Hi bookish people! Happy New Year!! I hope 2020 will be filled with love, adventures and LOTS of books. How are you? Did you spend a nice winter break? I did! A lot of cocooning and spending time with my family, I really really needed it. And now, it’s right back to the little routine. Hurry up spring, because I’m freezing over here!
Anyway, I’m back today with a pretty interesting topic : why I don’t read multiple books at a time.
In a society where we’re always craving for more and want everything right this second without having to wait for any of it, it seems like a lot of people are reading two or three or maybe even four books at the same time. How is that even possible??! Of course it has its perks, like:
- You can easily balance your pleasure reading with your required reading,
- Apparently, you can get through your TBR faster (is that really true?),
- You can make connections between books you wouldn’t have thought of,
- You can switch between stories according to your mood,
- It allows you to develop your memory skills….
But seriously I don’t get how I would read multiple books at a time and more importantly why I would do that??
? I get confused with the characters
I have no issues watching several tv shows at the same time but I don’t know why… it’s not the same with books. With books, I get confused so easily with the characters: their names, their relationships, their hobbies, their backgrounds , it just doesn’t stick. I don’t get that confused with tv shows, maybe because I can really see, therefore remember a character right away.While reading, I would always be like : who is that again? why is he kissing her? what the hell happened between those two again? It’s so annoying and I waste precious time trying to remember everything. How can you care about characters when you can’t seem to remember their little quirks?
? I’m going to like one book more than the other, it’s not fair
It’s true, let’s be realistic. While reading two books at the same time, you’re going to enjoy one more than the other. It can be because you’re in the mood for a fluffy read more than one with a lot of twists or because you’re more into the writing of this author than the other or because you really fell in love with those characters… It’s not fair because the other book is also really really good but just because you’re reading it at the same time as another one, you just don’t enjoy the ride as much as you should. You’ll end up rating it a 3 stars on Goodreads when it could’ve easily been a 4 or even a 5. It’s a shame, isn’t it?
? It’s too much organization
I’m an organization freak. I can’t live without my lists and I like it when everything is planned out. Just thinking about reading several books at a time freaks me out. I mean…do I need to have both books with me at all times? Or should I leave one at work to read it during lunch breaks and one at home to read before bed? What if I want to read the other one when I’m at home? Should I pick two paperbacks or pick one on the e-reader and the other one in physical copy? Do I need to read two different types of books in order to keep the two stories straight like a contemporary and a dystopia?? I know, I know…I’m overthinking this but I just want to read and it should stay a pleasure and not provoke a whirlwind of questions swirling through my head. One book at a time seems perfectly fine for me.
? I’m having trouble getting back into the story
Even when I’m only reading one book at a time, when I’m picking it up again I always need a few minutes to get back into it. Like what happened right before I stopped reading. So most of the time I’m going to get back a few pages before and, not re-read them entirely, but browse rapidly through them to know exactly at which moment I stopped. If I’m reading more than one book at a time, it would take me ages to get back into the story. I would start reading and then get lost along the way… It’s too bad because you always need to rewind and it can get tiring.
? I want to be fully immersed into the world created and leave it properly before entering another one
I may be old school but I like to have one focus. I want to be entirely dedicated to the book I’m currently reading. I think it’s the way the author wants you to experience the story, from the begining to the end and not always jumping back and forth. I’m not saying you need to read it in one sitting (we all have lives and we could all use that thrilling feeling “yaaay, tonight I’m going to get back to that world, I can’t wait!”) but at least experience one story at a time.
What about you? Do YOU read multiple books at a time? Why and how the hell do you do it?
Does it make you feel “less” when you see people reading like five books at a time like a pro? Did you try one day? If not, why?
Let’s chat in comments ?
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I don’t think book polygamy helps me get through my TBR faster. When I’m reading more than one book, it feels like it takes forever to finish anything. I rarely read two novels at the same time, but I do often have a short story collection and a novel going.
Yeah, that makes sense!
That’s great, that’s two different kind of reads! ? Thank you so much for sharing ?
You nailed it. The same reasons why I don’t read multiple books at a time. It gets utterly confusing.
Yeees, my brain just can’t handle all that confusion ??
Hi Nyx! If I read more than one book at a time it’s for two reasons. One is an audiobook and/or I need a change from what I’m reading because my mood changes or I get tired of the book but I don’t want to put it away and will finish it later. I don’t do that too often. I do listen to audiobooks all the time though. On my drive to and from work as well as when I’m cooking, cleaning, etc. i don’t puck up three or four though! Yikes! Who could keep them straight! Nice post!
Hi! ? If I did that, I think I would never pick up the first book ever again ?? But yeah, it makes sense!
