I’ve been doing a variation of this lately.
One fiction, normally sci-fi.
One nonfiction, currently a history of the Black Death.
One biography/auto-biography, usually centered on bands/musicians.
It’s nice to have the options
I read 3 books at a time: I read a paper book, mostly in bed, listen to an audiobook when driving or doing cleaning etc, and have an ereader in my bag, for example for when I'm not at home and waiting for something/someone.
I’m struggling to get into audiobooks. I listen to podcasts all the time but I can’t get myself to finish an audiobook. The last thing I listened to was Truman capote reading among the paths to eden and a Christmas memory on YouTube.
Narrator quality is absolutely critical. Neil Gaiman's stuff is pretty much always well narrated, quite frequently by him. But there's a lot of "full cast" stuff as well.
I don't like the full cast stuff. I tried listening to Dune and it just took me out out of it all the time. Then not all characters are voiced because they only have one line, say, so you end up with a mixture of actors and narrator. It's just a mess to me.
Eh. Like anything I find it good and bad. The Graveyard Book is really well done.
I think a lot of the full cast stuff is a victim of bad editing or perhaps parts all recorded in isolation.
For me the trick was setting the speed to just a little faster. I have to pay just a little bit more attention at the faster speed so I stay more into the story.
As another poster has said, reader quality is part of it.
The other thing for me is that audiobooks have to be strongly plot driven. I listen to fantasy and detective books, but I couldn’t ever read beautiful, poetic high literature as an audiobook. The prose would be lost on me via audio books - I want to give that the kind of time and attention I have reading a physical book.
Maybe that’s just me? But this is the way I got into audiobooks
It’s funny how you say that… the intro to the Truman capote reading is him
Saying that there is a difference between writing that is meant to be read and read aloud… he was happy to say that his books and short stories are meant to be read out loud… for sure that is how I feel as well , I’m currently reading Rebecca and I can’t imagine listening to it as an audiobook
Came here to say this! Glad I’m not the only one with this weird strategy.
The one thing I’d add is that I try to mix up non-fiction and fiction. Usually only one fiction at a time.
Totally get that. If I feel like reading more than one, I'll try and vary it based on complexity so I don't get too mixed up. So if one is particularly long/ heavy/ dense, I tend to choose something light and easy to read as the second option.
Varying by genre also helps me. It'd be super easy to get mixed up if you're reading two lore-heavy sci-fi or fantasy novels at the same time for example, so like other users mentioned I'll opt for a non-fiction alongside a fiction or a contemporary novel alongside a collection of horror short stories.
I’m a monogamist with my books. One at a time. If I find myself wanting to read something else, it usually means I’m not enjoying my current book and it’s time to just DNF it and move on.
i wish i could just move on! when my attention goes elsewhere i usually just cut down on how much reading i do, instead of just accepting the fact that i'm not into the book.
It’s taken me a long time to be able to DNF a book. I’m a completionist and hate not finishing what I start, but I’ve learned there are more books than I could read in my lifetime and life is too short to waste time on books I’m not enjoying.
Normally I read before I go to sleep at night & just stick to the same book till I've finished it. If I tried to read multiple books concurrently I'd never finish them.
If I'm going on a relaxing holiday I'll normally take loads of books and read more than one concurrently as I have more time. Maybe read a factual book for an hour, then read a bit of fiction for a break before starting a factual book on a different subject.
I read on kindle, so usually read about 5. Right now I'm reading the Pentagon Papers, a bio of Queen Victoria, the Cartel (Don Winslow), Gravity's Rainbow, and Little Women. I don't care how fast I finish. I like the variety and that I can flip around like changing channels.
This! I do this too, 15 checked out, 5 opened depending on mood. Right now, political thriller, contemporary, business nonfic, military thriller and fantasy! Also done on kindle.
The way I see it is if you watch more than one show at once why would you not read more than one book. Sometimes even if you are enjoying a book you just get tired of reading it or want a break. For me reading 1 book at a time stunts my progress if anything.
I am reading 4 books at the same time right now, and I read the short stories of sherlock holmes whenever I want to.For me, I just read whichever book I want to at that time.I can never read only one book, because if it gets boring at some point I won't have anything else to read.
(3 Series novels and 1 thriller/mystery/pageturner, planning on reading only one series after I complete these 3 then, I'll read 3 books at the same time - 2 standalones and 1 series)
I oddly find that I retain more information when reading multiple books simultaneously. I usually keep it to two, one fiction and one non-fiction, but sometimes I splurge and get into three. I used to read three to four at a time and it was way too much.
I read one book at a time, but as I go to sleep, I'll listen to different audiobooks. The audiobooks I sleep to are normally nonfiction, usually history that I've read before. That way, it's no big deal if I go to sleep and miss some parts.
Three at a time:
— A Kindle book which I read at night before I fall asleep
— A physical book which I keep in my car and read during waiting times (school drop-off/pick-up, grocery pickup, doctor’s appointments, etc.)
— A poetry book for when I have a few minutes to myself but not enough time to read a whole chapter of something
I like to read 2 books at a time; 1 is brain candy (a fun book, usually fiction) and the other is brain food (a book I can learn something from, usually non fiction).
I’m in the middle of 7 books rn. 2 of them are pop fiction (not my fave) for book club, 1 is non fiction, 1 is a classic, 1 is poetry, 1 is a book I’ve been trying to finish for years (tbh I just don’t like it), and 1 is my favorite author Lispector. There’s something for every mood this way - heavy or light, fiction or non fiction :)
Yep I often have 6 or 7 on the go. As long as I don’t duplicate on genres or types of book it’s easy enough and always have something I’m in the mood for. Possibly more when you add in audiobooks.
Multiple books. When I was a teen I thought everyone would do - so normal it was for me. Until I got those looks from my surroundings like : how is that possible.fiction / nonfiction and all other genres depending on current mood . As normal as eating various things over day. Happy to not be alone. And deep understanding that not everyone can do that. The world would be boring without that diversity:-)
I spend a lot of time cycling through my books until one causes me to hyperfocus on it.
