Do you read more than one book at the same time?

[David]

I notice quite a lot of members seem to read more than one book at a time. I find I can only focus on one story at a time, myself.

If indeed readers do skip from one book to another and then back, I was just curious as to what the reason might be?

[Lilee]

Conflict of interest I think.....and the see it, want to read it philosophy. That's just my reason for why I do it anyway.

[David]

Hi Lilee, a familiar face :~)

So you're a little impetuous then? And constantly wanting to dive into something new?

[Mei]

I read one book at a time as much as possible, because I mix characters/events and I wanted to focus on only one book, but sometimes I read another if the other is boring/slow, or lengthy. 500+ page books rarely grab my attention. There's also the fact that I get behind on my buddy reads sometimes. Hahaha. :)

[David]

I think I'd mix characters and events too. If I find a book boring or slow now, I give up on it and move on. I used to stick with anything started to the bitter end, but now I think there are too many other books I want to read to stick with one that I'm not enjoying.

[Brea]

Yes. I am usually reading one book for fun, one book to learn something, and one book about parenting/my kids. Depending on my mood and what is going on in our lives.

[David]

That makes sense, Brea, I can do that :~) I often read non-fiction alongside fiction.

[Lilee]

Absolutely, I'm a 'True Gemini' when it comes to books, I have to try everything at once. I guess sometimes I just want a change of scene as well.

[David]

Well my star sign is Libra, which, suposedly, means I seek a balance in all things. Maybe you have something there, Lilee; too much fiction at once would unbalance me. LOL.

[Lilee]

There's no such thing as too much fiction and whose to say anything/anyone is balanced or unbalanced

[David]

Erm... I dunno, whoever invented star-signs, I guess :~?

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

No wonder I'm so messed up then... I'm a cancer and a leo (and yes, I've taken my birth chart minute/date into account)... and I am currently (not at the exact same time, obviously) listening to three audio books... one is a favorite 'reread', one is new-to-me and borrowed from the library, and one is a parenting/child audio. I also read eBooks, and will be starting one tonight in order to finish and review for a deadline. I used to finish books and power through despite anything and everything... but now, if I'm not feeling it, I'll put it on 'hold' and try something else. Also, the fact that one of my Kindles got stolen, and the availability of power cords (to listen to audio books on my phone) can also determine what I'm reading at any given time. But on the other hand, just two weeks ago I went through an entire series via audio, back-to-back... so, I guess I want to have my cake and eat it too, depending on my mood ;)

[David]

Haha, sounds like you've got the lion's share, Alana!

[Dre]

I can't read more than 1 book. I want to absorb one story at a time. I can multitask, but books are special. It should be given special attention. :D

[Victoria]

I often have a book on the go on the kindle and an audiobook on the go at the same time.

[David]

I've not done audio books. I wonder if that works differently, being as it's not your own voice?

[Victoria]

I couldn't say. I read a lot so get through books quickly (and would even if I didn't often have the two on the go at once) but I have an excellent memory, so can still remember the gist of some I read years ago. That doesn't stop me re-reading favourites mind. But then, if I didn't re-read books sometimes I'd never afford my reading habit, since I read 290 books last year (some kindle, some audio) without counting any re-reads, which I never count.

[Sophia]

Depends. I don't really have a choice but to balance 2 books - required reading and regular reading. I do those two and have a review book in hand as well so I won't be bored. :p

Gives a variety in my opinion. I could be wrong.

[David]

I don't think there's any wrong or right; just individual reading tastes and abilities. I can cook more than one meal at once, I can switch from one drawing or painting to another, but I can't read or write more than one book at a time, apart from non-fiction.

[Kristina]

I read a physical book and when I am in my car I listen to a different book. But I don't think I could focus on reading two books at the same time. I probably would find one more interesting and leave the other for later.

[Tracy]

I read/listen to 3 or 4 books at a time. It has a lot to do with the mood I'm in.

[Shauna]

I agree with you Dre. I cannot read more than one book at a time. that's why in college I never read for enjoyment. I love books and the stories and characters are so special. at least for me. I always have a monogamous relationships with my books =). I'm a one book kinda gal!!

[Heather]

I usually end up reading at least two books at a time. It partially depends on how interested I am in the book and whether I have any checked out from the library.

[David]

Shauna wrote: "I agree with you Dre. I cannot read more than one book at a time. that's why in college I never read for enjoyment. I love books and the stories and characters are so special. at least for me. I a..."

I like that, I guess I'm a one book kinda guy!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

1 book! I'm really bad at jumping around, I get really confused :)

[Sophia]

David wrote: "1 book! I'm really bad at jumping around, I get really confused :)"

I kind of have to get in a habit of reading more than one book now; I used to be a one book kind of girl back in the middle school and elementary days! I think 9th grade - around the time I started blogging - was when I started having to get into the habit.

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

I usually have more than one going on at a time...usually its because of buddy reads, or review books, or a library book that has to get back to the library...I try to plan it out better but never happens! I'm fine so long as the books are not alike--for instance, reading a contemporary and a fantasy works okay. But sometimes I get names confused!

