2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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I'm reading three books right now. Pride and Prejudice
Red, White & Royal Blue
Anna Karenina
One is a paperback and the other two are ebooks.
I'm reading Pride and Prejudice for the third time because it's one of my favourites!
I'm reading 3 books currently. I find it keeps my attention better and gets me to read more often than if I'm just reading one book at a time.Currently I'm reading Watership Down and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, both ebooks. I'm also reading The Count of Monte Cristo as a paperback. I read the 2 ebooks at work and leave the large paperback for reading at home.
I always have an audible book, a book on kindle and a real book on the go!
It really differs. It depends on my mood, how busy I am, what I am reading, etc. Most times, I start off with the idea of reading a single book at a time. That's the way I prefer it most times. But I'm 100% a mood reader, so perhaps somewhere along the process, I'm in the mood for something else, or another book piques my interest and I just don't want to wait to get to it.
Case in point, I'm currently reading 3 books. It was definitely not my intention. And it was most certainly not my intention to start three short-story collections back-to-back. or that they'd all be sci-fi... And yet here we are.
In this particular case though, what got me into trouble was that pesky "visual hunger".
But in general, I think it's a nice respite to have something else to switch between. Especially if I'm reading something like a classic, historical fiction, non-fiction, or a book dealing with a heavier subject matter.
Before becoming active here, I read books one at a time. Now I usually have 2 or 3 going at the same time. Having more than one going let's me choose what I'm in the mood for. I have been known to ignore the ones I'm reading and pick up one and read it all the way through before getting back to the others.
Having several books open at the same time reminds me too much of school. This sounds negative even though I had enjoyed school for the most part. These days, I may have 2 but no more than 3 open at one time but they will be quite different in topics & feel. Let's say that they're a fiction and a non-fiction and maybe an audiobook for a long drive or a long walk. But what will invariably happen is that eventually one book will pull ahead by capturing my interest and then I'll read that one until I finish it.
I’m reading three crescent city , where dreams descend and ruler of the realm. I stopped reading tidelands because it was eh. Most people love it .
Thanks for sharing, it's very interesting to read your thoughts on this topic.
I read about 8 books at a time, all different types. It keeps me from getting bored - as I get older I find my mind starts to wander while I'm in the middle of a page if I've been reading the same book too long (I suspect I've had this problem my whole life but only come to notice it in the last few years). Also, it prevents the dreaded reading slump - I haven't had one since I started reading multiple books several years ago.
I often read at least 2 books. Mostly because I read paper book when I relax. I listen to audiobook when I do work in the house, are out walking or something. I read one book for my son as a bed time story. Sometimes I also read one more because I need variation, fiction/non-fiction or one easy to read, and one more demanding.
i>RJ from the LBC wrote: "...Also, it prevents the dreaded reading slump - I haven't had one since I started reading multiple books several years ago"I wish reading multiple books at a time prevented reading slumps for me. I've had both the "nothing-will-ever-compare-to-this-book-so-why-bother"-readig slump and the bleaker:"gee-whiz-this-sucks-but-I'm-too-stubborn-to-DNF-(plus-everything-else-will-suck-too)"-reading slump and they'll both rear their ugly heads regardless on how many books I'm reading.. I mean... not always obviously, and not simultaneously, but whenever they do, that's what happens.
I always have at least 5 going: an audio book with my son (currently Percy Jackson)
an audio book just for me (currently The Old Man and the Sea)
a book I'm reading aloud to my son (just finished Pax)
the Outlander series that I'm reading very slowly with a friend (Fiery Cross)
and at least one other. Currently 3 others: World Without End (physical), Lord of Emperors (owned on kindle), City of Girls (library ebook), and tomorrow I'll also be adding And Then There Were None (library ebook hold becomes available)
I like having that many going at once. I always figure out how many pages per day I have to read in each book to finish before the month is out if I'm reading the book for challenges, or before it's due back at the library. I read that many pages, rounding up to the next chapter, and then switch books. It keeps me reading. I'm a bit type A.
