Sign in with Facebook
Monogamous vs. Polygamous Reading: Which 'Type' Do You Prefer?
There's no wrong way to read. Some bibliophiles devour multiple books at once while others savor a single book at a time. We asked our followers on Twitter and Facebook which strategy they prefer and put together a list of some of the most popular comments. Which ones do you relate to?
1."One book at a time. I love experiencing every emotion in each plot while leafing through a copy," says Carol.
2. "Multiple books: that way my mind can travel to many places at the same time," says Marina.
3."I will have a regular book and an audiobook going at the same time. That way I can 'read' when it’s not feasible for me to visually read," says Valerie.
4."I used to read strictly one at a time. Then I realized that if I have two to three books going at once, I read so, so, so much more," says Beth.
5. "I alternate between both, depending on how I'm feeling and how much time I have. Sometimes, I'm so drawn into a book that I forget about the other one," says Gabriela.
6. "I can only read more than one book at a time if they are dramatically different, otherwise I start getting confused," says Dawn.
7. "I read multiple books at a time, especially if one is longer than the others," says Miriam.
8. "I only read one book at a time. I become very engrossed in what I read, so switching back and forth between books would be too distracting and would take away some of the pleasure of what I am reading," says Alexandra.
9. "Multiple books—usually of different genres as I am a mood reader," says Fiona.
10. "I always read at least two books at once—usually something on my Kindle for my bus rides to and from work, then a paperback or hardcover book before going to bed," says Michael.
11. "I do multiple books in multiple formats: ebook, audiobook and paper. I find that if I hit a slow spot in a book I can switch books," says Warren.
12."I always have two or three going at a time. I switch between them depending on my mood, my energy level, and whatever I'm interested in at the time," says Karen.
13. "One at a time. I've tried reading multiple books at once, but I found myself reading more of one and ignoring the other. I find it more efficient to just read one at a time," says Christina.
2. "Multiple books: that way my mind can travel to many places at the same time," says Marina.
3."I will have a regular book and an audiobook going at the same time. That way I can 'read' when it’s not feasible for me to visually read," says Valerie.
4."I used to read strictly one at a time. Then I realized that if I have two to three books going at once, I read so, so, so much more," says Beth.
5. "I alternate between both, depending on how I'm feeling and how much time I have. Sometimes, I'm so drawn into a book that I forget about the other one," says Gabriela.
6. "I can only read more than one book at a time if they are dramatically different, otherwise I start getting confused," says Dawn.
7. "I read multiple books at a time, especially if one is longer than the others," says Miriam.
8. "I only read one book at a time. I become very engrossed in what I read, so switching back and forth between books would be too distracting and would take away some of the pleasure of what I am reading," says Alexandra.
9. "Multiple books—usually of different genres as I am a mood reader," says Fiona.
10. "I always read at least two books at once—usually something on my Kindle for my bus rides to and from work, then a paperback or hardcover book before going to bed," says Michael.
11. "I do multiple books in multiple formats: ebook, audiobook and paper. I find that if I hit a slow spot in a book I can switch books," says Warren.
12."I always have two or three going at a time. I switch between them depending on my mood, my energy level, and whatever I'm interested in at the time," says Karen.
13. "One at a time. I've tried reading multiple books at once, but I found myself reading more of one and ignoring the other. I find it more efficient to just read one at a time," says Christina.
Do you prefer to read one book at time or multiple books at once? Share your two cents in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
Loved 'Ready Player One'? Check out these 8 Books
The Contenders for the Best Audiobooks of the Year
To Quit Or Not Quit a Book? Our Readers Weigh In...
Check out more recent blogs:
Loved 'Ready Player One'? Check out these 8 Books
The Contenders for the Best Audiobooks of the Year
To Quit Or Not Quit a Book? Our Readers Weigh In...
