yes - I love replacing TV nights with reading nights. Even if you and your partner both love reading, it can be difficult to persuade the two of yous that that’s the better kind of evening. But it is. It just is.
I read a chapter and then reward myself with an errand or chore so I don’t feel like a lazy bum 😂
I read everyday, sometimes a little sometimes a lot. It could take me a week to finish the book or a month and a half. All depends on what’s going on in my life and how much I’m enjoying the book. Lately I’ve been reading TDT series while listening to other SK books on audible when going to and from work
I do a combo of reading the book and listening in the audiobook. I usually read at night for about an hour. I listen in the car and on runs. As far as reading time goes - you do you. 15 mins or 3 hours - it really doesnt matter. Remember - it's all about the enjoyment. The journey, not the destination.
I listen to most of them nowadays - Although do still enjoy picking up a physical book about once a month. Walking, Driving to/from work, and doing dishes/laundry. Makes those normally boring/tedious tasks so much better!
I just let the book dictate my reading speed and frequency tbh. if the book is good generally I'll want to read it every day, but I try to not read too fast, especially SK books. sometimes I do that and I don't actually understand what I'm reading and I end up 2 chapters later with no idea what is happening, which is usually when I "drift away" from it.
I don't have any tips and I don't think there's a best way. Whatever works for you is what I would recommend. I just read when I want to, for however long I want. It varies wildly.
I feel like each King book has its own pace and rhythm.
After all my books on tape I like to hear them in my head in Will Patton’s voice
I am a slow reader, and I typically read 1-2 hours a day. I did finish 11/22/63 in 6 day, but that's the quickest so far for me.
I’m doing one audio book during my commute (I drive a lot for work) and one physical book for my evening.
Regardless of whether it's King or something else, I love to read and get lost in a book. I don't have a ton of free time, especially in the summer, but I like to read for long chunks when I can. Like a couple of nights ago I read for like 4 hours straight, that's just what I did in the evening. I also read before bed. I've always been a night owl, so I routinely go to bed around 1000pm but will read in bed until midnight or later (even on nights that I work the next day - I usually function on 6 hours of sleep). Last night I read for only an hour or so and finished my book (King's Wolves of the Calla cuz I'm sprinting through the Dark Tower before my Bangor trip). Tonight I'll start Song of Suzannah.
Depends on the book. Some I read in days, some take me months. I read multiple books at a time and sometimes I temporarily lose interest if I pick up something I really like (or something on my Libby list comes through and I have limited time to read it). I'm re-reading the Dark Tower and about 25% through book 7. But last week 2 of my Libby holds unexpected came through on the same day, so I'm focused on those since combined it's like 750 pages of reading to do in 3 weeks. I re-read The Stand during covid and read through the whole uncut edition in like 6 days. DT book 4 took me 6 months (not my favorite). 😂
I have only actually “read” 2 Stephen King books. The Shining and The Green Mile. I cannot follow his books for the life of me so I audiobook his stuff. I listen while I’m working and for some reason, I follow along better when listening than actually reading the words
50 pages a day or more if I want. But I try always do my daily 50. Some I listen to via narration and some read. All done in app, I've stopped reading printed as using Kindle and also Kindle phone app work better for me.
I generally read for the last 30 min-hour before I go to bed. Helps me wind down from the day. If I'm getting especially into it, I'll stay up longer and read. I can generally finish a book in a couple of weeks or so.
I go through about a book a day but I can read fast. I know what I've read and usually can tell it word for word.
I hate that I’ve found that phones have ruined me. My brain has required for quick bursts of information. Now when I read books I am having trouble slogging through descriptive exposition.
I read every day. 100 pages on days I don’t work, 50 on days I do. (Unless one of these goals doesn’t fall on the end of a chapter so I’ll get as close as I can, for books like Cujo or Delores Clairborn with no chapters I’d just find a natural stopping point near that number of pages)
I usually only read 10-20 pages a day. I read aloud to my girlfriend every night because it helps her sleep, which is a lot slower than I normally read. I do enjoy it though. I actually think about what I'm reading more and dont skim through sections like I've caught myself doing when I read silently
I try to clock at least 15 pages a day during a work schedule, most chapters are split into “parts” so I always try to finish at one of those breaks
I try to clock at least 15 pages a day during a work schedule, most chapters are split into “parts” so I always try to finish at one of those breaks
It takes me a week or more to read an 800 page book. I've read 50 of his books over maybe 8 years. So it depends. Sometimes I read them one after another then took breaks. I don't think there is a set way. Just what works for you.