Two is already plenty, I don’t know how people manage to read more than that at the same time!
Thank you so so much ??
I only read on book at a time. If I read two which I rarely do it is because I feel stuck with the first one. I then finish reading the second and decide whether I want to finish the first one or start a new book.
My memory is simple too bad to be switching between between books??
Oh yeah I get that!
Hahaha, same here! My brain can’t handle all that confusion ??
Hey Nyx, loved the post! I completely agree with everything you said yet… I completely do the opposite ?, or at least in parts. I usually read one fantasy book and one self-help books on my kindle and if I feel like it I’ll also have another one on Audible (maybe a Classic or something like that). Usually self-help, etc I’ll read in the morning right after waking up and then have the rest of the day to dive into the fantasy/YA one. I kind of need the two to feel balanced ?
Hi again! And thanks again! ? That’s a whole organization you got there, haha! It’s great if that works out for you ?
Just curious does Marie read multiple books at a time? Or just one?
I do read multiple books at a time!! I can’t help it! The bad thing is that I’m like a magpie with books: if I find something a touch more interesting than I abandon the old book though it’s good and then run off with it and by the time I return I’d have lost interest/forgotten everything haha.
I try to read 1 book, either physical or ebook, with another, an audio. An audio feels like a completely different reading experience so for me it avoids the confusion~
I’m glad you had a lovely winter break!! <3
She only read one book at a time, same as me!
Hahaha, that’s my biggest fear actually! To find a better book and to completely left the one I was reading even if it was not that bad! So I try to commit to one at a time ?
I get that! It’s a whole different experience so it shouldn’t be as confusing!
Thank you so so much! ??
Great discussion!
I do read 2 books at a time, one physical and one on audio. In this case I do think it gets me through my TBR faster since I would listen to my book at times I could not physically read. But if someone would read two physical books at once, I do think you go faster?!
I always try to read and listen to very different books, so that I would not get confused haha! Like one fantasy and one mystery or something!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thank you so much! ?
Oh, I get it, it’s really two different kinds of reading experiences! And that makes sense that you’ll get through your TBR faster this way. Damn, you’re smart! ?
Thank you for sharing! ?
I usually read 2 books at a time – paperback and ebook. But there are times that I do get confused and along the way decided to drop reading one book over the other ?
Haha, I totally get that! That’s why I decided to commit to one book at a time ?
Thanks for stopping by! ?
I 100% agree with everything you’ve said. I always feel like I’m cheating on a book if I start reading another one haha. I get too easily confused, especially if the books are in the same genre, it’s too much information to process. I feel like fully immersing yourself in one book gives you the time to really connect with, whereas if you were jumping between books I’d feel like I’d only be half as invested and probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much either. Brilliant post.
It totally feels like cheating! ? Yeees, that’s exactly it! You’re not 100% into the story!
Thank you so so much ??
I normally have 2 books going at once. One physical or ereader, one on audiobook. I love reading and it drives me bananas when I have to do something like daily chores, long drives, cooking, work ( I’m an artist), etc. So I listen to an audiobook when I’m doing stuff like that. I have read 4 books at a time before but that was just too much. Not because I got confused, but because it slowed me wayyyy down. I’m already a slow reader and this made it even slower to finish any of them. Sometimes I will read 3 books at a time, but it’s usually when one of them is heavy non-fiction and I want something a little bit different and “lighter” to read when I take a break from the non-fiction. That is easier for me to do then if all 3 books are fiction. *shrug* I don’t get too confused between the different stories, but, I also keep a book journal and write down all my thoughts as I go, so maybe that helps keep it separate for me? I admit there have been a few times though where I stop myself and I’m like “She was in that story or the other story? “ and it takes me a few seconds to work out who was in which book. Lol, but that happens even if I’m reading one book at a time but my read book total for the year is high or if I’ve read a long series. I read a lot of horror and subcategories of horror, so most of my books are similar in genre, but not always the same theme. Like right now I’m listen to a gothic audiobook about a ghost in a lake and physically reading a creature feature book about giant killer rats in a junkyard. So, that is all horror, but it’s different enough to keep things from getting mixed up. 🙂 I don’t feel “less” when I see people reading a bunch of books at once, but I do feel a little bit “less” at their reading speed. It always amazes when I see people who can read fast and finish a book in a day without even trying. :O
Oh yees, that’s pretty awesome when you can do chores while reading at the same time! Unfortunately, I don’t do audio books but I totally get it!!
Yeah, 4 books books at once does seem like a lot. I don’t know how people do it! ?
I agree, I think the key is to pick really different kind of books like fiction and non-fiction and also different formats like you said, audio books and physical books. That’s so great about the book journal, I absolutely love the idea ?