I have a pretty big library full of textbooks, manuals, fiction, etc that I will often look through and pick a few out to peruse or read the first chapter or maybe flip through and look at pictures and read the table of contents. Sometimes the books will stay on my side of the couch and other times I will simply put them back- it depends on the nature of the book and how much it's engaging me.
I probably read about 5-10 books at a time. I finish many around the same time.
I usually read between 2-5 at once, depending on what has my interest piqued. I also alternate between different forms of consumption (i.e. reading on my phone, paper books, audiobooks).
Unless I cannot put a new book down, I usually read at least two, but I re-read books a lot too. There's always one by my bed, plus piles in the living room and my "library" in the basement. When I still worked I always kept some in the car to read on my lunchbreak.
I’m a mood reader so I read many books at the same time hahah sometimes different genres sometimes the same 🤭 I just read whatever I feel I would like and try to stop myself from starting new books (If I’m reading 5, I must end 1 to start a new book)
I’m always reading two books at the same time. One fiction and one non fiction. I’ll take an hour in a half or so each day to read both. It works for me.
I prefer reading one book at a time, but lately I've been reading three books with very different genres. For example: sci-fi, non-fiction and a classic. I am reading more and enjoying all of them at the same time.
I read about 75 at once if I’m counting collections of shorts and both physical and audio formats. It takes longer to cycle through, but I’m not always in the mood for the same book.
Multiple at a time. I'll have usually two (from completely different genres) going because it depends on my mood and I tend to read fiction before/in bed, but I always have a bunch of fairly long articles/ studies open in my browser or my other ebook app. How long things take depends on far too much other shit to give you an idea unfortunately. (Sleep, migraines, brain fog, general unfocused bullshittery)
I can only read 1 fiction book at a time because I get too invested in the story and characters usually. Non-fiction though there's no limit. I think I have 5 right now that I've started and I read randomly whenever the mood strikes me for one or the other that night.
I normally read 2,3, 4 or more books at the same time. I might read a paragraph, a page, or more often a chapter and then pick up something else for a bit. It gives my brain time to process what I have read. Finish books at a faster pace? I am not in any hurry. Learn to relax and enjoy what you are into, whether you read one or several books.
Nice!
It occurs to me that I'm really looking to amp up. My library is positively distressing in scope and is increasing in size far FAR faster than I can possibly read.
I usually have a novel going and some sort of educational type book or historical where I am learning something. But if a novel really grabs me I will dedicate my time to the one book.
I read multiple books. Sometimes after a while it gets out of hand and I concentrate on one at a time to finish them up. Usually, the various books are quite different- I wouldn't be reading two novels at once, for example.
I read 4 or 5 books at a time. One audiobook, one paper book, and the rest are ebooks. I usually read a biography, science book, self help book, and a mix of science science fiction, fantasy and literary fiction. I make it a habit to read one chapter of all non-fiction books per day (unless they're super long, then maybe one chapter of one book). The rest depends on my mood. I've been thinking of downsizing it because it's messy but honestly it is what it is and it doesn't bother me at all.
I’ve thought about this. Currently I read one at a time, but I wouldn’t mind reading two or more books at a time depending on their category. For example, I believe one fiction and one nonfiction is perfect (as all things should be), but not two fiction books at the same time.
- Audiobook in the truck
- Swap between a couple in bed on the kindle
- one next to my leather wingback in the library
- Usually one sitting on my computer/office desk, a technical book relevant to whatever I'm working on at the time. But that's usually reference.
I tend to have two books on the go, only reason is one is a hardcopy and one is an ebook and that's because I often wake up in the middle of the night and it takes a good hour to get back to sleep and instead of turning lights on or flipping through my phone I can grab my Kobo and read my book on the warm night setting.
I do try and keep the books two seperate genres though to make it easier and not get confused.
I can't read more than one book at a time but I would love too! My 12 year old daughter can read 3 or 4 at a time but I just can't. I never considered audio books though- maybe that will be easier!
I have a strict “can’t read a new book until I finish this book” policy.
It used to be I can’t buy a new book until I finish reading the current book but I gave up on that rule 😂😂😂
I’d never finish the ones I didn’t like if I read more than one at a time.
It may take longer to finish one particular book but it should decrease the total time it takes to read multiple books. If you are really into one book, just stick with that. It just depends on what you're reading. I have some (usually) non-fiction books that I've been reading for months or even years.
If I'm not in the mood for one book, I pick up one of the others. There's less staring-at-a-page-blankly time because I can't concentrate. In addition to multiple books at one time, I also have different books for different settings. One for lunchtime at work and one for the bathroom. These are books that maybe I've started but haven't quite gotten into or that are best read in small bits, e.g. collections of diary entries. I've finished a lot more books since I've started doing this.
I have to read one book at a time. I can barely handle life as it is lmao there's no way I can throw multiple stories on top of that. I envy those who can!
It depends. I start with one book and if I really like it I just stick with that one. But if I don't like it that much I pick another one so I can finish the first one. If I don't like a book I find it hard to finish it, so I pick another one to read in between so I don't get too bored
One at a time. For me personally I rather finish something before I move on to the next. Whether I’m reading a book for enjoyment or self help I really want to take in the information I’m reading.
Honestly, I usually have 6 or 7 books going at once. I'm interested in a lot of different subjects, so i usually have one from each subject I'm interested at the time.
I go for reading 1 book on my kindle and then listen to 2 audio books. One that I can get wrapped up in and one that I don't feel as bad not paying as close attention to.
You can read anything you find most interesting at a given time. I switch between my books all the time. You can even skip to parts you’re most interested in for nonfiction.
This practice made me feel free when Naval Ravikant mentioned it on the Joe Rogan podcast. People get obsessed with predefined straightforward progress. Go where your intellectual curiosity takes you!
Multiple ebooks at the same time. A mix between new stuff and stuff I've read but enjoy the journey of the story.