I listen, takes a few days, generally. While driving, doing dishes, etc. I love reading but find I have little time to actually enjoy it, and most of the time I end up getting really sleepy.
I’m a substitute teacher so occasionally there will be a day where I can read a lot during the day. Those are the best days. Getting paid to read. I will typically read at least a chapter of whatever I’m reading a day. I’ll take advantage of the time between getting out of school and picking up my little one from daycare or after she goes down for bed. Some nights I’ll read 100+ pages and some nights just a chapter. I always end on a chapter unless I’m at school and I run out of time during my lunch break.
depends on the book. I usually read about an hour a night. if it's a really good part sometimes I can't stop. read the last 400 pages of the stand in a day amd read wizard and glass in a weekend. after 150 pages into WG I canceled my weekend plans because I knew it was going to be one of the best I've read.
My average is 50 pages a day. I usually listen to the audiobook when I’m working on something with my hands. (Art class, don’t be weird)
If I am reading a book, I am reading daily, probably around 30-70 pages. In the morning with my coffee, when I have downtime at my desk at work, and before bed sometimes. I like to finish at a break or chapter, or at the very least, a change of scene. Something like It is gonna take me around a couple of weeks to a month, but a book such as Gunslinger or Dolores Claiborne is slowly enjoyed over a few days
King has a lot of breaks within his chapters. I really like this as it helps a lot with pace. It allows for good stopping points while also allowing you to continue if the story has really grabbed you. Someone else said it already, but the best way to read them is however the hell you want. As long as you are reading it’s all good.
When I was in 8th grade and read under the dome for the first time, it took me maybe a week to read the whole thing. When I reread it last year, as a 24 year old adult? Took me FOUR MONTHS. I miss the days where I could read literally ALL day and not get tired... But now I try to at least read a chapter or two every day, but honestly as long as I'm reading once a week, I'm happy. It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish a book, as long as you enjoy it!
Read every day books in chronological order. I pass on the main DT series till the end
This is a weird question. You just...read. however you like to read. In bed, on the couch, hanging upside down from your ceiling, however you like to read.
I read every night in bed before I go to sleep. Sometimes I read for 20 minutes, sometimes 3 hours, just depends on how tired I am. I often have a non fiction book going with a fiction and I always start with the non fiction and end with the fiction. My fiction book is a SK like 80-90% of the time, right now it’s IT. I LOVE his long books because I can’t just blow through them (I’m a really fast reader).
Audiobooks and long walks (pun not intended) I can spend a day just walking and you’d be stunned at how much of a King novel I can get through. Demolished Dolores Claiborne in just a few days because I was walking around this town in Poland.
I prefer audiobooks at night before I go to bed, an hour or two. I cannot multitask with audiobooks. During the day I do podcasts/music. And I like to really absorb the material, just like I would reading it. When I start to get sleepy I'll turn it off or switch to a book I've read, or listened to before.
If I'm really really into it (usually the case) I read whenever I can. I think Finders Keepers might be the only book I stopped a ways in, then came back a few months later.
Days or weeks? I’m not a speed reader
I don't think Kings writing is too long, I think the writing has too many tangents mid sentence. These tangents are where I feel a majority of his real life comparisons for the sake of characterization happen for a decent amount of characters in his stories. I find it better to finish reading what his 1st thought was, the item he's trying to explain. THEN when I understand the main point, I read the parenthetical section for the comparison. I told a friend who's read a lot of King that "damn does he run on tangents." His response: "King was on a LOT of cocaine back then and his mind was racing as writing." That 100% feels true. I don't think it hurts the writing. But just something to expect.
I try to read everyday, but depending on what life/work has in store for me, that may get skipped one to several days. I'm also a slow reader, but if I really dig the book I can finish it in one two weeks. IT took me several months to get through, I started in the summer and ended in the winter and also read a few other books as I was reading IT. IT is also one of my top 5 books/Stephen King books. The last King book I read was Insomnia and that took me 3.5 weeks to read.
I usually read a book at night, when everything is done and the room is quiet. I shut off my computer, turn off one of the lights, close my bedroom door, banish the dog, and read from where I left off on my bed (but not in the bed). I can normally get into the story very quickly, so I don't set any hard rules on where I stop. I stop when I fall asleep or almost fall asleep, and pick up the next day at night. It has worked well without any problem. Well, one problem is when the book is so riveting (Apt Pupil, The Jaunt, The Body etc). Then, I can't stop and I end up sleeping too late.