Comments Showing 301-350 of 376 (376 new)
message 301:
by
Rob
(new)
Mar 30, 2018 04:49AM
I have daytime 'book' & a night time kindle book. Best of both worlds.
flag
1 paperback, 1 kindle and 1 audiobook. But I try to pick different genres/feels/subjects for each to keep them separate.
Ashley wrote: "I will read two books at a time. I make sure that they are two totally different types of books so that I can’t possibly get details confused. I also try to make sure and read a physical book and h..."Same here. And the feelings of finishing those short books motivate me to finish the long one. It works so well, haha.
4 is my average to be reading at the same time. one non-fiction read, a physical book that I can pick up and put down easily (I keep a physical book in my purse for those days I accidentally forget my Kindle), an anthology of short/novella stories, and then a fiction read of some type, usually sci-fi or horror.
I usually have 4-5 books going at a given time: An audiobook for the car and walks, a physical book for bed, one ebook on my phone, and one on my full-sized Kindle. Sometimes one or two more in any of those formats if I'm feeling particularly impatient.
Rob wrote: "I have daytime 'book' & a night time kindle book. Best of both worlds."I do the same thing , minus the kindle ; us old folks sometimes can't get the handle on not physically turning pages . Happy Holiday
I once packed for a five day trip where my biggest quandary was do I pack 4 or 5 books. (It was time to buy an e-reader.)So I usually have an audio book going though those tend to be old favorites. The audio books are for those times I need to use my hands or eyes for something but would like a little entertainment.
Then I have a couple of regular books going at once:
One for guilty pleasure (mystery, UF, PNR, historical fiction);
One for intellectual stimulation (nature, history, science, politics);
and sometimes One because that guilty pleasure was just not enough....
I might need a 12 step program.
JoAnn wrote: "I only read one at a time, I like to immerse myself in the books I read. I generally go through a book every 2-3 days, so I do get a lot of reading done! 😊"Same here! I like devoting my time to one book. It usually takes me around 3 days to finish a book, and then I'm usually off to the next one fairly quickly after finishing.
Jasroop wrote: "Personally, I can only read one book at a time. For me, reading is a very intimate and personal activity. You are delving into a world that is full of strange and brand-new feelings. Reading one bo..."Exactly, Jasroop!
Multiple: 2-3 paper books at home (current love: 'Cosmos') + a couple at office (enjoying 'Dilbert Principle'). 6-7 on Kindle (English & Hindi) on a typical day.
I usually have two fiction, one or two non-fiction, and an audio book (which might be either fiction or non-fiction) going at one time. That allows me to pick up the one I'm in the mood for at any given time. Sometimes one book will grab me and the others get put aside but most of the time I read a little from each throughout the day.I've had people ask me how I keep up with the different characters and topics but I don't understand why that would be difficult. I can keep up with a variety of tv shows without getting confused. It's no different for me with books. (And it's not about being young enough to handle it - I qualify for Social Security as of my last birthday).
#9 "Multiple books—usually of different genres as I am a mood reader." :D
Manisha wrote: "#9 "Multiple books—usually of different genres as I am a mood reader." :D"
Moody reader ? You sound like my wife !
Rob wrote: "I have daytime 'book' & a night time kindle book. Best of both worlds."Sort of like Miley Cyrus? :)
I like to read 3 books at a time - 2 paper books, and an audio. One has to be nonfiction, one is usually a mystery and the 3rd can be fantasy, drama or anything that doesn't get mixed up with the mystery. I usually always finish my mystery 1st but I like having 2 other books going when I pick a new book. I seem to read more this way.
I read more than one book at a time but honestly I like reading one book at a time.
Nancy wrote: "I read more than one book at a time but honestly I like reading one book at a time."https://youtu.be/2LwcakgjXAc
I currently have seven books/audiobooks going and all are so different that I don't get confused with story lines. They are scattered throughout the house so I always have a book handy for when I have a few extra minutes.
Joanne wrote: "I currently have seven books/audiobooks going and all are so different that I don't get confused with story lines. They are scattered throughout the house so I always have a book handy for when I h..."Joanne wrote: "I currently have seven books/audiobooks going and all are so different that I don't get confused with story lines. They are scattered throughout the house so I always have a book handy for when I h..."