I’m really impressed that you don’t get confused!
Oh yeees, same here! How do they read so fast, that’s just not possible!!
Thank you so so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the topic ??
If I read more than one book at a time, it’s usually on accident bc I forgot to read a book club book or didn’t plan ahead to read an ARC ? otherwise I prefer to just stick with one book!
Hahaha ? Yeah, let’s commit to one book only, it works better ?
I’m a book monogamist. The fracturing that occurs when I try to get back into a book is too distracting. Reading one chapter before bed never resonated with me, and I opt for reading in one sitting as often as possible. I will wait for the author to compete a series before I start book one so the story flows. I think we are wired to want a complete story, otherwise why would binge watching shows be a thing? Happy reading, Nyx.
Wow, that’s exactly it! You really put into words what I’m feeling! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic ?
I can’t do it, I just can’t but my brain doesn’t work that way.
If I try and multi-task at anything, let alone reading, than I feel I do a half-assed job at two things rather than a really good job at one thing.
With reading I feel it would mean that I would be half in two different the books and wouldn’t be able to pay attention to what was going on with characters or plot and if one book is a different genre or tone… well I just can’t deal with that level of mood whiplash.
If other’s can do it then more play to them if that’s their process but I can only focus on so much at a time or I feel like my brain gets scrambled!
YEEES! That’s exactly it! You’re only half involved into the story and it isn’t fair. My brain just can’t handle all that confusion!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic ?
I always read one book at a time, but this year I started reading three all at once and it is surprisingly working out for me! One is an audiobook, so I listen to it while I’m doing something else, like working or cooking. The other one is a contemporary book that is more lighthearted, so when I want something easier to read, I pick that one up. Finally, the third one is a literary novel that requires more concentration and it is more dramatic than the rest. It feels like each book brings something different to the table and I can always be reading, no matter the mood I’m in.
I still agree with you that reading one book at a time might be better, but I hope that at least my experiment with these three books goes well 😛
Oh yeah, it makes sense. You’re reading very different kind of books! I’m glad it works out for you! Like you’re saying, you can read no matter how you’re feeling that day, that’s pretty awesome! ?
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!! ?
I used to read multiple books at a time, but now I prefer not to. I for sure always end up liking one better and then it feels like a chore to go back to the other. The only time I’ll read more than one book at a time is if I’m tackling a dense classic and feel like I need to give my brain a break. Or if my need to re-read Harry Potter takes over and I can’t help myself 🙂
YEEES! That’s my biggest fear : to like one book more than the other and completely give up the first one I was reading. ?
Oh yeees, if it’s Harry Potter…everything is allowed ??
It works for me if I’m reading fiction and nonfiction!
That makes sense, it’s two very different read! Thank you so much for sharing ?
I started properly reading multiple books at the same time last year and it definitely boosted the number of books I was able to get through. I like to always have one physical book and one ebook on the go, and sometimes add to it one audiobook. 🙂
That’s awesome!! I’m so glad it works out for you ? Thanks for stopping by ??
Hi Nyx,
I understand every single one of your points just too well. These are the reasons why I usually don’t read multiple books. But it does happen from time to time. Like when I have to read something for uni + something for pleasure. Or right now, I read a physical book and one on my kindle. And I started the physical one because I was too afraid to take my e-reader into the bathtub with me. I sometimes also read two books at the same time, when I’ve started a thick hardcover and don’t want to carry it around, so I have a book to read at home and one to read on the go. But I never read more than two books at the same time, it would just confuse me too much 😀
Hi!! ? I’m glad to see I’m not the only one feeling that way ?
Oh yeah, it totally makes sense when you have some required reading to pick up another book for pleasure! I’m not at school anymore but I think I would do it too!
That’s great that you can jungle between two books! Sometimes my bag is SO heavy because I’m reading one big fat book and I just can’t start another one until I’ve finished this one ?
More than two books…it’s magic at this point ??
Great post, Nyx ❤️
I mostly read two books at a time, one on my Kindle and one physical book. The physical one I’ll take with me to work and the Kindle one is for bedtime reading. I also try to choose to different genres, which actually helps.
I have NO idea if it actually makes me read faster, but it is more convenient. I also sometimes focus solely on the one book if it captures my attention more so sometimes it’s not even successful ?
I’m so happy to read your posts again and I hope you have a wonderful year xx
Thank you so so much ?
That’s a great strategy!!
Haha, I think it would be my case ??