Hello! I find myself never reading more than 2 books at a time! I can't seem to focus on the stories if I do. Plus, working full time and travelling means that there are times where I go days in between without having the time and energy to sit and read. This sometimes makes me forget what happened in the last chapter or so in a book, and reading more than 2 would mean that some stories would never get the time and attention they deserve!
I am quite a mood reader as well - I tend to start books based on what I'm feeling/what I think I may be feeling and also how much work I have going on. But usually once I pick them up, I commit till the very last page, unless the novel really doesn't do it for me. Like a bad ex, it's better to cut if off quickly and save the time and effort rather than just ploughing through something I'm not interested in.
No audiobooks for me! I tend to get distracted and lost in my thoughts if multitasking and doing too many things at a time, unfortunately!
I typically have at least 2 books going, but this past weekend I was reading 4 books! Obviously, I switch off among them, but I did manage to finish three of them and now added two more to the mix so am still reading 3 books. I find I typically do no sit and read a short story collection straight through. Many times I also prefer to read nonfiction in shorter doses. It just depends... Interestingly, it was never until I was in my mid-50's that I began reading more than one book at a time. Weird, huh? :) I can remember one of the first times I did so was when I was reading Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five and had to force myself to slog my way through it. I did not appreciate his writing style nor the book overall, but was determined, so I began reading it in tandem with Circling the Sun by Paula McLain which I loved. Ever since then if I am somewhat dissatisfied with a book or become bored with it, I switch off to read something else for a bit and then return to it.
I usually have several books going at once usually more than two and as soon as I finish one I start another. I am usually reading one physical book which I read at night and on weekends but I am also typically reading one at work for professional reading so that I am keeping up with what is new in my field. I am also usually reading one or two on my kindle and listening to an audio book. I can usually keep them all strait without mixing them up but if they are all of a similar genre sometimes it is difficult.
I tend to read more than one book at a time and often in different genres so that I can switch up depending on my mood. :D
I generally have at least three books going at a time. One on audible, one on kindle, and one professional. There are some books that I like to have the actual book in my hands if it is one where I like to go back or read slowly, flip back to previous chapters for reference, or if they have maps or charts for reference such as The Overstory or Circe.I try to make sure the books are not similar at all so that I don't mix up characters or story lines. Glad to know I'm not the only one!
Melissa wrote: "I generally have at least three books going at a time. One on audible, one on kindle, and one professional. There are some books that I like to have the actual book in my hands if it is one where I..."It's nice to know your not the only one who reads more than one book at a time.
Right now I have 2 going one book that I own, currently trying to finish some series that I started last year, and one from the library.
Lately, I always have four books going. I keep a book of short stories by my bedside for when I want a quick yet complete story before going to sleep. There is no time rush on that and I only read it when I feel like it. My second book is my main book. That is the one I bring to work and read on my lunch and breaks. It's the one I concentrate the most on during the day because it is part of my yearly goal so I make sure to keep on track on my reading with my main reads.
My third book is one that I am reading on my kindle. That's a bonus read, and it's also one I read at night before going to sleep. Since I only "buy" free ebooks, most of them tend to be mediocre or boring (and sometimes just plain terrible) so I consider those my light reading.
The fourth one is the one I read to my friend. I have a dyslexic friend who doesn't have a lot of time to read and, although she likes to read, she doesn't do it because it takes so long for her to finish a book. She likes listening to books and since I love reading aloud, we have made it our goal to call each other once a week for me to read aloud to her from some book that either she or I have picked out. Usually, I picked it out because I have read so much more than her and there have been quite a few that I have come across that I feel she needs to know about and she so far as liked all the books I have chosen. :)
Of course, what started this was my love for The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and I really wanted to discuss it with someone but either my friends weren't readers or they weren't readers interested in that sort of magnitude of a book. She was my only one who was but she didn't want to try to read such a big book so we compromised and I said I would read it to her. Having only an hour to two a day a week to read, it took me almost exactly 52 weeks to finish it. I decided not to pick such massive books to read to her from now on. LOL.
