A response on another discussion of mine brought this to mind. When I was younger, I almost always had a book in my hand, no matter what else I was doing. At school, at home, at play... it didn't matter where I was, I would be reading. Even when hanging out with my friends, I would be reading and trying to talk and take part in games and things at the same time.
I had various levels of success depending on whether I had read the book before or how interesting it was. The first time I read a book, I'm dead to the world. I once sat in a house that was on fire until someone came to get me without noticing because I was reading a very interesting book for the first time.
However, after that first time reading something, I'll read it several more times if I really enjoyed it, both to see if I missed anything and to just prolong or relive that enjoyment. Once I've read something once, I can give it a part of my attention and let my mind wander to other things while still enjoying the book as well. Hence the multi-tasking.
However, I am not a ninja and cannot take part in a fight without putting down my book, unlike this guy here.:P
[question posted by lecanis]
responses and comments:
I used to be able to read a book and say walk down the street, or listen to other peoples conversations and follow both, but i dont think i could do it anymore. When i read i like it to be quiet and peaceful, i wish i had time to read again! I guess i could make time, but i'm SO addicted to mylotting! i guess that takes up most of my spare time! That and my kid, and babysitting. [Sissygrl]
Thanks for sharing, Sissygrl! The really funny thing is that I'm a horrible klutz, and yet somehow I walk BETTER while reading! Weird, huh? :p Mylot has cut into my reading time quite a bit too actually. And my kid of course has done so as well! [lecanis]
I've taken a lesson from the bible thumpers. I'd use the book as a weapon. Papercuts... Lots of nasty papercuts... [uath13]
*giggles* Yes, the bible thumpers should make that an official martial art or something, book-wielding! :P [lecanis]
I don't like to multi-task when reading, I want to read and do nothing but escape into my book. I do however remember back when I was young I would do much like you - on the bus to and from school, waiting for anyone or anything, I was never without a book. My father did put his foot down when I tried proping a book up behind the sink and caught me reading while doing the dishes :( Ok, have to admit now I couldn't have been paying as much attention to the dishes as I should have but I just wanted to read. [byfaithonly]
Thanks for sharing, byfaithonly! *giggles* Reading while doing the dishes... I've done that one! But I only read while doing something potentially messy if the book is an old already messed up paperback, because I don't want to ruin nice expensive books. I learned that lesson after dropping a brand new hardcover into the bathtub! :P [lecanis]
I would prefer to focus on reading and reading alone, but I have so much to do these days that I have to squeeze reading in anywhere I can. A good combination is playing Netwinner while reading. You just keep one eye on the book and one eye on the computer screen and click when required. I have also been known to read while watching TV but if I become to involved in what I am watching on TV I will have to put the book down. If I take a book to bed with me, well, I usually fall asleep. Multi-tasking is better for me. [patgalca]
Oh, that does sound like a good idea, playing Netwinner while reading! Hehe, I always convince myself I'm going to read until I fall asleep, but I wind up being up half the night if I try! [lecanis]
Kind of like Belle in Beauty and the Beast? I really love to read, but need quiet to do so. I think the only thing I can do while reading is eating..lol [carmelanirel]
Yay, a positive in a negative as long as there is no fire..Oops , that was a negative.. I kind of envy you, I would love to read in any situation, but like the other morning when my daughter had no sleep and just kept babbling, I couldn't do anything here on mylot..:( [carmelanirel]
I've taken a lesson from the bible thumpers. I'd use the book as a weapon.papercuts...Lots of nasty papercuts... [liupeng]
I can't really concentrate unless I am doing several things at once. all the best urban [urbandekay]
Haha, yup, it's easier for me to concentrate while doing several things at once too! :P [lecanis]
Oh, I typically do about 3 things at once. I can do even more when they are all on the same screen. For instance, right now I am researching wood flooring, answering email on the help desk and posting to this discussion. I generally read, talk to my wife, and watch TV at the same time. It seems that now days the only time that I get concentrated reading time is on a plane. [kdhartford]
Yup, it's even easier to multitask on the computer! Usually if I'm on mylot, I'm also listening to music, reading other websites, and keeping an eye on my son, or sometimes even playing with him if he's in my lap. :) [lecanis]
when I was younger, I used to bring a book to the grocery store. I'd walk, read, and pay attention to mommy at the same time. Now, I can't read and do other things at the same time. [savetheunlikely9]
Haha, I guess that's just something young people tend to be good at! :p [lecanis]