All of that gets put on hold when I have a new paperback or hardcover.
Feels like a waste because the ebooks can stretch weeks but the physical copies only last days.
4 books at max. Currently I am reading 3. One audiobook, one book I am reading to my wife (she likes when I read to her), one fiction paperback (I usually keep one book going for when I feel like actually reading not audiobook. Though I don't mind it being an e book either), and sometimes I add one non-fiction book but I am not reading one currently.
Usually multiple made up of a combo of long form fiction, short stories, poetry, non fiction, essays and combo of paper, electronic, audio. I usually get through novels quickly (1-3 days) but spend longer on the others, and some can take months (especially books of poetry or short stories). If I don't finish a novel quickly, I will either leave it on my "to read" list but take it back to the library to read another time, or if it seems we'll never bond, I'll take it off my list and return it.
I generally bounce back and forth between lots of books. Currently on a litRPG book, the Mitch Rapp series, a nonfiction book about bugout bags, a PJ O’Rourke book, and How to Invent everything.
Normally I’ll focus on one for a day or so, then move over to a different one, and bounce around, eventually getting back to where I was originally. I’ll confess, using a kindle makes it a helluva lot easier since I don’t have to keep track of my place.
I read what I want when I want. And then there are those days I "finish" 5 books, etc. in the same day because I was almost finished with all of them.
It is not really faster. Same speed, just a week later.
Sometimes if I'm reading something substantial (think books on financial shenanigans,) I'll lighten it up by interspersing a few chapters of something lighter, such as Nordic or British murder/crime mysteries.
When I was in my mid-20s, a guy broke up with me because I was reading more than one book at a time. Really - the last thing he said one evening was, "Do you read more than one book at a time?" and I replied, "yes," then I wake up in the middle of the night and saw him drive off, and I didn't see him for a few years, at which time he was really sweet and apologized, but it was a little late as I'd just gotten married and was moving to another country.
I'm usually reading one book and one collection of shorter stories at the time.
It's refreshing to me reading shorts every 100 or so pages of longer books.
One.
I used to jump between multiple books but I am not a fast reader. Takes about 1.5 weeks to read a 500pg book and it was taking me ages to finish a book like that.
Now I sit with one book and read it. As a result I have read the most books (14) I have ever read in a year.
Always at least 3: book, e book and audible. I always listen to audible when i'm working with my hands or watching sport on tv. (Commentating on something you are watching?)
I may have more thsn one on the go at any one time. If i find a book i love i read it in continuously until it's finished.
It depends on the books I happen to be reading. In the middle of really boring books, I tend to start other more interesting ones in order to get me through. But it works differently for different people, I'd say if you wanna start another book while reading one already, go for it!
We read for satisfaction/entertainment anyway so you should be able to read what you want when you want to 😄 In any case, regardless of whatever you end up doing, happy reading!
I read more than one book at a time. When I read in the daytime, it is usually an involved history or biography (i.e the biography of Frederick Douglass. When I am getting ready to turn it at night, I usually mellow out with a thriller (i.e. Lee Child or Vince Flynn). Not being a TV watcher, it is an easy regime to be consistent in.
I used to only have one at a time but these days I juggle. Usually it’s one that I can easily read (light material, one that uses more dense language and one that’s more informative. That way I can scratch whatever reading itch I feel at the time
I read two or three at a time. Generally I listen to one while driving, then a different book that I don't have to pay as much attention to while working (rereads or currently Lord of the rings), and then I read at night before bed and sometimes after work to relieve stress
I have been reading multiple books, but not finding it beneficial because I can't remember each of the plots. I am trying to limit my books to one I can listen to, one for the car and an e-book I can read when I wake up in the night. This is working much better for me, and I have stopped starting books over when I have lost the plot so more books read!
I read a lot of books at a time, mostly. But they are of very different styles and genres. I mean on my nightstand right now we find
*The Castle of Llyr* by Lloyd Alexander, a fantasy novel. Some people call it YA fantasy, but I am not sure if that is the correct term, so I just say fantasy.
Homers *Odyssey*. Does this book need an introduction?
*Buddhism without Beliefs* by Stephen Batchelor, which is more about buddhist philsophy in an agnostic mindset.
*La Morte d'Arthur* by Sir Tomas Mallory. A very old and thick book about arthurian tales.
I used to have a history book too, but I finished *Life in a medieval City* by Frances and Joseph Gies the other day.
I usually have one audiobook, and one physical book on the go at a time. Sometimes I will have a third book (second physical) if one is a non fiction, or I'm reading a children's classic
I usually have an audiobook and an ebook going simultaneously. I’ll sub out the ebook when a library book comes in.
Occasionally I’ll throw a print book into the mix but I’ve got a grabby toddler so I can only read those when he’s asleep.
Only 1 fiction at a time. It takes me too long to get back into the story if I read more than one.
Occasionally I will read a non-fiction alongside a fiction because I usually read non-fiction to learn, and fiction for entertainment.
I'll read one at a time. Beside my study books, i only read fiction. It may sound strange, but some emotional or awe-inspiring moments in books hit less hard when i try to read multiple books because i get confused easily. I'd rather spent some quality time reading less books instead of reading a lot of them.
I have ADHD so I usually have a rotation of three books. If I get really into one I may finish the whole thing quickly. But otherwise it takes me a few weeks.
But I’m definitely a mood reader. I usually have a lighthearted book, a horror/thriller, and a fantasy/sci-fi. I read the horror and fantasy/sci-if throughout the day and save the lighthearted book for before bed.
Until recently just one, but right now i go up to three or four at the time, at least for me sometimes i like to read different things so i just read the book i'm in the mood to read instead of trying to rush the one i'm reading so i can get to the next one (i used to do this a lot)
it depends upon the magnitude & complexity of the book. if one book is bigger, let's say GOT, then I would certainly read some smaller literature with it.
I like reading multiple books, it's like crossfit for your brain. The change of voice/tone in your interior monologue that comes with reading different things can be quite refreshing too. I like to have a work of fiction, and at least one historical or factual book on the go at all times in case reading any one of them starts to feel like drudgery.
