To all readers out there, do you prefer to finish one book first before starting another one, or do you read several books at the same time?
Although there are some books I can read in one sitting, most of the time, I will be reading several books at the same time. Right now, I'm in the middle of Christine Feehan's Deadly Games, just started Laurell K. Hamilton A Lick of Frost, last few chapters of Christopher Paulini's Eragon, about five chapters into Nina Bang's Wicked Fantasy, and doing a reread of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' This Heart of Mine.
I guess i'm the literary version of a channel hopper....LOL..
How about you readers? How do you enjoy your books, one at a time, or do you mixed them all up like me?
[question posted by wayz12]
responses and comments:
I'm like you. I usually have 4 or 5 different books on the go at any given time. I am just too impatient to wait to start reading a new one. The downside is that I will get engrossed in one or 2 of them and forget about another which then doesn't get fineshed and slips back to the bottom of my unread pile. I really have to get better organized in that regard.....LOL. [inked4life]
Know exactly what you mean....sometimes I would start a book and if it doesn't grab my attention immediately, I'll start another one.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I don't like to read more than one book at a time. I can get confused LOL. And by the way, I love Laurell K. Hamilton. I'm reading her Anita Blake series. [shymurl]
Yeah..you are right ..it can get too confusing somtimes. I love reading the Anita Blake series..and...oh..all those gorgeous men..LOL...Jean Claude is my favorite..something about that wily, conniving, sexy vampire.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I really wish i could stick to one book at a time but right now I'm reading 4. I can attribute this chiefly to the fact that i have very little time to read. I may not be the best at managing my time but there is simply too much to read and not enough time to read it. [Farside604]
Amen to that statement...too many books to read...too little time to do it.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I usually only read one book at a time. [chris57455]
I can't do that... Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Oh I have to finish a book before I start another - and I don't have much time to read at all any more having 2 boys under 3! I couldn't handle reading more than one book at once! [toosh21]
Being busy with life does cut into our reading time. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
For the most part, it is only one book at a time for me. Now there have been times where I had lost interest in one book part the way through, and so I would put that one down and start another. Later I would pick up the first one and finish reading it. [jer31558]
I guess you can say I do the same thing...or sometimes..I just cant' wait and start another book, and then I will kept going back and forth between the books..LOL Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Most of the time I have at least two books that I am reading. Now I am reading a James Patterson book and a Dean Koonz book. [judy43]
I haven't read any of those authors, but I heard they are pretty good. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Unless one is a non fiction book for dipping in and out of, I struggle to read more than one book at a time. I do read pretty fast though, so I'm changing my book every few days. I don't get a hcance to get bored with it. [GreenMoo]
I know..some people would have a hard time following several storylines at one time... Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
yes i do it sometimes i mean reading from one book to another esp. if it from sidney sheldon or jd robbs.. these are my favorite authors.. i also like john sanford [nephele]
I used to read Sidney Sheldon. I think my favorite would be Master of the Game. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I read one book at a time.I have to finsh one book first before starting a new one coz I'm trying to figure out how many books I can read in one day...lol [bestie]
LOL...Depends if I have the complete day off, and on the thickness of the books, I can pretty much read a few books in a day. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I can read several text books or non-fiction titles consecutively, but I can only read one novel at a time. I like to get really involved in fiction and feel I am getting to know the characters. I can go on thinking about developments in the plot until I reach the end of the book. Then I will move onto another novel, but I would never read more than one novel at the same time. [paid2write]
I used to be like you..one novel at a time..but now even my reading habits are changing.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I mostly read one book at a time, but sometimes I read a magazine too at the same time! [angemac23]
Most people do I guess. I'm not big on magazines, though. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Its my principle to read a novel at a time, else, I can't really enjoy it properly, thoughts get mixed up in my mind, and I don't like it at all :( [excellence7]
Yes, it can get difficult with many plot threads to follow. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
It will depend on whether I can borrow the books. If yes, I normally read a few books at a time. Like right now, I have four books open and I just finished 1 yesterday so that makes my current number 3. They are different kinda books so I just go to the other when I get bored with one. [lordwarwizard]