Nope I could never "multi-task" while reading. If I'm reading I want to give my full and all attention to it. The only time I get to really read now is before I go to sleep, when it's nice and quiet, and I'm snuggled in bed...one problem I do have an annoying habit of falling asleep when I read. Drat. Some books I'm quite content just to read once and that's it. But others I'll read over and over again..in fact, I'm reading through the Harry Potter series again...the fourth one, Goblet of Fire...can't believe how much I had "missed" with the first reading, and can now see how they really changed things around in the movie and even omitted a lot of parts that just weren't in the movie at all..like Hermione's campaign of S.P.E.W. to help elves..LOL [pyewacket]
Mmm I like doing that kind of reading too, especially if it's my first time reading a book! I hardly ever read a book just once, but that's me. If I read books just once, I'd constantly be buying or borrowing new ones. I do have books that I read far more often than others though. The Harry Potter series are definitely one of the examples of books I read a lot! I've read all the ones leading up to that book over each time a new one came out, and now that they're all out I've reread the series again a couple of times. Hehe, S.P.E.W.! Yes, there are so many things missing from the movies. I suppose it's inevitable, but I really miss some of those things! [lecanis]
mmh depends what you read such as if it is a thing not complicated or you know about it so just resume it will be ok to read and at same time doing other things in multi-tasking!!surely if you read a thing which it requires much more attention or it is complicated as topic or subject in my opinion surely you won't understand the real essence of what you read and so you can just remember some words but not concepts and your reading should result unuseful for you!!or better is waht i think can happen to me on this purpose!! [tonyllenium]
That's a good point... there's a big difference between pleasure reading and reading to learn, and if it's something really important that you're reading, sometimes it is better just to focus solely on that! [lecanis]
I am pretty good at reading and doing other things at the same time. My sister used to tell everyone that I would read a book, talk on the phone, watch TV and crochet all at the same time, knowing exactly what was happening in every event. Well, that was an exaggeration, but I do read, talk and watch TV at the same time with no problems. [reinydawn]
I don't know why, but I think I can compartmentalize my brain a bit for each of the things I'm doing. Sometimes though, it doesn't work that well and I zone one of them out. [reinydawn]
Howdy lecanis :)) I am like you when I am reading, I am totally engrossed and lost to everything else. I read in my bed, I might have the TV on but it has none of my attention. I have learned to block out all else except the world that I am in when I am reading. Trust me I am in that world only. I have always been like that. So I guess I am not a very good mult-tasker when reading. [Angelwhispers]
Haha, thanks for sharing, Angel! There's something to be said for that complete escape into the world of the book, that's for sure! [lecanis]
Growing up, i was the complete opposite. I only read books during school hours.So when I was behind in my reading in middle school, my mom was told to let me read whatever i wanted. I got to read so great books.But I would read them just the way you read your books the first time. If I were reading a great book , you could have set me on fire and I wouldn't have noticed. Back then, thee weren't as many good t.v. shows on, so I would read.But I only read a book once. and that's it.Now the closest I get to reading a book is the long posts here. And I do it with the t.v. on. [sarahruthbeth22]
Hehe, you're so funny! I'm glad no one set ME on fire, the house was bad enough! :p I've known a lot more kids that were like you than like me... most kids don't read outside of school much when they're young, as far as I've seen. I have to admit that I read less (books) since I've been on mylot than before! [lecanis]
I think I'm pretty good at multitasking period, but when it comes to books, I like reading when I'm not going to be disturbed because I like giving my full attention to books that I really like. I just hate being bothered or trying to read and do other things at the same time. Now, if it's a book that I have to read, I probably can handle multitasking and reading, but otherwise, I'd rather not. [highflyingxangel]
Thanks for sharing! You have a good point, just because you CAN do it doesn't mean it's as enjoyable for you! [lecanis]
I multi-task very well while reading. I don't know how many times I'd be reading in class and the teacher would ask me a question in an attempt to embarrass me I assume, as he thought I wasn't listening. Every time I answered and he just acted astounded at the fact. :) But really I don't think it's hard to listen and read at the same time. Two unrelated functions. Now singing and reading... you'd have to be singing something other than what you're reading of course. That's something I think would be pretty difficult. [Arkadus]