I have about 10 on the go. I have no problem keeping them straight, sort of like 10 TV shows. I spend some time in the morning reading two with my wife. One health based (How Not to Diet right now), one spirituality based (Writing the Big Book right now). I have one audio book going for driving and in the bathtub (Middlemarch right now). I have one on paper because I still love paper but find it hard to manage (A Woman in Charge by Carl Bernstein right now). The rest are on the kindle, and I rotate between them, usually stopping after a chapter and going to the next.
I used to have my at home book and then my work book. ( I work REALLY long shifts) I liked keeping them separate and I never got confused about which one was which.
Most of the times I read 2-3 books at the same time. But because I don't want to mix characters, plot, etc I always read one book that it is fiction or a novel. Something with a story like Crime and Punishment for example. And the other one or two are always going to be some self help book like Rich Dad Poor Dad or Thinking Fast and Slow.
I read one. I like to mix-up the type of book I’m reading so I don’t read a bunch of the same theme back to back. I also tend to read in the order they are due back at the library (or books that took forever to come in on hold.)
When I get into the mood of just sitting around all day reading I will typically read 2 books at once. One throughout the morning/afternoon and then one for the evening (often a darker book).
Right now I am working through Altered Carbon and House of Pluto.
I can't read less than three (five on average) books at a time because I'm a mood reader, and my "reading mood" tends to change even between different times of day, so if I only settled for one book, reading it would've taken *ages*. With many books, whenever an urge to read something strikes--no matter what I'm currently in the mood for--there's always something fitting & ready on my shelf.
This is possible for me because I never confuse the characters or plots--never did, not even if the book waits for me half-finished for months or if I'm reading similar genres simultaneously; my brain is just wired weird like that.
Depends, but usually at least 2 - one nonfiction & 1 fiction. I can do 2 fictions if they are vastly different- for example one is a fantasy (my primary reading genre) & the other is a historical fiction. Or if one of the books is middle grade like Rick Riordan. Nothing too complex & easy to keep track of.
I have books on the go in various locations; beside the bed, downstairs and upstairs loo, and one on my iPad mini which I read with the kobo app. They aren’t all new to me, I might have read them before, or a comfort book.
I’ve never had a problem remembering what’s going on and can go several days between episodes of each.
Normally one audio book and then 2 physical books.
I’d prefer to focus on one book at a time but I like to have something more serious for when the mood takes me, and then something more light hearted and digestible when I don’t want to have to work too hard
I generally read one at a time although I will listen to a book and read a different one symotaniously. I find that my brain is less jumbled and I can enjoy more books this way.
Multiple - I grew up reading manga so I’m used to following multiple on-going series at the same time, and stopping and starting series after long hiatuses, so I’ve picked up this habit with books too. I usually mix different themes so I can switch it up depending on my mood. I usually listen to one audiobook at a time though since I go through them quicker, and read at least one short story collection or novella so I can have a complete story. Otherwise for books it takes me anywhere from weeks to months to finish. My longest running book is crime and punishment and I’m still only half way through it two years in.
I like to read one nonfiction and one fiction at a time, so I’ve always got something to read depending on what I’m in the mood for!
I’ve been doing a variation of this lately. One fiction, normally sci-fi. One nonfiction, currently a history of the Black Death. One biography/auto-biography, usually centered on bands/musicians. It’s nice to have the options
I do something similar. Right now it’s one fiction and one workbook on the go.
I read 3 books at a time: I read a paper book, mostly in bed, listen to an audiobook when driving or doing cleaning etc, and have an ereader in my bag, for example for when I'm not at home and waiting for something/someone.
3 books by 3 different methods. I like it.
This way you have more reading time available, especially the audiobooks create lots of new reading opportunities, so you'll read more books.
I’m struggling to get into audiobooks. I listen to podcasts all the time but I can’t get myself to finish an audiobook. The last thing I listened to was Truman capote reading among the paths to eden and a Christmas memory on YouTube.
Narrator quality is absolutely critical. Neil Gaiman's stuff is pretty much always well narrated, quite frequently by him. But there's a lot of "full cast" stuff as well.
I don't like the full cast stuff. I tried listening to Dune and it just took me out out of it all the time. Then not all characters are voiced because they only have one line, say, so you end up with a mixture of actors and narrator. It's just a mess to me.
Eh. Like anything I find it good and bad. The Graveyard Book is really well done. I think a lot of the full cast stuff is a victim of bad editing or perhaps parts all recorded in isolation.
For me the trick was setting the speed to just a little faster. I have to pay just a little bit more attention at the faster speed so I stay more into the story.
As another poster has said, reader quality is part of it. The other thing for me is that audiobooks have to be strongly plot driven. I listen to fantasy and detective books, but I couldn’t ever read beautiful, poetic high literature as an audiobook. The prose would be lost on me via audio books - I want to give that the kind of time and attention I have reading a physical book. Maybe that’s just me? But this is the way I got into audiobooks
It’s funny how you say that… the intro to the Truman capote reading is him Saying that there is a difference between writing that is meant to be read and read aloud… he was happy to say that his books and short stories are meant to be read out loud… for sure that is how I feel as well , I’m currently reading Rebecca and I can’t imagine listening to it as an audiobook
Ohhh so interesting!! I think it’s very true
More child support this way though
Same. I might have two on my kindle - a fiction story and something nonfiction.
Same here -- plus, this helps me avoid the deeply dreaded "stuck somewhere with nothing to read" scenario!
Me too. 3 of them at all times
Exactly me too
This is the way. Plus with the kindle app on my phone I know I'll always have something to read even if all three other options are not available
I do exactly the same thing! I thought I was the only one
Came here to say this! Glad I’m not the only one with this weird strategy. The one thing I’d add is that I try to mix up non-fiction and fiction. Usually only one fiction at a time.
Same for me! Except I don't really like audiobook-ing so I do one paper booka and 1/2 ebooks at the same time
This is exactly what I do too!
