How Long does it take?

[[deleted user]]

I'm a slow reader it frustrates me. Just Curious, how Long does it take for you guys to read an average size book? ( 400 - 600 pages, Paperback )

[[deleted user]]

Michael wrote: "I used to read faster, I usually read a hundred pages an hour, but then it hit me--this was fun--why was I rushing? Not that I was a real speed-reader. I've heard of people much faster, but I didn'..."

That makes sense, thanks

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

It depends. If I'm really into it, not long at all, less than a day if I have the time. If I'm average into it and reading daily, usually less than a week.

[Arefin]

Michael wrote: "I used to read faster, I usually read a hundred pages an hour, but then it hit me--this was fun--why was I rushing? Not that I was a real speed-reader. I've heard of people much faster, but I didn'..."

well said Michael! I'm a non English speaker and i take a lot of time to finish a book. And a few days ago i noticed that i was enjoying the English books more than my native language books because in case of the latter i tend to rush through the words when situations got tensed and i missed a lot of things wherein in case of english i need to pay maximum attention and be able to enjoy the book more, comparatively!

[Samantha]

Definitely depends. I can't stop when I'm reading something that keeps you desperate to know what's going on chapter after chapter - like a thriller or something. I literally miss whole nights of sleep. But if I'm reading something like I am now, I take it slow. I'm reading Cutting for Stone and it's so full of feeling, I want to savour every moment of reading it.

[Su]

I consider myself a slow reader because I don't like to scimp. I read everything, even the reviews if there are any. And if I love a book and getting near the end, I somehow slow down because I don't want it to be over. It's always hard picking the next book when you've just finished one you love.

[Karen]

deleted user wrote: "Just Curious, how Long does it take for you guys to read an average size book? ( 400 - 600 pages, Paperback )?"

I don't really think about the pace of my reading while I'm reading. I just try to enjoy what I'm doing.

Thinking about it... it really depends on what I'm reading. Assuming I'm reading for pleasure, it then depends on whether I've read the author before and/or how much I enjoy the book. If I "know" the author's voice, I can read faster. If the book is part of a series, even faster. If the author is new to me, it could take a bit to get into the way s/he writes.

To answer your question... My normal rate is roughly 2 pages a minute (I'd guess). I can get through 4-600 pages in 3-8 hours.

[Pavan]

I am a fast reader, if i like a book and I just can't put it down, then I can finish it within a few days, but if the story isn't pulling me in then I tend to read it slower and that because I want to finish the story but not really bothered if I get there quick.

[Chris]

I tend to read quickly, but when I'm really enjoying a book I try to slow down. I've seen a few reviews recently that refer to novels as a quick read as if that has to be a good thing. I don't think it is - as people here have said it depends on the book.

[Samantha]

It really does.

[Karen]

Pavan wrote: "...but if the story isn't pulling me in then I tend to read it slower and that because I want to finish the story but not really bothered if I get there quick."

YES! If I have trouble getting into a book, I tend to allow myself to be distracted by other reads. I always finish books I start, but sometimes the going can be tough. I am in that rut now. I have a book 3 (maybe 4?) lending periods old now. This is his second fiction book. I had trouble getting through the first in this series, but finished. Now, I've started the second, but just can't seem to force myself to keep with it. For some reason, the "voice" just doesn't flow for me making it tough to get into a good rhythm.

I think there are only two more lending periods available, so I will have to get it done soon. :o)

[Pavan]

Karen wrote: "Pavan wrote: "...but if the story isn't pulling me in then I tend to read it slower and that because I want to finish the story but not really bothered if I get there quick."

YES! If I have troub..."

I know how you feel I have a book at the moment that Ive been reading for a while and keep telling myself just get through it, read it and its over lol

[M.A.R.]

If chapter one doesn't hold my interest, I stop. This can reflect a plot that doesn't become evident, flat characters, forced dialogue, or simply a style that doesn't engage me. You're right. Would you recommend such a book if you had to force yourself to the proverbial finish line? I'd hope not.

[Suzanne]

If after reading 3 or 4 chapters, a book isn't "grabbing" me, I skip to the last couple of chapters to see how it turned out and then I'm done with it. If a book has too many errors...spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes, etc....I'll just give up on it altogether and not even mess with reading the last chapters. What has happened to editing? You can't rely on spellcheck! Life is too short to waste on bad books!