Aww, thanks!! It makes me so happy to read that! Have a fabulous 2020 ?✨
I read 12 books at one time because I have no self control. I am the ultimate mood reader and if I am not on a time restraint to read something then I like to take my time with it. I generally have one audio, three physical reads (usually one of those is nonfiction), and whatever ebooks I’m reading on my phone. I don’t think it makes me get through my TBR faster. In all honesty, it slows down my pacing because if I’m really not connecting to a book I may not read it for a month and that just makes it harder to finish. I have to force myself to keep reading those books often.
12 books??! Oh my god, are you a wizard? How do you not get confused? ?
Yeah, that’s one the main reasons I don’t read multiple books at a time. I’m going to love one more than the other and end up giving up the other one even if it was not that bad!
Thank you so so much for sharing! ??
I read multiple books at a time but that because the novels are ongoing online novels lol. It’ll be impossible for me to keep up with the story line and characters if I read multiple physical books at a time.
Oh, I see! It makes sense!
Glad to see I’m not the only one ?
I’ll normally be actively working on two or 3 at a time. One audiobook and either one physical, physical and an ebook, or two physical. That’s because I’m out and about a lot so I’ll have an audiobook for when I’m driving, a physical or ebook for when I’m waiting at the dr or during break at work, and a different one for when I’m lying in bed relaxing. I never have trouble keeping the books straight but it lets me read different things based on my mood or what I’m doing at the time which I love
Oh…I see! That’s pretty awesome!! I wish I could do it but my brain gets confused so easily ?
Thanks for sharing! ??
Hey Nyx! I agree with you. There was a time when I was reading two (or more!) books at once. I definitely felt the same way as you do- I usually like one book more than the other, and I can’t fully immerse myself in either book because I was always switching between the two. Great post 🙂
Hi!! ? I’m glad to see I’m not the only one feeling that way! Thank you so much ??
I tend to read a couple books at the same time, but it’s not really to get through them faster. I just have different ways of reading them – online, e-book, physical book. Or I just want to read something, but I also need to read something else (like for book club). If I go back and forth, without too much of a break between books, then I can keep track of it while I’m reading. It’s not for everyone though!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Oh, I see! That’s so great you can do it, I wish I could but my brain would get so confused haha ? I think it would only work if I was still in school and got some required reading, I would totally read another book at the same time ?
Thank you for sharing! ??
I feel like the only time I can multitask between books is when I’m in uni. Besides that, I’d much rather read a single book at a time. I feel like I can enjoy it more. I also want to give each book the same amount of time. I don’t want to feel like I like one more than the other just because I didn’t take the time out to read each book carefully. x
Darianne | http://www.placestoconstrue.com
YEEES, that’s exactly how I feel! Thank you so much for stopping by ??
I also don’t prefer to read multiple books at once! But lately, I’ve kind of had to. So. Much. Required. Reading. And I’ve discovered that I (whispers) kind of like it.
Oh yeah…when you have some required reading, it’s hard not to read another book for pleasure! Glad it works for you ?
I totally relate to this! I’ll sometimes read two books at once if I’m reading a boring school book that takes me like a month to get through bc I’ll like slog through the required few chapters of that per week and then spend hours reading a fun book later. I never understand school books anyways so whatever on the confusion lmao. other than that I always read only one book at a time it would be so confusing and way too much organization to deal with more than one, and I want to be fair and love each book!
Hahaha, that would totally be me!! ?
Totally, that’s exactly how I feel!
Thanks for stopping by ??
I am the same way as you. I can’t read any two books at the same time. Sometimes its a pain because I don’t want to carry a library book or I start a book on my phone and want to not stare at a screen.
Yeaah…I totally get that!!
Thank you for sharing ??
I only read one book at a time simply because I don’t want to read anything else. 🙂 My husband always reads multiple books at the same time but he mostly reads non-fiction and it takes him quite some time to finish one.
That’s a pretty awesome reason! ? Oh yeah, I get that! Thanks for stopping by ??
I relate to ALL of these!! I can’t read multiple books at once either. Im not able to fully appreciate either of the books. Anyways, Such a great post ✨
I’m so glad I’m not the only one feeling that way! ? Thank you so so much, I’m happy you enjoyed it ??
Never related to a post more!! Love this!
Aww, thank you so so much! ☺️
I read multiple books mostly because I can’t not be reading and sometimes I need space from something I’m not in the mood for. So I’ll be moving extremely slow through one and want a boost so I’d try another and see if reading it would get my mojo back. I do not have a day job, so juggling books keeps me busy ?
Yeah, I agree that it’s pretty great to pick your read according to your mood! ?
Oh…well, enjoy!! That’s the perfect way to spend the day ??
Yes! Yes! and Yes!
Several year ago I thought about creating a blog post, but it never got off the ground because I couldn’t find enough personal reasons, but this hit the nail on the head! My attention to the details would definitely get sullied if I read multiple books, although I currently have a book I started and I keep it on standby, but otherwise I definitely couldn’t juggle three or four books at once — and it blows my mind people who can!