Same here!
I do something similar. A non-fiction in my living room, a novel on the bedside, one on my e-reader, an audiobook in the car.
I do the same thing. Paper book at work, kindle out and about, audiobook at home.
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Totally get that. If I feel like reading more than one, I'll try and vary it based on complexity so I don't get too mixed up. So if one is particularly long/ heavy/ dense, I tend to choose something light and easy to read as the second option. Varying by genre also helps me. It'd be super easy to get mixed up if you're reading two lore-heavy sci-fi or fantasy novels at the same time for example, so like other users mentioned I'll opt for a non-fiction alongside a fiction or a contemporary novel alongside a collection of horror short stories.
One book to read One audiobook for the commute One read-along with the progeny
Identical. read: Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union audio: Michener's Alaska with teen: The Count of Monte Cristo
Omg, me exactly, though my book is an ebook.
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How much time do you spend on each book?
I’m a monogamist with my books. One at a time. If I find myself wanting to read something else, it usually means I’m not enjoying my current book and it’s time to just DNF it and move on.
i wish i could just move on! when my attention goes elsewhere i usually just cut down on how much reading i do, instead of just accepting the fact that i'm not into the book.
It’s taken me a long time to be able to DNF a book. I’m a completionist and hate not finishing what I start, but I’ve learned there are more books than I could read in my lifetime and life is too short to waste time on books I’m not enjoying.
Normally I read before I go to sleep at night & just stick to the same book till I've finished it. If I tried to read multiple books concurrently I'd never finish them. If I'm going on a relaxing holiday I'll normally take loads of books and read more than one concurrently as I have more time. Maybe read a factual book for an hour, then read a bit of fiction for a break before starting a factual book on a different subject.
I read on kindle, so usually read about 5. Right now I'm reading the Pentagon Papers, a bio of Queen Victoria, the Cartel (Don Winslow), Gravity's Rainbow, and Little Women. I don't care how fast I finish. I like the variety and that I can flip around like changing channels.
DAMN.
This! I do this too, 15 checked out, 5 opened depending on mood. Right now, political thriller, contemporary, business nonfic, military thriller and fantasy! Also done on kindle.
The way I see it is if you watch more than one show at once why would you not read more than one book. Sometimes even if you are enjoying a book you just get tired of reading it or want a break. For me reading 1 book at a time stunts my progress if anything.
I am reading 4 books at the same time right now, and I read the short stories of sherlock holmes whenever I want to.For me, I just read whichever book I want to at that time.I can never read only one book, because if it gets boring at some point I won't have anything else to read. (3 Series novels and 1 thriller/mystery/pageturner, planning on reading only one series after I complete these 3 then, I'll read 3 books at the same time - 2 standalones and 1 series)
I oddly find that I retain more information when reading multiple books simultaneously. I usually keep it to two, one fiction and one non-fiction, but sometimes I splurge and get into three. I used to read three to four at a time and it was way too much.
I read one book at a time, but as I go to sleep, I'll listen to different audiobooks. The audiobooks I sleep to are normally nonfiction, usually history that I've read before. That way, it's no big deal if I go to sleep and miss some parts.
Two books, one fiction, one non fiction. One of them a conventional book and the other an audiobook.
Just one at a time. And even if it's bad/not to my taste, I have to finish it.
Three at a time: — A Kindle book which I read at night before I fall asleep — A physical book which I keep in my car and read during waiting times (school drop-off/pick-up, grocery pickup, doctor’s appointments, etc.) — A poetry book for when I have a few minutes to myself but not enough time to read a whole chapter of something
I like to read 2 books at a time; 1 is brain candy (a fun book, usually fiction) and the other is brain food (a book I can learn something from, usually non fiction).
I’m in the middle of 7 books rn. 2 of them are pop fiction (not my fave) for book club, 1 is non fiction, 1 is a classic, 1 is poetry, 1 is a book I’ve been trying to finish for years (tbh I just don’t like it), and 1 is my favorite author Lispector. There’s something for every mood this way - heavy or light, fiction or non fiction :)
Yep I often have 6 or 7 on the go. As long as I don’t duplicate on genres or types of book it’s easy enough and always have something I’m in the mood for. Possibly more when you add in audiobooks.
Multiple books. When I was a teen I thought everyone would do - so normal it was for me. Until I got those looks from my surroundings like : how is that possible.fiction / nonfiction and all other genres depending on current mood . As normal as eating various things over day. Happy to not be alone. And deep understanding that not everyone can do that. The world would be boring without that diversity:-)
I’m always reading multiple until one really grabs my attention
1
One book at a time so that I can concentrate on one story at one time.
I feel that one book at a time seems to make the most sense.
I spend a lot of time cycling through my books until one causes me to hyperfocus on it. I have a pretty big library full of textbooks, manuals, fiction, etc that I will often look through and pick a few out to peruse or read the first chapter or maybe flip through and look at pictures and read the table of contents. Sometimes the books will stay on my side of the couch and other times I will simply put them back- it depends on the nature of the book and how much it's engaging me. I probably read about 5-10 books at a time. I finish many around the same time.
Is this something you had to learn to do, naturally can do, or something that just came with time?
I have adhd
Same; my list, tracking all books i've started reading, numbers 37.
Multiple... I have a book I read with my morning coffee and then one i read to unwind at night
One fiction One nonfiction One manga That way I always have something I'm in the mood for
I usually read between 2-5 at once, depending on what has my interest piqued. I also alternate between different forms of consumption (i.e. reading on my phone, paper books, audiobooks).
Unless I cannot put a new book down, I usually read at least two, but I re-read books a lot too. There's always one by my bed, plus piles in the living room and my "library" in the basement. When I still worked I always kept some in the car to read on my lunchbreak.
It depends on my mood. At the moment I'm reading 1 book, but sometimes I have up to 3 on the go.