That is exactly how I read...LOL! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I like to read one book first before going to another one. Sometimes, if it's something I'm not interested in, I stop reading for a long time and may pick a different paperback. Most of the time though, I find that sticking with one book works better for me because I read to know the story and reading several at the same time disrupts the story in my mind. [mimico]
Yes..I'm sure for most people, reading several books at the same time can be confusing. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I only read one book at a time. From my point of view, it doesn't make sense to do otherwise. It's confusing and it becomes impossible to become truly engrossed. I could just see myself reading one book and wondering what was going to happen next in another. That would just be plain awful. I do know some people that read a whole bunch of books at the same time. It seems to work for them. To each, his/her own, I guess. [taranitely]
That is correct..To each his own. I have to admit there are books that I would read from cover to cover continously because they are that engrossing. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I prefer to finish one book before starting another one, because I might get confused. [curious888]
Nothing wrong with that...LOL! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
For education, I have to read several academic books at the same time to fulfill the exams. But for entertainment, I usually read only one book at a time. If the book is excellent, I can not help reading it until the end even neglect the sleep. If it is not so attractive, I will finish it for a long time or even have no patient to finish it, and then turn to another new one. [xplp211]
I was referring to reading for entertainment..I know what you meant about staying up late trying to finish a book..I do that a lot.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I can never read many books at a time.For me its always one book at a time.I like to take my time and enjoy my reading I dont even rush it. [biggerb]
True...but there are some books that get so exciting ..I just want to read fast so I would know what happens.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I prefer to read them one at a time but if I check them out from the library I usually get 4 or 5 books and go back and forth between them. [lucy02]
I get most of my books from the library too..and yes..like you ..I go back and forth among them. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I'm a slow reader, I savor the words and imagine what the writer had in his mind when writing the book. With this reason I read only a book at a time. [blackmantra_x]
That's okay...as long as you are reading..which is so much fun.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I only read one book at a time. I like to just keep one set of characters and one stories plot in my mind at a time. I can focus more that way. I usually finish books quickly once I start them, so I can move onto a new one within a day, so I don't bother starting a bunch. When it comes to TV I am a total channel surfer, but I just can't do that with books haha. [kel1483]
I used to be like that too...one book at a time..but lately..the book has to really be riveting to keep me reading before I shift to another. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I think I just read books like you do. In this way, it offers me choices and I can pick the suitable to go out with me. Besides if I keep reading the same book for a long time, I definitely will feel uncomfortable and want to change it. Now I am reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (yes, again!) a French novel Rien de grave(of course in Chinese) and some books about psychology. [chrissieatu]
I love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I do this also when the first book is not that interesting. I will start on the second book and if I find it interesting will read it to the end. I will then finish the first book if there are no other books to read! This usually happens when i read clancy and non-fictions that were written poorly. [everlasting]
Usually when its not interesting I'll abandon the book, just like you. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I know just what you mean. I have books in the bedroom, bathroom and living room. My husband swears we don't have to buy new furniture. All we need to do is stack my books. Every ounce in a while I give them away. Not my favorites. Some of my books are very close friends that have gotten me through some bad times. I don't like the idea of machines for books. I like to feel them in my hands. One of the best things about the Internet is that I can contact my favorite authors. I find most of them are very nice about responding. Of course some get so much mail they really can't reply in person but do have web sites. I to read everything. The only things I will not read is a persons private diary, check book or personal mail. I am not a great fan of romances but Nore Roberts is good. [patms1]
LOL..I can just picture your house. I have books all over the place, too. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I am typically reading a few at a time. I have a book by my bed, a book I take on the bus with me, and then other books that I read for school work. I would kind of like to read one book at a time so I can really concentrate on one thing deeply--but my schedule right now doesn't allow it. Either way, I like to devour my books. [nerdytina]
