Reading Multiple Books

Hello Everyone,

Today I will not be able to post an update for my End of July Update Challenge, so please enjoy this instead.


I know that many people have a preference for how many books they read at one time.  Most people either read only one book at a time or a few.  I happen to fall into the category of reading a ton of books at once.  I figured I would explain and give some advice on that, because most people cannot seem to understand how I do it, why I do it, and what the point of doing it is.

Before I explain all of those things, I'd like to explain just how many books I read at one time.  I usually have about four-eight books going simultaneously.  I usually don't keep all of them updated on my Goodreads page, just the ones I am most focused on.  I have two tiers reading: books I am currently reading and books I was currently reading but am not ready to claim as DNF.  After about two years of sitting in the second category they leave my mind as currently reading and are put back on the shelf to either be sold or abandoned.

Currently, I am reading six books.  Four in the first category and two in the second.  One of the ones in the second is about to reach its two year mark.

How I do it:

So I normally have an audiobook, an Ebook, and physical book going so that I can be reading anywhere I am. I listen to the audiobook while driving, working on projects, and cleaning.  The Ebook is for when I am out and about so I can just read on my phone.  The physical book is for cuddling up in bed when I can just relax.

I have no problem keeping the stories different.  I never understood people who mixed them up.  I actually like having lots of different stories going at once.

It took me a long time to be okay with reading this many books at once.  My mom is a one book at a time person and she always would get on my case about starting and buying new books before finishing old ones.  But I just had to realize that everyone reads differently.  She couldn't understand my way and I don't understand hers.  I do a few times a year try to bring down my currently reading shelf to zero so that I can have a fresh start on reading.


Why I do it:

 Because I am an artist, I started to struggle with keeping up on my reading, but audiobooks allow for me to listen and work on projects.  Beyond that I just really enjoy having lots of things happening at once.

I really enjoy the beginnings of books.  I like the part where everyone is happy before the problems start.  So I like to start lots of books.  If I book doesn't keep my interest though, I will start a new one.  I used to have a problem with never DNFing a book.  I have learned that sometimes you just have to call it quits.  Eventually I might return to the book, but most likely, I will forget I ever tried to read it.


What is the point:

Reading is a very important thing.  I wish that more people did it; in fact I recommend it to all of my friends.  I think why most people don't read is because they see how someone else does it and assumes if they aren't doing it the same way, it isn't right.  So I like to share how I read with lots of people to help show them that there are many ways to read, and as long as you are doing it, you are doing it right.

Happy reading,
-Amanda Lyn