One book at a time? Or more than one? If more, are they different types/genres? Or similar?
(We’re talking recreational reading, here—books for work or school don’t really count since they’re not optional.)
Sometimes I find myself in the middle of several different projects. I will start one, pick up where I left off with another, and jump right into the next one before the first two are completed. My work and to some extent my personal life require a great deal of multi-tasking, and I seem to manage it quite well. However, when it comes to reading, I generally immerse myself in one book and stay with it until that last word is read.
When a book or story captures my attention, I have no interest in moving on to something else until I finish that one book. I will take that book with me just about everywhere to snatch a reading moment whenever I can. I get so wrapped up in the story that I want to follow it through with as little interruption as possible, and my reading time is limited eough as it is. It is bad enough when I am completely absorbed in a book and I have to put it down because of more pressing priorities, work being at the top of that list (and it isn't it the worst when you have to stop at an intense moment in the novel?). Furthermore, I am not so moody that my reading moods shift frequently as to require me to have more than one type of book going at once. I am perfectly fine and satisfied staying with one book at a time.
I can and have read more than one book at once. On the rare occasion that I do read multiple books at once, it often includes a nonfiction book and a novel, or perhaps a short story anthology and a novel. I do like to mix the type of books I double up on in instances like that. Usually if I am reading more than one book, it is because one or both is the type of book that is best taken in small doses.
What about you?
(I haven't been able to visit all of your wonderful blogs in the last few days. I hope to do that this weekend. You haven't been forgotten!)
We are quite different in this regard. My answer here: http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2007/08/booking-through-thursday-monogamy.html
ReplyDeletePS - I'm adding you to my blogroll.
Hey Wendy! I do read more than a book at the same time, but I'm only limiting to two, that's it. Reading too many books confuse me, and moreover it doesn't help if I've a short memory, hehehe... But even if I read two books, I'll read them of the different genres so to avoid any confusion.
ReplyDeleteBTW, you're nominated a 'Nice Matters Award' and 'Thoughtful Blogger Award'. :D
Happy reading!
I often start several books, then when I find one that really captivates me, I read it through, ignoring the others. The exception is nonfiction which I will often read over a longer period of time, putting it aside to read fiction and returning as the mood strikes.
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty similar. When I have more than one it's also usually NF or short stories. But generally I like to focus on one at a time.
ReplyDeleteI am usually reading 2 or 3 books at once. I tend to mix them up and read different types of books at the same time. At the moment I am reading a massive book of short stories (one a day) and Don Quixote which is massive as well. If I feel I am not getting anywhere in a week I might read a graphic novel or kids book to feel like I have finished something!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you - I like to focus on one book, especially if it's one I don't want to put down! If I was trying to read a second book, I might not concentrate on it as much because I would be too busy thinking about the first one and wondering what happened next.
ReplyDeleteHi there,
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I am the same as you. I mostly read a book at a time. I can have a short story collection or a non-fiction book and a novel going at the same time, but not two novels.
ReplyDeleteYour words could be mine! I do read a print book and listen to an audio book at the same time, but the only way I like to read two print books simultaneously is if one is a gardening book. Great post.
ReplyDeleteQuote "I often start several books, then when I find one that really captivates me, I read it through, ignoring the others. The exception is nonfiction which I will often read over a longer period of time, putting it aside to read fiction and returning as the mood strikes."
ReplyDeleteI do exactly the same as Jenclair.
Historia
I try to always read more than one book at a time but its always one fiction and one non-fiction (like a biography). I also have a little problem with putting a book down once I start it so as you can guess I've seen the sunrise more than a few times!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read more than one book, I like to mix up the genre too. I really prefer not to read more than 2 at a time.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Everyone! I should be in bed, but I'm not quite ready yet to call it a night.
ReplyDeleteCallista - Thank you for adding me to your blogroll! I've gone ahead and added you to mine as well. :-)
Melody - You are too sweet! Thank you so much!
I think I'm in the minority with my preference for reading one book at a time. :-)
Jenclair - I think that is what would happen to me if I tried to read more than one book at a time--I'd end up sticking with the one that was more interesting.
Tanabata - Yes, we are very similar in this regard. :-) It's good to see I'm not completely alone.
Rhinoa - In your situation, I can see why you'd have more than one book going. I probably would too. :-)
Daphne - Exactly! I get so involved with the book I'm reading that I don't want to be distracted by another book I may be in the middle of.
Sharm - What an honor! Thank you so much for considering me.
Nymeth - I'm glad there are more out there like me. :-)
Nan - Now, I can see myself doing that--reading one book in print and then listening to another book on audio. Maybe if I ever get that iPod, I'll find out for sure. ;-)
Historia - I guess my reading moods don't shift enough to make that necessary--to start several books before finding the "right" one. I can usually gauge my mood before starting a book and then that mood stays with me until the end. Most of the time. There are always exceptions.
Jen - Thank you for stopping by! It's been a long time since I've stayed up reading all night, although I often do read into the wee hours of the morning. Biology steps in despite my efforts to stay up and I fall asleep with book in hand . . .
Kristy - I'm not sure I could do more than two at the most. I think that would take away from my enjoyment of reading to some extent, to be honest.
I can only read one novel at the time, but usually have a non-fiction on the go at the same time and always poetry. Like you though if a book really grabs me then I'll not put it down until I finish.
ReplyDeleteCrafty Green Poet - Your reading style seems to be the norm. :-) I've also noticed a lot of people read poetry. I read it sometimes, but not often.
ReplyDelete