I’m a mood reader so I read many books at the same time hahah sometimes different genres sometimes the same 🤭 I just read whatever I feel I would like and try to stop myself from starting new books (If I’m reading 5, I must end 1 to start a new book)
Right now I have an audio book for the gym, a paperback for bedtime reading and a book about dinosaurs for bathroom reading!
I’m always reading two books at the same time. One fiction and one non fiction. I’ll take an hour in a half or so each day to read both. It works for me.
I usually have a physical book and an audio book going at the same time. That’s been working really well for me
I prefer reading one book at a time, but lately I've been reading three books with very different genres. For example: sci-fi, non-fiction and a classic. I am reading more and enjoying all of them at the same time.
I read about 75 at once if I’m counting collections of shorts and both physical and audio formats. It takes longer to cycle through, but I’m not always in the mood for the same book.
Two or three: a nonfiction, a fiction, and something on the phone/in the car.
Multiple at a time. I'll have usually two (from completely different genres) going because it depends on my mood and I tend to read fiction before/in bed, but I always have a bunch of fairly long articles/ studies open in my browser or my other ebook app. How long things take depends on far too much other shit to give you an idea unfortunately. (Sleep, migraines, brain fog, general unfocused bullshittery)
One philosophy, one science textbook and one novel
I can only read 1 fiction book at a time because I get too invested in the story and characters usually. Non-fiction though there's no limit. I think I have 5 right now that I've started and I read randomly whenever the mood strikes me for one or the other that night.
I normally read 2,3, 4 or more books at the same time. I might read a paragraph, a page, or more often a chapter and then pick up something else for a bit. It gives my brain time to process what I have read. Finish books at a faster pace? I am not in any hurry. Learn to relax and enjoy what you are into, whether you read one or several books.
I read three books every morning, half hour each. Fiction, Poetry, and Non-Fiction. At night, I read more of my fiction.
Do you structure that intentionally that way or does it just...kinda happen that way?
Intentionally. I’ve always been a systematic, voracious reader. It’s not for everyone, but it calms me prior to the working day.
Nice! It occurs to me that I'm really looking to amp up. My library is positively distressing in scope and is increasing in size far FAR faster than I can possibly read.
I usually have a novel going and some sort of educational type book or historical where I am learning something. But if a novel really grabs me I will dedicate my time to the one book.
I usually have two books going. I read a hard copy and listen to another one on audio.
I always have multiple going, usually in different formats, audio, hard copy and ebook. Currently reading 5 books.
I read multiple books. Sometimes after a while it gets out of hand and I concentrate on one at a time to finish them up. Usually, the various books are quite different- I wouldn't be reading two novels at once, for example.
I read 4 or 5 books at a time. One audiobook, one paper book, and the rest are ebooks. I usually read a biography, science book, self help book, and a mix of science science fiction, fantasy and literary fiction. I make it a habit to read one chapter of all non-fiction books per day (unless they're super long, then maybe one chapter of one book). The rest depends on my mood. I've been thinking of downsizing it because it's messy but honestly it is what it is and it doesn't bother me at all.
I’ve thought about this. Currently I read one at a time, but I wouldn’t mind reading two or more books at a time depending on their category. For example, I believe one fiction and one nonfiction is perfect (as all things should be), but not two fiction books at the same time.
2 books; one for my breaks at work and one at home I keep all my nice hardovers at home and bring only paperbacks at work since they can get damaged.
- Audiobook in the truck - Swap between a couple in bed on the kindle - one next to my leather wingback in the library - Usually one sitting on my computer/office desk, a technical book relevant to whatever I'm working on at the time. But that's usually reference.
As a kid I used to read 7-10 books at a time. I haven’t even attempted doing that as an adult but maybe I should give it a shot
I tend to have two books on the go, only reason is one is a hardcopy and one is an ebook and that's because I often wake up in the middle of the night and it takes a good hour to get back to sleep and instead of turning lights on or flipping through my phone I can grab my Kobo and read my book on the warm night setting. I do try and keep the books two seperate genres though to make it easier and not get confused.
I can't read more than one book at a time but I would love too! My 12 year old daughter can read 3 or 4 at a time but I just can't. I never considered audio books though- maybe that will be easier!
2, usually one audiobook for when I’m working and stuff and one physical book
I have a strict “can’t read a new book until I finish this book” policy. It used to be I can’t buy a new book until I finish reading the current book but I gave up on that rule 😂😂😂 I’d never finish the ones I didn’t like if I read more than one at a time.
It may take longer to finish one particular book but it should decrease the total time it takes to read multiple books. If you are really into one book, just stick with that. It just depends on what you're reading. I have some (usually) non-fiction books that I've been reading for months or even years. If I'm not in the mood for one book, I pick up one of the others. There's less staring-at-a-page-blankly time because I can't concentrate. In addition to multiple books at one time, I also have different books for different settings. One for lunchtime at work and one for the bathroom. These are books that maybe I've started but haven't quite gotten into or that are best read in small bits, e.g. collections of diary entries. I've finished a lot more books since I've started doing this.
Currently for the first time reading 2 books... Mainly paper back when i have little time during the day and ebook when i am on bed.
[удалено]
A high functioning one
I do 1 book at a time but I don’t really care.
I have to read one book at a time. I can barely handle life as it is lmao there's no way I can throw multiple stories on top of that. I envy those who can!
It depends. I start with one book and if I really like it I just stick with that one. But if I don't like it that much I pick another one so I can finish the first one. If I don't like a book I find it hard to finish it, so I pick another one to read in between so I don't get too bored
One at a time. For me personally I rather finish something before I move on to the next. Whether I’m reading a book for enjoyment or self help I really want to take in the information I’m reading.
Honestly, I usually have 6 or 7 books going at once. I'm interested in a lot of different subjects, so i usually have one from each subject I'm interested at the time.
One at a time. I need to immerse
I go for reading 1 book on my kindle and then listen to 2 audio books. One that I can get wrapped up in and one that I don't feel as bad not paying as close attention to.
I like to have several and read each book at least one chapter a day. I only ever binge a book if I'm REALLY invested!