Great post and happy new year!
– K
Oh, thank you so so much! That’s so sweet of you to say ??
Yeees!! They must have some sort of super powers or something ?
Thank you, happy new year to you too ✨
I read multiple books at once, usually. I think since I’m a mood reader, it fits well into my reading habits. Even if I’m enjoying a book, if I’m in the mood for a new genre, I’ll pick up another book and choose which book I read based on my mood each day. I also tend to read one book on my Kindle and another in print form, which is more about convenience than mood. I’ve very rarely gotten mixed up between books, unless it’s been a long time since I picked up one of the books. But I don’t think reading multiple books is for everyone. It works for me, but I totally understand how it could be hectic and confusing for some.
That’s so awesome that you can do it! Are you like a wizard or something? ? No but seriously, I’m so impressed!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic ?
I usually like to devour one book at a time, but when i feel too much drained out or the book just doesn’t suit my mood, i have to switch.
I get that! I don’t think I could do it though, I would be too scared to totally give up on the first book ? Thank you so much for sharing ??
I have trouble reading more than one book at a time, too. The only way I do it is with an audiobook and then reading a book. I can separate those easier for some reason.
Oh yeah, maybe it’s because it’s two very different reading experiences! Thanks for stopping by ?
Great post! I am mostly the same way with reading multiple books at a time. It’s so hard to do! Sometimes I’ll attempt it, but then end up just reading one more than the other anyway. If it’s audiobook then I am able to do two books at a time. Like have one book I read myself and then another book I listen to. I also try to make sure the books are completely different, so I don’t get confused too often. But rarely do I read more than one book at a time.
Right?! I don’t know how people do it! Same here, I’m going to read one more and end up dreading to get back to the other one because I just don’t like it as much ?
Oh yeah, maybe it’s because it’s two different reading experiences!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic ??
I am unfortunately reading SIX BOOKS at the moment. It was seven, but I finished one a couple of days ago. Why you ask?
2 of them are books I had to read some things from for an English Lit. class, but then I loved them enough to buy them, so now they’re “currently reading” because I’m part way through both of them…
2 books are things I read about 30 pages at the beginning of when writing a paper/preparing a presentation last year and they’re really interesting so I want to finish them, but haven’t gotten around to doing so yet.
1 book is a book I’ve been reading since May last year. It’s a German book + a fiction book that follows different perspectives in different chapters, so it is harder to motivate myself to pick it up (plus I was slumpy all last year).
and the final book is a book that I read a chapter of and never continued because, again, slumpiness, and therefore remains on my ‘currently reading’ shelf because I still want to read it, and I still remember what happened in the first chapter so I don’t want to relegate it back to the TBR pile yet.
Ideally, I like to read about 2 books at the time. Usually if I’m reading a poetry collection or short story anthology I also like to read another book, as I find the best way to enjoy these books is to spread them out and read a couple of poems/stories each day. Otherwise I don’t absorb them (this is especially the case for poetry). Sometimes I also like to read two books if one of them is non-fiction, because sometimes you’re just really not in the mood to read more non-fiction when you’ve spent the whole day in classes and writing papers!
But more than 2 or 3 and I start to get a bit frustrated and feel the urge TO CUT DOWN. Also I start being like ooh I want to read that next, but then having to remind myself of all the ‘currently reading’ books I have… which is just sad…
Do you think I should remove the book that I read a chapter of from my ‘currently reading’ shelf… I’m not too sure… maybe I should create a new shelf for all those books that I started, and need to return to at some point in the near future, but am not actively reading… ACTUALLY THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA I’M GOING TO GO AND DO THAT NOW!!!!
6 books??! How do you do it? Are you a wizard or something? ?
Oh my god…I couldn’t have so many unfinished books! It would make me go crazy ?
Yeah, I get that! If it’s two very different kind of books like fiction and non-fiction, it actually makes sense!
I think the only way I could be reading two books at the same time would be if I was still in school and got some required reading… I would totally pick up another one for fun! ?
More than two books at once, it’s really becoming a challenge!
YEEES, you absolutely should. I bet you’ll feel much better ?
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the topic ??
I know, I’m not quite sure myself!! Luckily, my required reading is actually pretty good. There’s only been one I hated out of the fifteen or so I had to read for this class, and 3 have become new favourites, with two that I don’t know about yet coz I’m still reading them!
That’s awesome!! I’m going to call you the queen of reading for now on ?
Haha. Hopefully some of those current reads get finished soon 😉 My TBR for the month, should I succeed would knock another two books off in addition to the one I’ve already read… wouldn’t that be exciting!
