Hour 4 - Serial vs. Parallel Reading

[Jamie]

Are you a serial reader or a parallel reader? Serial readers read one book at a time- start one book, read that book, finish that book, start the next book. A Parallel reader reads multiple books 'at once'- start one book, read some of it, start another book, read some of it, maybe go back to the earlier book, or start another book, eventually finish each book, but meanwhile start a few more. (The terms are mine, thinking of serial versus parallel wiring for string lights.)

[Vavita]

I am a parallel reader.

I switch between ebooks, paperbacks, and audios. I also switch between thriller and horror. From time to time, I grab a fantasy book too. It all depends on my mood.

[Elyse]

100% read multiple books at once. I can't not. lol. I always have at least an e-book, an audiobook, and a physical book going at once. Sometimes multiple of each format but not usually unless I'm also doing buddy reads.

[Doni]

I often read multiple books at once but during the readathons, I like to read one book at a time.

[Melanie]

I read multiple books at a time. I love how many people I've seen now that do that - I used to think there was something wrong with me, lol.

[Kate]

Doni wrote: "I often read multiple books at once but during the readathons, I like to read one book at a time."

I'm the opposite! I normally only read 1 at a time but for readathons I like to start a couple in the lead up so I can finish them over the readathon and feel I've made some progress.

[Lamilla]

I multitask! Usually have up to 7 books on Goodreads' currently reading shelves.

[Cynda]

I parallel read. I used to be able to read from three books a day. Although I usually have several books going, I now sometimes only read from one book a day. Maybe just depends on how much time I have.

[Taya]

I think I am a parallel reader by these terms. I usually try to have one audiobook going and at least one physical or ebook. I try to limit myself to no more than 2 books going at a time though because I get overwhelmed other wise

[Nona]

Good question (and I like those terms)!

I'm definitely a parallel reader, usually reading 3-6 books at once (generally all in different genres).

Last Readathon I tried serial reading, sticking to one book until I finished it, and I hated it! 😂 It was good to try once, and now I know.

[Jamie]

I have always been a parallel reader. I always have a lot of started books, and as long as I stop at the end of a scene or chapter it is no different from watching episodes of multiple TV series. One of my sisters is a strict serial reader though, and the other sister tries to read in parallel but almost always ends up reading serially instead. I do my audiobooks serially though. I may have 10 or more print books started, but only ever one audiobook I am currently reading..

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

I am a parallel reader.

If it's books I own.....they could sit there days, months, years before I finish them--and usually I can't even begin to count how many I've got started. I get 'start-itis" more than "done-itis"

Library borrows, I will start a bunch of those too--on top of my own-- BUT I will finish them a lot faster because of due dates🤣

Now, there are random times when I can't stand the "reading clutter" any more and I will "clean up" all the ones I've got started. Sometimes it will take me a few days but I will eventually get every last one of them finished and have a clean slate. ONLY to start the process all over again.

It doesn't matter what format--I'm a parallel reader in print,audio and ebook formats.

[Ann (Noumena12)]

Totally a serial reader. I'm also a binge reader. If I find an author or series I really like, I tend to read everything! I'm a kindle ebook reader exclusively except for my cookbooks. I love kindle unlimited and library books.

[Jamie]

Robin (Saturndoo) wrote: "I am a parallel reader.

If it's books I own.....they could sit there days, months, years before I finish them--and usually I can't even begin to count how many I've got started. I get 'start-itis..."

I occasionally get the urge to have a clean slate, and might even get my already started stack down to just a couple books, but it has been years since I completely finished all my started books. I get close and accidentally start a couple new ones.

[Rebecka]

I am a parallel reader. Have books in every bag or room:)

[Abbie]

typically a serial reader, but parallel reading (successfully so far) today!

[Ann A]

Mostly a parallel reader. I do try to start fresh for readathons and at the beginning of a new year. I have to be careful that the books are all very different, so I don't get confused and mix up characters/plots.

[Nona]

Jamie wrote: "Robin (Saturndoo) wrote: "I am a parallel reader.

If it's books I own.....they could sit there days, months, years before I finish them--and usually I can't even begin to count how many I've got ..."

Lol. Accidentally starting more books is a thing! I didn't mean to! 😂

[Vicki Willis]

I am a parallel reader.
I like a kindle book, an audio book, a physical book.
Hopefully not the same genre though!

[Cathy]

Parallel. Usually one ebook, one audio, a comic, and a short story magazine. I also try to avoid reading the same genre in parallel. And I tend to finish them all fairly swiftly.

[Lynnette]

Lately I’m a parallel reader. I have a decent commute to work so I always have an audiobook going in the car. And I always have an unfinished library book that I need to return, so I generally have at least three books going at a time.