*nods* I've been in that same situation with teachers: they always seemed to think they'd get me this time and I'd always know the answer anyway. What was funnies about it is that they never seemed to give up or get the picture that I could do both things at once. :P Since I'm not very good at singing even when that's all I'm doing, I wouldn't know about that one. [lecanis]
I love to read while I eat - I know, its supposed to be bad for you, but I love to do it. I have audio books in the car to listen to while I'm driving. The catch is, that I can't read or listen to the books & try to hold any kind of coversation. So, if I'm being passive, like waiting some where, I can read, but talk to me and the book/magazine/whatever goes away & I put my attention on that. In fact, I can't do much of anything else if the TV or radio is on - well, mess with the computer, if the show isn't like something I have to follow. I watch a lot of documentries & design shows because I can give them half my attention instead of all of it. [ElicBxn]
Is it supposed to be bad for you to read while you eat? Oh no! :P Hmm, that's interesting, that you can do certain things but not others! Thanks for sharing! :) [lecanis]
Well, I can't do anything else while I'm reading. All that I can do is read, and it has to be quiet. There can't be any noise/music - nothing. I need to be able to concentrate on what I'm reading, or I forget what I just read, or it doesn't make any sense to me at all. I don't know how anyone would be able to do more than just read. [dmillman]
Hehe, well I guess not all of us are good at the same things! :p [lecanis]
I used to read while walking, but after the second time of walking into lamp posts and tree branches, I knew I had to stop. I may walk a little back and forth waiting for the bus to arrive at the stop (making sure of the lamp posts and trees in the area) but no, actually walking to a destination, I can't read safely at the same time. And I definitely cannot hold a conversation while I'm reading, or trying to read. Some would say I can't hold a conversation when I'm NOT reading, but that's another topic. [Qaeyious]
*giggles* Well, you ARE good at making me laugh, whether you can "hold a conversation" or not! :P I walk into lamp posts and tree branches without having to be reading... I don't know why reading while walking makes me less klutzy, but somehow it does. As for holding a conversation, I think I do better at conversations when distracted because then I'm too busy for my social phobia to kick in. :) [lecanis]
I can't do anyting else at the same time whenever I'm reading. I always loose my place, or can't concentrate, even if I'm listening to music while I read. x3 [megumiart]
Thanks for sharing with me! :) [lecanis]
With five kids I'm great with multi tasking is by far the easiest thing I do. I read, walk, talk cook, watch tv, do college work becuase it's usually the college book that I'm reading and I do and get things the kids ask for. My gram still can't understand how I can do it becuase I have been doing it since highschool. [bellaofchaos]
Thanks I really bother my other half when I'm talking on my cell(hand free unit) , playing with the radio and driving and having something to drink. I think it's becuase I have so little time in the day at times I do what I need to do all at once.LOL!!! [bellaofchaos]
I cannot do anything else but read. I cannot concentrate on other things when I am reading. I can multitask when I am doing other things like needle work, work on the computer, and watch TV but reading has to be a one minded task for me. [teapotmommommerced]
Thanks for sharing. Wow, I can't imagine multitasking while doing needlework, that sounds really complicated! Then again, I'm not good at that sort of thing to start with, so that could be why I think that way! :P [lecanis]
Not very well I must say. I love to read and would read anywhere....I like to concentrate on what I am reading and can't do anything else along with the reading. I can't even answer the phone or watch a song on television when I am reading. I like to read in my own world and don't like anything else affecting it. I've often thought that there's no point in me going on a holiday anywhere...I'd just end up reading a book and not enjoying the place! [SViswan]
I love to lie on the beach reading. But my husband considers a waste of money when we are on vacation and I end up reading and not enjoying time with the family. I'm always catching up on reading. [SViswan]
I tend to Knit or Crochet while I read or make lace. I also usually have music playing. When the kids were still at home the TV would be on too, and they would sometimes ask questions about the movie and I could answer them. I did multi-tasking long before it was popular. I had to~ with 2 kids to raise by myself and a business and a job on the side as well. Shalom~Adoniah [Adoniah]
Sounds like you're pretty good at multitasking! Haha, I love how you say you did it before it was popular! I'm very impressed, it sounds like you've had a lot on your plate in your life! [lecanis]