I’m sure they will ? Oh yees! It would be awesome ?
I read multiple books at once, in different formats sometimes. I have one I keep at work so I don’t have to carry a book everyday. And I usually have an audiobook going in the car.
Oh that’s great, that’s a smart strategy! ?
Thank you for stopping by ??
Hello Nyx!
You make some interesting points here, especially when you say that it’s inevitable that you’ll like one book more than the other. I’m guilty of reading multiple books at the same time. I don’t think this has happened to me; unless I don’t notice that it’s happening haha. Which, honestly, is probably the case. I’ll definitely have to consider this when I try to read several books at a time. I rarely have issues confusing the characters because I try to read stories that are vastly different from the other. Currently, I’m reading the TOG series and To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ll admit that one is getting more attention from the other, but at least the characters or events will never get mixed up LOL. But I agree that each story deserves it’s own focus so it’s a goal of mine to read one book at a time and at most two (if I need to change books based on my moods 🙂
Hi!! ? Thank you! Yeah…that’s the main reason why I don’t do it. I’m going to like one more and completely forgot about the other one ?
Yeah, you’re right! I think the most important thing is to choose two very different books so you don’t get too confused!
That’s a pretty amazing goal! And two books at once sounds fair ?
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the topic ??
This would’ve never been a post I would have ever expected to see, but I’m so glad to be reading this. I agree with all the points you brought up, especially about how confusing it can get trying to switch between characters and worlds like so. My only exception was ever with required reading for school (in which the school book more than likely got neglected, honestly). I’ve always loved reading and would read one book through the end and then pick up another one. It wasn’t until I was in late high school or college that I realized people actually read multiple books at one time. And when I realized how common this was, I began to feel inferior of sorts because I wasn’t really able to do this. It doesn’t work with me. To this day, I don’t understand how people read multiple books at one time. Once I pick up a certain book, I finish it before moving on to another. Even if I don’t overly enjoy it, I try to push myself to finish, even if it takes longer than expected. And after awhile, I was okay with my ability to only read one book at a time. It has its own advantages too.
Aww, thank you! ?
Yeah, it’s way too much confusion for my poor brain ?
Yeees! I totally get that! If there is some required reading, picking another book for fun is almost an obligation ?
I’m so happy I’m not the only one feeling that way! I was like “how the hell do people do it??! do they have some magical powers I don’t have?”. And yeeees, I’m doing exactly the same!! Even if I don’t enjoy a book, I’m going to finish it before picking another one. I guess we’re wired like that and I’m pretty happy with it! ?
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The most I figured out I can do is Listen to one Audiobook and read one physical book at a time but that’s it for me because I get to confused
Oh yeah, maybe it’s because it’s two very different kind of reading experiences! Same here, my brain is too easily confused I just can’t do it!
Thank you so much for sharing ?
Ahh I totally get your points about reading a single book. I used to be like that but now I read multiple books. I mostly do that because 1) I want to mix up things with my required reading and 2) I usually do paperbacks and e-books so that I can take my ebooks everywhere and keep the paperbacks at home and read ebooks in the dark and stuff like that 🙂
Oh, that’s awesome! It’s so great that it works out for you! Damn, I wish I could do that. I think I need some training or something ?
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic ??
THIS IS EXACTLY ME! I can’t read multiple books at a time either. It’s not that I haven’t tried but I simply can’t pull it of. Everything time I try to switch to other book I think of finishing the first one prior to that. I don’t know how people even manage that.
YEEEES, totally!! I really don’t know how people do it ?
Thank you for sharing ??
GURL same! I cannot read multiple books at a time also due to the same reasons! That’s why even if the book I’m reading isn’t that good, I would be on it FOR MONTHS. Lol
YEEES, totally! I’m so happy I’m not the only one feeling that way! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing ?
Great post, I totally agree with you! I get so confused with characters and relationships. It’s different with tv shows because there’s almost always a ‘previously on…’. That triggers my memory and then I’m all caught up.
On the very very rare occasion that I do read two books at the time, it’s a non-fiction and a fiction. Non-fiction can be hard to read sometimes and in the morning on my commute I want something easy.
Also, lists are everything. I love them. I like checking off one book and then go to the next one. It’s so satisfying 😀
Oh yeees, I’m exactly the same! I’ve got no issues remembering characters or stuff on tv shows but with books…I just can’t! ?
I get that! It’s two very different kind of reading. ?
OH YEES! I LOVE that ??
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I read multiple books at a time. Mainly because it also helps me through “bad” books, if I can switch. 🙂
But I can definitely see your reasons and sometimes deal with those things as well, like getting back into the story and comparing books, which is not always fair to one of the two…
I get that! I just can’t do it otherwise I’m going to give up on the book entirely and I really don’t feel happy about that ?