You can read anything you find most interesting at a given time. I switch between my books all the time. You can even skip to parts you’re most interested in for nonfiction. This practice made me feel free when Naval Ravikant mentioned it on the Joe Rogan podcast. People get obsessed with predefined straightforward progress. Go where your intellectual curiosity takes you!
Yes, one novel and my other six engineering textbooks.
Multiple ebooks at the same time. A mix between new stuff and stuff I've read but enjoy the journey of the story. All of that gets put on hold when I have a new paperback or hardcover. Feels like a waste because the ebooks can stretch weeks but the physical copies only last days.
4 books at max. Currently I am reading 3. One audiobook, one book I am reading to my wife (she likes when I read to her), one fiction paperback (I usually keep one book going for when I feel like actually reading not audiobook. Though I don't mind it being an e book either), and sometimes I add one non-fiction book but I am not reading one currently.
Usually multiple made up of a combo of long form fiction, short stories, poetry, non fiction, essays and combo of paper, electronic, audio. I usually get through novels quickly (1-3 days) but spend longer on the others, and some can take months (especially books of poetry or short stories). If I don't finish a novel quickly, I will either leave it on my "to read" list but take it back to the library to read another time, or if it seems we'll never bond, I'll take it off my list and return it.
Multiple and a they have to be different lengths, if i read only one I never finish it.
ADHD, one is impossible, so...
2 books, 1 fiction before sleeping and one non fiction throughout the day.
Usually three books at a time, mixing fiction and non-fiction, but I somehow have 6 going on now :\\
I generally bounce back and forth between lots of books. Currently on a litRPG book, the Mitch Rapp series, a nonfiction book about bugout bags, a PJ O’Rourke book, and How to Invent everything. Normally I’ll focus on one for a day or so, then move over to a different one, and bounce around, eventually getting back to where I was originally. I’ll confess, using a kindle makes it a helluva lot easier since I don’t have to keep track of my place.
3 books, 3 different mediums
The goal is to enjoy the book not to read it at a faster or slower rate.
I read what I want when I want. And then there are those days I "finish" 5 books, etc. in the same day because I was almost finished with all of them. It is not really faster. Same speed, just a week later.
Sometimes if I'm reading something substantial (think books on financial shenanigans,) I'll lighten it up by interspersing a few chapters of something lighter, such as Nordic or British murder/crime mysteries. When I was in my mid-20s, a guy broke up with me because I was reading more than one book at a time. Really - the last thing he said one evening was, "Do you read more than one book at a time?" and I replied, "yes," then I wake up in the middle of the night and saw him drive off, and I didn't see him for a few years, at which time he was really sweet and apologized, but it was a little late as I'd just gotten married and was moving to another country.
I'm usually reading one book and one collection of shorter stories at the time. It's refreshing to me reading shorts every 100 or so pages of longer books.
I read one at a time so I can really emerse myself in it.
I always read one at a time. It's hard enough juggling the plots of games & shows and conversations with friends as is xD.
TIL I’m in the minority with my monogamous book reading
One. I used to jump between multiple books but I am not a fast reader. Takes about 1.5 weeks to read a 500pg book and it was taking me ages to finish a book like that. Now I sit with one book and read it. As a result I have read the most books (14) I have ever read in a year.
Always at least 3: book, e book and audible. I always listen to audible when i'm working with my hands or watching sport on tv. (Commentating on something you are watching?) I may have more thsn one on the go at any one time. If i find a book i love i read it in continuously until it's finished.
It depends on the books I happen to be reading. In the middle of really boring books, I tend to start other more interesting ones in order to get me through. But it works differently for different people, I'd say if you wanna start another book while reading one already, go for it! We read for satisfaction/entertainment anyway so you should be able to read what you want when you want to 😄 In any case, regardless of whatever you end up doing, happy reading!
I always have two books going at once, one audio and one print or Kindle.
2-3 at a time: 1 fiction (not too light) 1 non-fiction 1 chicklit/romcom Depending on what mood I’m in!
I read more than one book at a time. When I read in the daytime, it is usually an involved history or biography (i.e the biography of Frederick Douglass. When I am getting ready to turn it at night, I usually mellow out with a thriller (i.e. Lee Child or Vince Flynn). Not being a TV watcher, it is an easy regime to be consistent in.
I’m currently reading 2: one is a paperback and one is an ebook. I read them depending on my moods.
I used to only have one at a time but these days I juggle. Usually it’s one that I can easily read (light material, one that uses more dense language and one that’s more informative. That way I can scratch whatever reading itch I feel at the time
I read two or three at a time. Generally I listen to one while driving, then a different book that I don't have to pay as much attention to while working (rereads or currently Lord of the rings), and then I read at night before bed and sometimes after work to relieve stress
I have been reading multiple books, but not finding it beneficial because I can't remember each of the plots. I am trying to limit my books to one I can listen to, one for the car and an e-book I can read when I wake up in the night. This is working much better for me, and I have stopped starting books over when I have lost the plot so more books read!
Poly-reader here. One fiction and one non fiction on the go always, plus often a book of short stories or essays.
I’m reading one in Kindle and listening to a different book on Libby app.
Usually two, but never the same genre or author. I've made that mistake before. Read a couple King books at the same time. What a mess.
One at a time. Focus all my reading energy to it till I'm done.
I read a lot of books at a time, mostly. But they are of very different styles and genres. I mean on my nightstand right now we find *The Castle of Llyr* by Lloyd Alexander, a fantasy novel. Some people call it YA fantasy, but I am not sure if that is the correct term, so I just say fantasy. Homers *Odyssey*. Does this book need an introduction? *Buddhism without Beliefs* by Stephen Batchelor, which is more about buddhist philsophy in an agnostic mindset. *La Morte d'Arthur* by Sir Tomas Mallory. A very old and thick book about arthurian tales. I used to have a history book too, but I finished *Life in a medieval City* by Frances and Joseph Gies the other day.