I always have 8 books going at a time on my Kindle and sometimes additional books on a site like babel. Additionally, I sometimes have an actual book in print that I'm reading as well. They are also usually in several different genres. I've finished several books that I otherwise would not have had the patience to finish, Moby Dick for example. And sometimes, if I get into one of the books and find I really like it, I read it all the way through, putting the others on hold until I'm finished! I always finish every book I start, no matter how long it takes.
I have a habit of picking up a new book that sounds really interesting, starting it, and then either finishing it within 24 hours or proceeding to set it on my giant stack of books with bookmarks sticking out all over the place. I would really love to finish them all and just have 1 or 2 going at a time, but this seems unlikely.
Keri, that is such an amazing routine you & your friend have! That's great you have someone to read to since you love to read aloud and wonderful for her to have someone to read to her since she doesn't have a lot of time for it. Very cool. :D
I'm reading I eliza hamilton, The luminaires ( which I can't see to finish) I want to give up on tidelands so Its just sitting on my desk.
Carol wrote: "I always have 8 books going at a time on my Kindle and sometimes additional books on a site like babel. Additionally, I sometimes have an actual book in print that I'm reading as well. They are als..."I just bought a ton of bookmarks because sometimes I have at least four books going!
Sakshi wrote: "I'm reading three books right now. Pride and Prejudice
Red, White & Royal Blue
Anna Karenina
One is a paperback and the other two are ebooks.
I'm reading Pride and Prejudice for the third time b..."
Love pride and prejudice too! Anna karinena I love especially the movie that was more like a play. ( I know books to movies a big problem )
I usually have several books in progress: 1-2 (of different genres) on my Kindle, an audiobook, an e-book on my library app, and maybe a paperback/hardback if I've borrowed a book or received a gift! Currently, it's
Jane Eyre
The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World
Heartbreak Hotel
The Muse
I am another one who always has more than one book on the go. I find as I branch to different genres , some authors I have to take a break from . Right now I am reading, listening to ( as my eyes are bad).Lonesome Dove
The girl in the Spider's Web
What Alice Forgot
Everybody Dies
The Bourne Ultimatum
Colorblind
Currently, I am "reading" three books:Finishing A Gentleman in Moscow which is proving to be absolutely excellent! This was the Popsugar monthly read for July. (Yep, a bit behind!) And I'm so glad others have been so encouraging to read this, otherwise, I probably would not have done so. :) Delightful!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for the Popsugar Monthly Read in August. I am leading the discussion and am a bit behind (a recurrent theme) as I usually want to have the book read prior to the beginning of the month...but...life got in the way!
I started Vinegar Hill the other night at bedtime. I think this is going to be a bit depressing...
I also looked at the first few pages of Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir over the weekend and am anxious to get this read.
It is not uncommon for me to have at least 3-4 books going at once. I never did that until I reached the age of 50 or so and now I crave the diversity of reading experiences and have discovered that once I am halfway or more through a book, then I tend to concentrate on reading it until I finish it. I like switching back and forth to fit my mood and help relieve negativity when a book seems to be especially depressing or dark...
Thanks for commenting. I usually read 2 or 3 at once.1 e book the library has a ton, even some complete series.
1 physical copy boook
And possible 1 audio book
Right now Im reading Raised by wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes book 1 in a series
And 2 fuzzy, 2 furious the unbeatable squrriel girl book 2 novel by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale - so good and fun, I want to read the comics
I used to be a strict one book at a time reader but this year I have been reading multiple books at the same time:An anthology of time travel stories - I've been dipping in and out of this for months
I've been listening to audiobooks as I've been working from home (due to the covid-19 pandemic) because it's too quiet. Plus I found stories.audible.com which is offering free audiobooks.
Plus an ebook/physical book
Rachael wrote: "I used to be a strict one book at a time reader but this year I have been reading multiple books at the same time:An anthology of time travel stories - I've been dipping in and out of this for mon..."
I love that audible is offering titles for free!
I usually always have 2-3 books I'm reading at one time. Non fiction and fiction, as ebook and audio book.
Thanks for commenting!@sun 5 wow! The most I read is 3 books maybe 4
@Cecelia sounds like a good plan and reading stategy
@KatiecatsBookishLife very cool. I read mostly fiction, but I do want to read some nonfiction about whales, reading song for a whale, has made me want to learn about whales.