Yees!!
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Reading multiple books is a bad habit for me. It helps me realise which books I’m really loving though, because when i find something really good i’ll drop the others until i’m done with that one. I don’t get confused, but when I’m reading more than one book I definitely think I get less invested.
Oh yeah, I haven’t thought about it that way but you’re right!
Yees, your focus isn’t on only one story! But I’m impressed that you don’t get confused! That’s awesome ?
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Great discussion, Marie!
I used to read multiple books at one time — I even ended up with a method! It was something along 1 regular novel + 1 short story + 1 graphic novel + 1 non-fiction + …something? Of course, it wasn’t always such a perfect equation but I tried not to have more than 2 in each category. And it not only sped up going through my TBR because of a different story for a different mood but minimalised the empty in-between time! When you don’t know what to pick up and just stare at every book and can’t decide — I still had at least one more story to keep me going.
But I’m on meds now and they affect my focus among other things and it just keeps my attention on one story at a time? I may add some non-fiction throughout or some graphic-novel in-between but that’s rare now.
Since I’ve been on both sides of it, I should be able to tell which one’s “better”, right? But, honestly, both have certain advantages and disadvantages. Whatever keeps you going, keeps you going, I guess? There’s no wrong way to read and being more efficient isn’t always what’s best for you. 🙂
**Nyx!! I’m dumb and mixed things up, sorry!
You’re not dumb! Don’t worry about it!! ?
Thank you so so much, I’m happy you enjoyed it ?
Wow you got a pretty great reading strategy! ? I admit that picking up a book according to your mood is awesome. You have always something to read!
Oh, that’s too bad. I’m sorry about that ?
Yes, I also think that both have advantages and disadvantages! YEES, I totally agree with you! We should just find what is better for us ?
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I often read more than one book at a time, though I never used to. I almost always have an audiobook going and I’m reading at least one other book at the same time. Sometimes I’ll also pause a book because I need to read another book on a deadline (I’m about to do that tonight, in fact). As long as the books aren’t too similar, I don’t usually get them confused, but I can definitely understand why some people avoid reading multiple books at once!
I’m so impressed!! Seriously, I don’t know how you do it! I wish I could do the same but I’m a one-book kind of girl, that’s for sure ?
Thank you for sharing ??
I read multiple books at once, and here’s why it works FOR ME: I’m a total mood reader, and if I’m not feeling a book I can’t make myself read it. Reading multiple books at once lets me step away from that book until I’m feeling it again. It also lets me listen to a book on audio while at work and read something else in paperback/ereader at home in the evenings.
To keep the characters and storlines straight, I try not to read the same types of books at the same time though. Not long ago I was reading and listening to two historical romances, and both had heroines with rocky pasts that were very similar, and I got super confused trying to keep the timelines straight. I read a lot of romance so right now I have a contemporary romance, a historical romance, a classic epic fantasy series, a popular fantasy YA fairy tale retelling, and another YA fantasy with a very different flavor and plotline all going at once. (And I’m still in a reading slump, lol.) If it does help me get through my TBR “faster” it’s only in that I have something for every mood I can switch to for mood reading so I don’t (theoretically…) have periods of not reading.
That’s so awesome it works out for you!! I wish it would for me but I think I’m a one-book kind of girl ? I’m just so scared to never pick up the book I was previously reading if I switch to another one.
Oh yeees, I totally agree! I think the key not to get too confused is to read two very different kind of book ? And it makes sense because of the mood thing!!
I’m seriously so impressed you can read so many books at once!
Thank you so so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts ??
That’s so awesome it works out for you!! I wish it would for me but I think I’m a one-book kind of girl ? I’m just so scared to never pick up the book I was previously reading if I switch to another one.
Oh yeees, I totally agree! I think the key not to get too confused is to read two very different kind of book ? And it makes sense because of the mood thing!!
I’m seriously so impressed you can read so many books at once!
Thank you so so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts ??
I’m usually able to keep required reading and personal reading in separate spaces of my brain, but I canNOT read more than one personal book at once! *shrieks* I also don’t see how it saves time?? I always waste a lot of time remembering everything that happened and who everyone is. XD
Yeah, I guess that’s the only case when it would work for me : required reading and fun reading! ?
Oh YEEES! I’m having the hardest time to get back into it, it slows me down! ?
Thank you so much for sharing ??
We’ve actually had this conversation before! I do typically have multiple books that I read at a time. I mainly do this to suit my mood. Or if I’m in the mood and I start read a book I already started and I’m not into it, I’ll pause reading it, and move onto something else that catches my interest quicker! I sometimes do get confused with plots when one of them isn’t as good as the other, but i usually figure it out the more I read. It works for me, but totally understand why it might not work for you. Great post xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Oh yeah, I get that! I’m just so scared to never want to pick up the other book ever again ?