I'm doing the same ; but with only 3 hardbacks !?
Generally monogamous, but I will sometimes have a short story collection at work.
Multiple books at a time. Usually, four. Sometimes, I get overly ambitious and go 6. They're usually separate and not blendy..
Barbara wrote: "Multiple books at a time. Usually, four. Sometimes, I get overly ambitious and go 6. They're usually separate and not blendy.."I know what 'blendies' are , but please help me with 'blendy'
I kept 1 book (usually on ebook form) for the office days, that is, I mostly could read it when I'm in the office; and 1 book (usually a paperback) at home. So I can say I'm not a monogamous reader lol. Pro: I can finish 2 books at 1 time
Con: when life (and work) hit hard, there are twice as many unfinished books
Nichole wrote: "Jasroop wrote: "Personally, I can only read one book at a time. For me, reading is a very intimate and personal activity. You are delving into a world that is full of strange and brand-new feelings..."YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS NICHOLE
I shift between. Some books demand monogamy, thrilling and thought-provoking and just unputdownable until I have wiped away the last tear, by sorrow or laughter drawn from my eyes. Some books get slow, and I need a fast book, or fast and I need a slow book, or old and I see a shiny new one or are too new and I need an old comfortable one.
Mood, seasons, the kind of day I've had, and the weather can all change it up.
Ideally, I'd like to stick to one book but life gets crazy and I end up reading multiple books at once. I try to keep it to no more than 6 though. My biggest hurdle is classics - I really do enjoy them but sometimes I need a lighter read with a busy schedule, so I'll set the classics aside for times when I can actually sit down and read/focus for a longer period. Also, a couple times recently I've read guidance books (Marathon-Training, Pre-Law School Tips, etc) that take time to read and are more of a circumstantial read than sit down at the end of the day and relax read.
I am definitely polygamous! I find that when one book starts making me sleepy, (not because I’m bored, but when I’m tired but not ready to sleep) I can switch books and stay alert. I usually have two to four started at a time and usually finish at least three to four a week.
For now just one at a time. My CD player in my car died. I used to listen to one while driving and visually read one.
I have to have at least 3 or 4 going at all times. My average is probably 6 or 7. I’ve gone as high as 11 once. That was a little much. I always have one on audio for driving and working out. The rest can be any combination of paper and digital. I read a roughly equal amount of fiction and NF, and no - i generally don’t have problems keeping track of what’s going on in each book. It comes back to me within the first few sentences. I love reading many at once; it assures i never run out, and keeps my mind working on many threads. Plus, if i see a book i really want to read right now, i don’t have to wait til i finish something else. I just jump right in!
Polygamous for sure. One audiobook for commute/errands, one ebook for work breaks/appts, and one physical book for at home reading. Or more than that if I get distracted, like right now I have 2 audiobooks and 2 physical books going as well as an ebook. lol. They're all different genres/subgenres so I won't get anything confused.
Ruth wrote: "For now just one at a time. My CD player in my car died. I used to listen to one while driving and visually read one."Do you have a cell phone/iPod/tablet and Bluetooth in your car? Use Overdrive for audiobooks!
I bury my nose in anywhere between 2 and 6 books at time, though sometimes, even more. A title, or really cool cover will catch my eye, so I'll start reading the back or inside flap, "just to see", and before I know it, I"m hunkered down, burrowed into 10 chapters! I LOVE being able to escape to so many different worlds!
Usually reading about three and have one on audio. I find that I esp. like to have all four of them be different genres (historical, fiction, memoir, non-fiction usually), it helps to keep the stories straight in my head. Sometimes I do get really engrossed in one and will go through it more quickly putting off the others off for a day or so until I finish up.