Also love your username! Very cool.
Carol wrote: "I always have 8 books going at a time on my Kindle and sometimes additional books on a site like babel. Additionally, I sometimes have an actual book in print that I'm reading as well. They are als..."Me too! I have 8 or so books, it helps me tackle those larger than 700 pages. I'm also a mood reader so, sometimes I'll be fine with an angsty one and other time it will be to much for me. And with these book I'm not taking into consideration mangas. If I counted those I would be reading maybe 15-20 books at a time.
Sometimes, I'll pick 1 book. I always read only one book. And sometimes 2 books.
I usually have 3 or 4 on the go, one in print, one audiobook and one one the e reader. I guess I am just addicted.
I usually have one going on my Kindle and one audiobook. Occasionally I'll add a physical book as a third, but rarely.
I usually have 8 to 10 books I'm reading at the same time. I use them to suit my moods or my reading circumstances. I read a lot of politics, science, and history and they are all books I need to concentrate on so rarely read more than a chapter at a time. The topics often segue into other books on the same subject, so I end up with many at one time. I also read mysteries and contemporary fiction which are usually audiobooks. Whenever a book nearing the end I read only that book.Someone mentioned having multiple books open at the same time as a reminder of school and I completely agree. I got used to reading that way and I guess that is why I am comfortable with many books open at the same time.
Yes, I normally read at least 2-3 books at once, often more. I started reading more than one book at a time when I was a young child before I had homework (we didn't get homework in the early grades back then where I grew up, thankfully) :)
I'm usually reading a few different books at a time because I'm usually in at least 1 book group. I always have a book to read in Spanish for Club de Lectura. Then I have whatever library books I've gotten on hold. The library is where I discover new to me authors. If I love them, I'll do a stretch of reading many of their books. The latest author that I discovered and read 5 of his books was David Sedaris simply because he's laugh out loud hilarious and I needed a change of pace from The Bone Collector, which is suspenseful and violent. As you can see, I concur with the folks who mentioned different books work better for matching my mood. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It seems like the more stressed I am the more books I read at one time. Currently I am reading:The Unearthly
Black Sun
Seveneves (I'm about ready to give up on this one)
Echoes of Us
and
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (audio book)
I always start two books at a time. Its actually fun to switch books in the middle but when a book is pretty engaging, there is no chance of switching. Currently I am reading Doctor Sleep and The Chornicles of Narnia
I typically have several books that I am reading at the same time. I have a book that I read at work during lunch and then a book at home that I read before going to bed. Sometimes if the 'work' book is on my kindle and I really want to know what happens, I'll read it at home too. Also, if I book has a lot of pages, I may not read it for several days and read another book. That way I don't loose interest in the larger book. I recently did this with The Kennedy Women - took me a couple months to finish reading it.
I'm always reading several books as well. Most of the time at least one short story compilation, an informatif/philosphical book and one fiction in which I read most regulary. But often I even read more then 3 books at the same time, swiching on mood, occassion, support or language.
Irphen wrote: "I'm always reading several books as well. Most of the time at least one short story compilation, an informatif/philosphical book and one fiction in which I read most regulary. But often I even read..."I also have several books on the go at one time ; one in print, one audio, and one on e-reader. Gives me a choice depending on my mood !
Flora wrote: "It seems like the more stressed I am the more books I read at one time. Currently I am reading:The Unearthly
Black Sun
Seveneves (I'm about ready to..."
I liked Seveneves when I read it (4 stars, but it's possible I rounded it up or something, but I don't remember), but I think you have to be in the mood and it's long, that's for sure.
I would probably have less patience for it since Covid, though.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Black Sun (other topics)Seveneves (other topics)
The Unearthly (other topics)
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (other topics)
Seveneves (other topics)
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Right now I have two books I'm currently reading. My main book is Ivy Aberdeen's letter to the world by Ashley Herring Blake and I'm also reading the callback by Maddie Ziegler book 2 in the audition trilogy.
Ivy is my main book the one I focus on reading most of the time because it's from the library
The callback I have a copy of and is part of the series I'm currently trying to read through.