That’s so great that it works out for you!
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Thank you so much for sharing ??
Okay so I read two books at a time, and here is why: I have ebooks which I can read anywhere (the bathtub, work, etc) and physical books that I can ONLY read at home (in dry places hah). SO if I only read one book at a time, what would become of all the physical books? And then what would I do when I was bored at work if I was reading a physical book at home? I do think that I’d get confused if I read TOO many, and I always make sure they are very different genres. Like if my ebook is a contemporary, my physical is a sci-fi. Idk if I read books any faster this way, but actually I guess I must, because I can read in more places, you know? But I absolutely see why it’d be A Lot too!
Yeah, I get it! You’re like doubling your reading time! ?
Yeees, I agree! I think the key is to read two very different book in order not to get too confused.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! ??
All of your reasons for not reading multiple books at once are so valid, and a few were some I hadn’t even thought of before! I think I do read more than one at a time because it’s a habit I eventually formed when I went to public school & finished being homeschooled. Being able to pick one based on my mood is totally a part of it for me. For some reason, I also started to like reading books during certain times–like when I was in high school & reading LOTR, I would read that over the weekends only when I was off & able to relax and soak it up since it’s one of my favourite books. At the same time, I always had one book that I would only read when I was at school, usually it was more lightweight so I could carry it around in my backpack & take it out during breaks and stuff like that! I don’t know how this habit started for me, but it remains true to this day & I still do some of these same things I just mentioned :’) I feel like since I usually get very lucky with the books I pick, it’s not like I drastically prefer one over the other 2 or 3 I’m reading. I’m a bit crazy, and that’s evidenced in how I approach reading multiple books at once haha!!! Sorry about the paragraph explaining it :’)
Don’t apologize, I really enjoyed getting to know more your reading routine! I’m so glad reading multiple books at a time works out for you! I’m seriously impressed!!
Thank you so so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the topic! Talk to you soon ??
100% agree with everything you said! I can easily watch more than one show at a time but, books? Heck no. & like you said, “why would I want to?” I like to immerse myself into one plot & one set of characters at a time. I don’t believe it could help you get through your TBR faster because you’re still reading the same amount of pages unless they’re rushing through & not paying attention/skimming or something, right?!
Yeees, totally!!
Yeah, you’re right about that! And it’s taking SO much time to remember everything and get back into the story!
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I am always multi reading books and basically that simply comes down to my mood switching and me being able to appreciate a book more when I am exactly in the mood for it. And my mood and genre preference literally changes throughout the day so I have given up on schedules and such and have learned to roll with it. At the same time I completely understand why people can’t and don’t want to multi read too! We are all so different 🙂
That’s so awesome that it works out for you!! I’m seriously impressed that you can juggle between books like that!
Yeah! People should just read as they like ?
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This is such a fantastic post, Nyx!! I barely started reading multiple books this past year, and that’s only because I would have one physical/e-book and one audiobook for long car rides. My brain is incapable of holding onto so much information at once, so I prefer to keep my multiple reads to a minimum. I like being able to fully immerse myself in the world and characters of one story before jumping into that of another. And, like you said, it can be unfair when we’re constantly comparing the books to each other! Haha. 🙂
Aww, thank you so so much!! ?
Oh yeah, I guess it’s two very different reading experiences!
Same here, I just can’t do it! Totally, one book at a time is perfect ?
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I sometimes read multiple books at one time, and now I read one and listen to one, so that works. When I do have to read books for school, though, transitions between books can be confusing, especially if they’re in different languages. Great post, and happy reading!
Oh yeah, I guess it’s two very different reading experience ? Yes, I totally get that!
Thank you so so much, happy reading ??
All valid arguments. I do read two books at the same time – one on Kindle and the other in print. Almost all of the kindle ones are ARCs. With only two, I don’t really come up against most of your problems. But the “not fair” because I like one book better than the other – that happens, but it doesn’t bother me, really.
That’s so great, it works out for you!! ?
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Wonderful post! I completely agree with what you said 😀 I don’t often find myself reading many books at the same time (not even when it comes to required reading, even though I don’t have many required books, thankfully), and when I do, it’s usually a physical book and an e-book (for transportation purposes). I also find it hard to keep up with, I’ll mix stories, and it gets too overwhelming, … surprisingly, just like you mentioned, it doesn’t happen with tv shows, I wonder why xD
Thank you so much! ? YEES, totally!! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one facing those issues ? I guess it’s the magic of tv or something ?