Elyse wrote: "Ruth wrote: "For now just one at a time. My CD player in my car died. I used to listen to one while driving and visually read one."Do you have a cell phone/iPod/tablet and Bluetooth in your car? ..."
No, older car 😥
Ruth wrote: "No, older car 😥..."Oh bummer! :( Well, you can still buy portable CD players on Amazon! Or you can at least listen with Overdrive on your phone with headphones!
OK, I'm obviously in the minority, but I only read 1 book at a time. The only exception is if I'm reading a crafting book. Then I'll also read a novel/ true crime book as well. I like to get lost in the story & would probably end up confused reading more than 1 at a time. When I'm reading, especially one of my cozy series I have a whole movie playing in my mind as I narrate (read the words). Don't want to dilute that.I know others have compared it to watching TV, but I only watch 1 at a time & most wrap up in an episode. So it's like the end of the story.
My husband is with the majority of you. He reads 4-5 at a time. But, hey, at 58 I'm used to being different.
Jaclyn wrote: "I watch more than one television series at the same time, so why not books? I usually have two that I shift between (one nonfiction, one story), but right now I have five. Oops?"I usually do one fiction and one non-fiction too!
Mary wrote: "My goal is not to consume as many books as possible. It is to get into a book and really enjoy it. I am definitely monogamous!"Thank you putting my thoughts into words so well. We are definitely the minority, but I truly get lost in the story!
Monogamous. I lose myself in my books and prefer to do that one at a time. When I was s student, I read one for school (required) and kept one for pleasure. Now I keep it simple--one at a time. With that said, if a book I really want is not available as an e-book, and not as convenient on the bus, i may be forced to have a "weekday" book and a "weekend" I'm not there yet. I'm impressed by the 4-5 books at a time crowd. Wow!
I tend to have at least two on the go. Normally I have a paperback I read before bed and then a kindle based book I read on my commute either on my kindle itself or on my phone. I try split my time between fiction and non-fiction but it doesn't always work out that way. My list says I have five on the go right now but three are merely remembering where I am in them as I burned out.
Now? I have always 3 or more on the run ;D Back in the days when all we have were paper ones I rarely read more than one at a time, the main reasons: the heavy weight, the few affordable titles available at the bookshops and the meager collections in the public libraries on the area ;P
But eBooks and audiobooks open for me a whole new universe of possibilities: they are cheaper and I could reach titles and genres all over the world without have to wait for some publisher, censor or bookshop to decide that they are worth the shipping to my country.
AND I always carry my entire library wherever I go, thanks to internet and my phone ;D I LOVE INTERNET!
I usually have a fiction and a non-fiction going at the same time, plus an audio book for pre-order time
It never OCCURRED to me to read more than one book at a time. I like to immerse myself. When I was working (as an academic) I was reading many books and journals at a time (professionally), and read hardly any fiction, at all. I like savoring my one book, and then moving on to the next. I would guess that the multi-readers are also the multi-media, younger, readers. I could never keep the characters, emotions, settings, themes, etc. in several books in my head, at one time!
It depends. Sometimes I’ll read multiple, but when that happens usually I end up liking one more and not reading the other one until it’s been forgotten in a pile and I discover it months later ahaha. But sometimes I can read multiple successfully if they’re both really good!
I'm like Alexandra - I'm so involved in the book that I think about it even when I'm not reading (with both fiction AND nonfiction). If I have two books going on at once, I don't get to immerse myself in the world of either one. So I stick to one and let it devour my life.... I wonder if that's how I am in a relationship. ;)
I can just copy this one :) "I will have a regular book and an audiobook going at the same time. That way I can 'read' when it’s not feasible for me to visually read,"
Used to be Monogamous, but then realised I can read different genres in parallel. And that is so much better. Depends on my mood really but I'm able to read much more this way.
Benjamin wrote: "This tip changed my life. A few years ago, I added all the books I had started reading to goodreads, it turned out there was 13 that I was reading! How the hell can someone read 13 books at once?! ..."I follow a somewhat similar approach to reading and it feels great!