Whether I'm reading one or several, I agree with you. I just like to devour my books..LOL Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I usually have only one book going at any given time, but that is because I rarely have time when I feel like reading. Most of my day at work is spent reading things, so when I get home, picking up a book is the last thing I want to do. However, I do like reading on airplanes and while waiting for my plane. I have a couple of trips coming up soon, so I'm planning to do some reading then. :) But it will still only be one book at a time. :) [scarywhitegirl]
As long as its interesting fiction, I'm always up for reading! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I much rather read one book at a time, I'm sometimes so into one book i don't think i will have the time to read another until I'm done. [jessieBee]
There are books that are so interesting I can read them completely without starting another book. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I will usually read only one book at a time, unless I'm reading one for fun and then I have to read for school. I like to read just one at a time because I'm funny about finishing what I start. I'm afraid if I am reading more than one book at a time then I won't finish some because I am too interested in others. [jenleestan]
I hear you. Different strokes for different folks...LOL! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
hi wayz12. i usually read a couple of books at the same time myself. its either i'm too impatient to finish what i'm currently reading that i start reading a new one or i'm too excited to start reading a new one that i do so without finishing the book that i'm presently reading. i got confused there. but yeah, i do read several books at a time just so i get variety. the most books i've read at the same time were four. i was pleasantly surprised at myself when i finished all four. [allen0187]
Yes..i'm pretty much like you. Either just too excited or impatient, I just keep switching back and forth between books. And I finished them, too..LOL Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I only like to read one book at a time and get lost in that book. My fiance can read a few books at a time as well . He has one he takes to work , one he reads at home , and one he reads on a sunday. The one he reads on Sunday is more of a holy time . [metschica25]
Some people, are like you, that can savor a book. I find some books that I can do the same thing. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I prefer to read books sequentially but I always find myself trying to finish a few books at a time. I just find a bunch of books I want to read and I try to switch between them when I get bored. It sucks, but I can't help it. [MrNiceGuy]
I don't think it sucks. I think its just a reading style. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I usually have two going at the same time. My novels are strictly for home time enjoyment reading but I keep a book in my car for those "wait times" we all find ourselves stuck in. I usually keep a book of essays or poetry in my car as it allows me the opportunity to complete a section and not put the book down in midstream. [syeryn]
I'm like you..I always have a book stashed somewhere.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I never read as many as you have at one time. I like to read sci-fi and those books are very detailed. I'm reading a sci-fi book 'chindi' written by Jack McDevitt. He's a new suthor for me and his book is developing too slowly for me. I might make an exception this time and start another one. The problem is_ it's easy to lose the feeling of a sci-fi book if you mix them up. If I have two books that are semi-interesing, I'll switch back and forth to prevent boredom. [anawar]
True...there are some books you don't want to skip around, or you lose the trail.. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I read one book at a time. I don't know how you can read so many at once! I would lose track of who went with what! lol I'm not much of a channel hopper, either, except when I am looking for something to watch. Interesting how you can keep up! [CherylsPearls]
It's weird. It seems as I grew older, my attention span gets shorter. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I usually read informative book - self-help and technical books. I observed that I usually read more than one book at a time. It is because of the need to read another book while reading the current one. When I get bored, I also read some other books and just read the current book after some time. So far, I've been choosing the good books to read and I am enjoying my books so far. [wrangel15]
Well..when it comes to technical and non-fiction, it is easy for me to jump between several books. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
I try my hardest to read one book at a time but it never happens because my interests change so much. Right now I'm probably reading 2 or 3 books and I frequently go back to my certain favorites when I need a refresher on something. [heatherhedyjon]
I'm not sure if my previous statement posted-please let me know. I was saying how I do finish the books. In no particular order, I mark statements, pages, etc. I don't read books, I devour them. [heatherhedyjon]
I usually read mine one book at a time, but on ocassion I have started several at the same time too. I think it depends on just what books I am reading at the time. but sometimes I cannot wait til I am done with one, so will start another one going at the same time.I am a readalholic for sure. [Hatley]