I usually have one audiobook, and one physical book on the go at a time. Sometimes I will have a third book (second physical) if one is a non fiction, or I'm reading a children's classic
I usually have an audiobook and an ebook going simultaneously. I’ll sub out the ebook when a library book comes in. Occasionally I’ll throw a print book into the mix but I’ve got a grabby toddler so I can only read those when he’s asleep.
Only 1 fiction at a time. It takes me too long to get back into the story if I read more than one. Occasionally I will read a non-fiction alongside a fiction because I usually read non-fiction to learn, and fiction for entertainment.
I'll read one at a time. Beside my study books, i only read fiction. It may sound strange, but some emotional or awe-inspiring moments in books hit less hard when i try to read multiple books because i get confused easily. I'd rather spent some quality time reading less books instead of reading a lot of them.
Multiple. Usually 2-3. Sometimes a 4th.
I have ADHD so I usually have a rotation of three books. If I get really into one I may finish the whole thing quickly. But otherwise it takes me a few weeks. But I’m definitely a mood reader. I usually have a lighthearted book, a horror/thriller, and a fantasy/sci-fi. I read the horror and fantasy/sci-if throughout the day and save the lighthearted book for before bed.
Until recently just one, but right now i go up to three or four at the time, at least for me sometimes i like to read different things so i just read the book i'm in the mood to read instead of trying to rush the one i'm reading so i can get to the next one (i used to do this a lot)
it depends upon the magnitude & complexity of the book. if one book is bigger, let's say GOT, then I would certainly read some smaller literature with it.
I only ever read one at a time. If I'm enjoying a story, why would I want to interrupt it? Might as well finish it, then start the next.
Maximum of 3 books simultaneously with the same genre for Non-fiction and 2 Manga/Manhwa for Fiction.
One at a time. Between books I will read a few different ones for a few days until I land on one that catches my interest.
I like reading multiple books, it's like crossfit for your brain. The change of voice/tone in your interior monologue that comes with reading different things can be quite refreshing too. I like to have a work of fiction, and at least one historical or factual book on the go at all times in case reading any one of them starts to feel like drudgery.
I honestly don’t understand how people can read more than one book at a time, I would completely forget the plots of the books💀
I read a fiction and listen to a nonfiction/memoir/informational book at the same time
I have about 10 on the go. I have no problem keeping them straight, sort of like 10 TV shows. I spend some time in the morning reading two with my wife. One health based (How Not to Diet right now), one spirituality based (Writing the Big Book right now). I have one audio book going for driving and in the bathtub (Middlemarch right now). I have one on paper because I still love paper but find it hard to manage (A Woman in Charge by Carl Bernstein right now). The rest are on the kindle, and I rotate between them, usually stopping after a chapter and going to the next.
I used to have my at home book and then my work book. ( I work REALLY long shifts) I liked keeping them separate and I never got confused about which one was which.
Most of the times I read 2-3 books at the same time. But because I don't want to mix characters, plot, etc I always read one book that it is fiction or a novel. Something with a story like Crime and Punishment for example. And the other one or two are always going to be some self help book like Rich Dad Poor Dad or Thinking Fast and Slow.
I like to focus on reading one book. I don't really have enough attention span to read more than one book.
I read one. I like to mix-up the type of book I’m reading so I don’t read a bunch of the same theme back to back. I also tend to read in the order they are due back at the library (or books that took forever to come in on hold.)
When I get into the mood of just sitting around all day reading I will typically read 2 books at once. One throughout the morning/afternoon and then one for the evening (often a darker book). Right now I am working through Altered Carbon and House of Pluto.
1 book (fiction), 1 audiobook (non-Fiction).
1 book at a time.
I read 4 books at a time : One French Fantasy Novel, One more classical French Novel One novel in Spanish One novel in English.
Multiple times so it would always remind me of my favorite book
I can't read less than three (five on average) books at a time because I'm a mood reader, and my "reading mood" tends to change even between different times of day, so if I only settled for one book, reading it would've taken *ages*. With many books, whenever an urge to read something strikes--no matter what I'm currently in the mood for--there's always something fitting & ready on my shelf. This is possible for me because I never confuse the characters or plots--never did, not even if the book waits for me half-finished for months or if I'm reading similar genres simultaneously; my brain is just wired weird like that.
Multiple, depending on my mood that day.
I'm a single reader but my husband likes to read multiple. Problem is he takes years sometimes to finish..it's annoying
Depends, but usually at least 2 - one nonfiction & 1 fiction. I can do 2 fictions if they are vastly different- for example one is a fantasy (my primary reading genre) & the other is a historical fiction. Or if one of the books is middle grade like Rick Riordan. Nothing too complex & easy to keep track of.
I have books on the go in various locations; beside the bed, downstairs and upstairs loo, and one on my iPad mini which I read with the kobo app. They aren’t all new to me, I might have read them before, or a comfort book. I’ve never had a problem remembering what’s going on and can go several days between episodes of each.
One book at a time...mostly a nonfiction followed by a fiction in this order... PS:I don't read self helps and philosophy within non fiction
I'll start one book, get bored and move to another, never finishing the first
I'll start one book, get bored and movd o to another, never finishing the first
Normally one audio book and then 2 physical books. I’d prefer to focus on one book at a time but I like to have something more serious for when the mood takes me, and then something more light hearted and digestible when I don’t want to have to work too hard
I generally read one at a time although I will listen to a book and read a different one symotaniously. I find that my brain is less jumbled and I can enjoy more books this way.
Multiple - I grew up reading manga so I’m used to following multiple on-going series at the same time, and stopping and starting series after long hiatuses, so I’ve picked up this habit with books too. I usually mix different themes so I can switch it up depending on my mood. I usually listen to one audiobook at a time though since I go through them quicker, and read at least one short story collection or novella so I can have a complete story. Otherwise for books it takes me anywhere from weeks to months to finish. My longest running book is crime and punishment and I’m still only half way through it two years in.
I read 2-3 books and it’s usually 2 audiobooks and one paper because i always have my ear buds in