You're as bad as my partner! He once sat in his room reading while downstairs our friends were trying to stop flood waters coming into the house (up to my hips it was!). I'm quite good at multi-tasking while reading. I always have a book with me and can read whilst listning and taking part in discussions (depending on the book, the one I'm reading at the moment takes some concentration). And I ahve a terrible habit f watching TV and reading at the same time >_> Sometimes I'll get lost in a book (or online forum :) )) and not know what someone has said to me, but generally I'm pretty good. Though at school I used to pretend I was oblivious to the world when reading... sometimes it was hard to keep a straight face as people tried to get my attention. *chuckle* [ShardAerliss]
Hehe, wow it does sound like he and I have something in common! :P I understand what you mean when you say that it depends on the book: there are some I've read that required my full concentration as well. Hehe, I've pretended to be so caught up in a book that I wasn't paying attention when people are talking around me as well. It can be hard to pull off, but very fun once they start forgetting you're there and saying things they might not have said in front of you if they'd realized you were listening. [lecanis]
I don't multi task very well at all when I'm reading. I think it's about the only thing I do where I just can't do anything else. I think I would read a lot more if I could do other things while I'm reading. I'm the type that opens a book and just can't put it down until I am finished. I'll read an entire novel in one day! [girlgonefishing]
You have a good point that not being able to multitask while reading can keep you from reading. If you have to have time to actually do nothing but read, it can be really hard to find! [lecanis]
Lecanis, With "The Poisonwood Bible" I gave it 100% attention, to the point that I savored every single moment spent with the family in South Africa. On the day that I read the final chapter I was sitting in the kitchen drinking a cup of morning coffee when the last words were read. I began to weep softly, and then to openly sob. I was crying so hard that it awakened my daughter who was still living at home at the time. She came into the kitchen wanting to know what was wrong. I felt rather silly telling her that I knew how much I was going to miss the family that I had been living with for so long. In all truth, I actually did grieve for them for several weeks. As for multi-tasking while reading, some of the best reading that I ever did was while I was breast feeding. Big Love ~Donna Momma [kitchenwitchoftupper]
I haven't read that book... I'll have to check it out! Sounds like it was really moving for you. I know what you mean about missing the people from the book, whether they're real or fictional actually. I have that feeling after finishing a book sometimes. [lecanis]
I'm so glad to see that other people multi-task while reading!I have always done this and it drives my husband nuts! He doesn't beleive i can watch tv or have a conversation while i'm reading. If it is truly a good book that i've never read before you would probably have to drop a house on me to get my attention. I also have a hard time putting down a good book. I've been known to read until 3am when I have to work @ 5am just because I HAVE to find out what happens. [madasp]
*laughs* It drives people nuts sometimes when I do it too! Putting down a good book is one of the biggest challenges I can think of! :P [lecanis]
LOL yea I love reading too and depends on how good the book is wether im dead to the world or not. I dont really read books twice and dont think i ever had. I could read Lord of the rings agian b/c thats such a long book (all three together) that I know i missed some things. I do multi task though I read and listen to the radio. Or read and watch TV my mom use to always say I dont see how you can do that Amber LOL I told her its easy mom and I have to have something going on in the back ground sometimes. I'm writing a book its only 2 chapters so far and its a romance I wish someone who loves books would read over what I got and tell me what they think b/c all the people I know dont read and they tell me its good but that doesnt mean anything b/c they dont read. sigh. [libertarianfreedom21]
you could read what i have if you want I would have to email it to you or something but it may change ive already changed it a few times [libertarianfreedom21]
I don't know or maybe I just don't notice that I'm multi-tasking person when reading. I love reading too in anywhere I go I make sure I have a book with me especially if I know the place I'll go to will bore me then. But when I read I prefer it to be solemn or nothing's talking to me or bothering me of some questions. I like reading when there's nobody walking around because I'm easily distracted. But I can eat while reading hehehe.. I can sometimes listen to music (not loud though) while reading. [MGjhaud]
Yup, can't go anywhere without a book! I pretty much always have a paperback in my purse, even if I don't know I'll have time to read it, just in case. :) [lecanis]
I've USED a book in a fight before *laughs* and without damaging it! *ish proud of myself* Books I've never read before, and books I have, I can read while doing laundry, dishes, cooking, swinging on a swing set, cleaning, writing a book AND talking to people at the same time..walking someplace without getting too lost.. But then, I was raised to multitask and I adore books..so.. But really, I prefer to be able to just sit down and read sometimes. A nice quiet spot someplace, and soletely focus on the book. [xParanoiax]