Welcome to the club! Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Literary version of a channel hopper. That a good one. Lol It is also impressive. It is amazing you can read that many books at one time. Do you ever feel that you don't get everything out of what you are reading? I can read several books at a time and often do. But they have to be very different genres. I could never read two books that have a plot, character development, etc. I'm pretty sure I would get things confused. I can read a novel, an inspirational book and maybe some type of instructional book at one time. [makingpots]
It's weird, i have no problems keeping track of the plot. Most of the time I'm engrossed with one book, and then I will reach a portion, and I just know I have to spot. Thanks for sharing! [wayz12]
Usually I read two books at same time . One novel and another short story . I do only because , story book try to keep my interest in reading . Rarely I use to read two novels at same time . Thanks !!! [sincere4frdship]
I only read one book at a time. If i read many in same time, it woulb confuse for me, I will mix the stories of books togueter. Im more appreciate to read a story at a time. I have already do this in past, and it was so good, so now one book per moment. [julie85]
Lately I have been sticking to one book at at time. In the past I have started several books at once though. I think I enjoy the book better if I just read one at a time. I read really fast so I finish books very quickly. I have started and finished novels while sitting in the bookstore for a couple of hours. [moneyandgc]
I can only read one book at a time. I can't start another book without finishing the first book that I started. lolz. [jesbellaine]
Hi wayz12! Although I am a book lover, I only read one book at a time. I think it's kind of difficult to be reading several books at the same. I might not be able to concentrate on either books. LOL. I tried reading two books before, and I really had a hard rime catching up on the story. I kept mixing up the stories and the characters, so I stopped and finished one book first before reading the next one. Cheers! [marababe]
I have the habit of reading several books at a time instead of reading a single book. Very often I start to read several books in different time of a day. Among the books they are books of friction, academy and amusement. I am used to read at least few pages of each of them daily so I don't make reading monotonous. [lkbooi]
Hey, wayz, i read many books at the same time. You remind me, i haven't read books for months. I keep read English newspapers to learn English and time's even limited for me to browse them, struggling for a better improvement. The books you mentioned i haven't heard about, are there PDF or Doc. files? If so, can you email me one to digest, i'd appreciate that very much:) **Enjoy life~~** [lynettebyc]
I go at it one at a time - I tried reading a few at one go and got everything mixed up in my mind! LOL! Anyway, I speed read so spending a whole day or two isn't an issue with me. I have been known to finish a novel in three hours, much to my hubby's chagrin. XD [meiteoh]
Yes i do switch between a novel and magazines. When i really want to enjoy a book i take up a novel But if it is for just light reading i pick up a magazine. I dont read two novels at the same time. That is because i want to enjoy each novel fully. Different people have different habits ...Maybe you are the book hopper [naseeha]
I prefer to read one book at a time...because in this way, I better understand the book and my mind stay focused on one thing. [excellence7]
Sometimes, I will have up to 4 books that I'm reading. One will be for when I'm at work...I like to read during my breaks and lunch times. One or two more will be for reading at home. Another will be for when I'm waiting somewhere...Dr.'s office, hospital, having the car worked on, etc. Right now, though, I'm reading only one book ad that is Jane Eyre. It took me awhile to get used to the wordiness....lots and lots of words to describe a person, place, activity,....... Other than that, it's a pretty good book. [bluerubymoon53]
I normally read just one book at the time. Normally though I finish a book very fast, so once I start reading a book in between starting and finishing it there is no time to read anything else. But of course it depends on what I do at the moment. Sometimes I have a book in my handbag that I read on the bus and train, one book at my bedside table that I read when I go to bed and then the one that I am just reading at the moment. [Emiese]
Always just the one book 4 me. Don't think i could follow several at once without getting confused. Think that says more about me than your average reader though :-) . [Lee768]
I read only one book at a time.. I don't want to get confused while reading another book.. [cream97]
I prefer reading one book at a time, one reason being, I do not have too much time for leisure reading. It takes a while for me to finish one book. So, it is better that I finish reading one book before I start on another one. [greenline]
I'am kind of a person who have the capability to concentrate on one task at a time. So I usually read only one book at a time. Unless I complete the book, I do not prefer to get to other books. Offcouse I'was forced to read many books during my collage days which had 6+ subjects.. After my education got over, I'am addicted to one book at a time. I'am happy with this reading concept. [sriki2526]
When I was a child, I did read several at a time. I always had a few going. Since then, I became too busy. These days, just one book at a time. I'm online earning money most of the day, and then evening is my television and rest time. I read between the shows I watch and during commercials. Sometimes I'm lost in the book and forget to go back to the TV show. [MoonlightSerenade]