[Karen’s Library]

I always have at least 3 going at one time. One ebook, one hard back, and one audio. Sometimes more than 1 ebook. Usually all 3 or 4 are different genres. My ebook is sci-fi, my audio is paranormal, and my hardback is historical. If I have more than 1 ebook, then it's usually a whole other genre (right now horror). I pick them up based on my mood. If I'm really into the book, I'll stick with it until I finish. But then I'll pick the next one out and read a chapter or two to make sure I have at least three going! ;)

[David]

It seems there are two reasons then. To suit the readers mood, and to keep up with commitments. Me, I'll carry on sticking to one story at a time ;~)

[[deleted user]]

I read a bunch of books at the same time. I have a short attention span, and if something isn't interesting, then I'll stop reading it and jump on another book.
Sometimes it might be because I'm in the mood for a certain book, sometimes I just forget that I'm in the middle of a book and I read something else, or sometimes I'll get another book that I want to read. The reasons change every time. I don't think I'd be able to read only one book at a time. It's too weird XD

[David]

You saying I'm weird; ok, I am, I admit it :~)

[Victoria]

I can offer a third reason. The reason I often have both an audiobook and a kindle book on the go is because I need to listen to something before bed (otherwise I'll start thinking, which is dangerous, LOL!) I don't want to listen to the radio all the time, so will sometimes put an audiobook on (especially if I have a new one to listen to). My kindle reads to me anyway, but it's easier for me to find my place on an audiobook than on a kindle book, so I don't like to listen to a book on the kindle when I'm tired and know I'm likely to fall asleep.

[Karen’s Library]

I always have an audio going so I waste no time while I'm shopping, driving, getting ready, cleaning, standing in line, etc... So many books, too little time!! ;-)

[Tracy]

The way I see it is a person can watch many TV series or reality shows in a day so why not read different books.

[Victoria]

I couldn't agree more with that "so many books, too little time," comment!

[Chiqui]

I usually am reading 3 books at the same time.

One is almost always a re-read of something so it's not listed in my currently reading list, and it's also less confusing to follow because, well, already read before.

The other book is a book for adults, or a classic. (And I've also committed to a readathon with friends so I can't really skip on my current adult/classic book right now lol.)

The last one is almost always a YA series. I find YA faster and easier to read--often shorter, too--so it gives me a sense of accomplishment and push me towards finishing other books.

I don't find reading several books hard to follow if the writing style + genre of each book is vastly different from one another. :3

[David]

Good point, Chiqui, on the different writing style. It's no doubt why I can get away with reading non-fiction along side fiction, but I think of that as research rather than entertainment; I'm usually writing a story at the same time as reading one, so in a way, I guess that's my third read, and the reason why I can only read one story at a time for actual pleasure.

[Victoria]

Non-fiction can be for pleasure too, if you enjoy the subject you're reading about.

If we're going to start on writing too... I've usually got two or three writing projects on the go in different stages. Right now I have one that just needs editing, one that needs a bit more work but is almost finished, and another in the very early stages of being written. I do this because I find it helps me to step away from the story between drafts so I can go back and look at it with fresh eyes and see my mistakes more easily.

[David]

Yep, I do the same, Victoria.

[Victoria]

Oh, by the way, I plan to buy your books this coming week... I decided I'd spend this week's book money on them. :)

[David]

Thanks, I hope you enjoy them.

[Victoria]

You're welcome.

If they're as good as they look like they'll be, I'm sure I will! :)

[Chiqui]

Oh definitely! I've always seen the non-fiction books I read as reading for pleasure, too. :3

[David]

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the non-fiction that I read, It's just that I generally read it for research. Thinking back, as a youngster,being fascinated by how things worked, non-fiction was pretty much all I borrowed from the library. I didn't start reading fiction with any real seriousness until I was 24, when I discovered Piers Anthony's "Incarnations of Immortality". Probably a bit dated for you guys on here :D

[Katelyn]

I can never decide on just one book and I have ADHD so I'm constantly switching between books because I have a hard time staying interested in just one. I'm in the middle of 5 books right now but none of them are similar. Right now I'm listening to one audiobook (YA contemporary), reading one adult fantasy, one non-fiction journal-type novel, one contemporary romance, and rereading Clockwork Angel. I always try to stick with just one book but it rarely works out for me. If I can focus on just one novel, it will be rated 5 stars from me.

[David]

Can I take that as a challenge, Katelyn?

[Katelyn]

David wrote: "Can I take that as a challenge, Katelyn?"

Yes!

[Kaylani]

I generally have to process in between reading a book longer than like 150 pages. So I usually read 2-3 books at a time so I can process while reading the other book. I also do it sometimes for books that are slower and I enjoy but I just can't keep my head in them as much. I will read a chapter or clump and then switch to another book and read 1-2 chapters and go back and forth.

[Valerie]

I am much more successful with one book at a time. I sometimes try to read more than 1, but I often find myself getting too busy to manage them. It is so sad but I work so much. My time for reading is so so limited :( I desperately wish for two things- there was a break at all jobs that is separate from lunch that is meant for reading, and that I could read like Data from Star Trek tng, because he can read and comprehend material (and even learn new things) within seconds. If I could do that and still comprehend everything and feel every emotion that a powerful book can give me, I would be able to read ALL of my unread books, re read all of the books that I want to, and go to the library and bookstore and read read read :) Devour books!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

I read 1 book at a time too, sometimes I have 2 on the go if I have left one book at home and only have the other with me, but generally I find it hard to concentrate on 2 different plots. I need some sense of resolution before starting another story!