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Suzanne, I think with a lot of people self-publishing, the editing phase is done by the author, often with less than desirable results. And yes, I agree with you, life is too short to waste on bad books! 8:D

[Samantha]

I can let go the odd typo but agree if it's riddled with errors it's too off-putting. I'm the same with the first few chapters too, if it isn't grabbing me I can't carry on - but if someone bought me the book as a gift, I act differently usually (just because they bought it with thought (hopefully!)). So I'll put it down but will try again with it once or twice over the years. Finally I give in if it's that bad...

[Chris]

Occasionally I've gone back after weeks or months to a book that didn't grab me and discover that now I really enjoy it. Must be to do with changing moods.

[Samantha]

Chris, I do this as well. I started to read 'Stoner' by John Williams and put it down half way through the second chapter. A while later I picked it up and couldn't stop reading. Same for quite a few others. For me it can very much depend on where I'm at in my head/life.

[Vikki]

On average I'd read a book between 400 & 500 pages in a week. But it depends on the book and the amount of time I have to read.

[KW]

Well, after reading all of your comments I'm convinced I must be the slowest reader in the world! It would take me a good couple of weeks to read a 500 page book.

[Karen]

KW wrote: "Well, after reading all of your comments I'm convinced I must be the slowest reader in the world! It would take me a good couple of weeks to read a 500 page book."

First, don't be hard on yourself, KW. You're not competing with anyone when it comes to reading. As Loretta said, As long as you read the book you wanted and you enjoyed it." That's the important thing... You read and enjoyed what you wanted.

Second, think about the amount of time you actually spend reading over that two weeks. It's not as if you're taking 14 24-hours days to read the book. If my reading time gets cut because of the general busyness of life, it can take me a couple of weeks to finish a book because I only get a few minutes here and there. Overall it might still only take 3-4 hours, but it's spread over those weeks.

[Louise]

400-600 pages would probably take me about four days. But most fiction books i read are a bit shorter than that. The average Agatha Christie novel for instance would normally take me about 2 days to read.

[KW]

I'm okay with it really Karen. I agree with Loretta, it is a pleasure thing so it doesn't matter how long it takes. I'm just amazed at how fast some people can read. My wife devours books, she can read 500 pages in two days no problem. I like to savour the moment and love being submerged in a good book. Life does take over sometimes and finding time to read can be a challenge. The upside of that is when you do pick up that book your daily worries fade away for a while.

[KW]

Aw-shucks, thanks!

[Elizabeth]

with me its how big the book is, and if I'm really hooked with the book ,like with Burial Groundand In a Dark, Dark Wood ,I stayed up until 2:50 am reading because I had to know what happened so if I'm 100% hooked in a book 1 day and half to three days. I've been know to read like a 600 page book in 2 to three days is I'm total hooked on the story. longer if I'm kind not in to the story at all or if I have to put it down for some reason like I'm sick.

[Amy]

I feel the same collectively of these answers. Mostly, that it depends on ones interest in the material. Some books might be 6-700 pages, but a relatively "fluffy" book, taking no time at all. Others might be 300 and take me much longer to read based on it being more dense and/or having more depth.
Another example might even being already knowing the material from having seen the film first. Something I dislike. I'd rather read the book first and have it brought to life on screen rather than the reverse. I'd rather critique things better this way, as well. I just finished "Interview with the Vampire" and feel I would have liked the book much better having not known the plot. The writing was excellent and it was a good book but I still only have it three stars based on my finding it took me longer to read and I cared less about it, already knowing its outcome. I wavered giving it another star because of this simple point. Did I not like it because it was boring or was it boring to me because I already knew it?
Some I read very fast. Some much slower based on content and interest.

[Marion]

Suzanne wrote: "If after reading 3 or 4 chapters, a book isn't "grabbing" me, I skip to the last couple of chapters to see how it turned out and then I'm done with it. If a book has too many errors...spelling mist..."

I do the same exact thing.

[Marion]

If the book is sooo good that I want to go through it quickly, I slow down in order to savor every single bit of writing.

[Janet]

I've been reading my Dickens book for a good 7 months. I read a chapter a fortnight.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔]

2-3 days unless life gets difficult

[Luelle]

Michael wrote: "I used to read faster, I usually read a hundred pages an hour, but then it hit me--this was fun--why was I rushing? Not that I was a real speed-reader. I've heard of people much faster, but I didn'..."

I like that metaphor about sipping the book. If you're enjoying it -- why not make it last. If you're not liking it -- life is too short -- move onto another one you like better.

[Pamela]

For me, it depends on what else is happening. On average it takes me three days to read a book but if its about 600 pages, nonfiction or particularly heavy -- as the book I am reading now is -- it will take longer.