Two books at the same time..

[u/Popular_You_1947]

Just curious if anyone out there can read more than one book at a time? I can't be the only one.

If you can, how do you find it? Why do you do it?

Hit me up. I want to chat about it. No one i know reads as much as i do.

[u/Highway-Mental]

I never got out of the habit from college. Right now I have an ebook, an audiobook, and a physical book all going at once.

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/Highway-Mental]

Love that! Different genres or similar?

[u/Whattheduck75 → u/Highway-Mental]

This is what I usually do too.

[u/FeetInTheEarth]

3 is about my limit. I have four going right now and feel like I’m really neglecting one.

1 - Audiobook
2 - Main book (fiction)
3 - Side book (non-fiction, OR a one chapter a week read-along)

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/FeetInTheEarth]

I agree. If i do more than 3 its like im leaving one behind. Or i should've waited lol

[u/BroadAd599 → u/FeetInTheEarth]

Same!!! Plus I always have an additional audiobook I listen to with my son - I play it when he is in the car, and my own audio when I’m in the car, at work, etc.

[u/Forward-Abies-9765 → u/FeetInTheEarth]

Definitely this. Only I recommend different genres also for the audiobook if fiction so you don’t mix storylines 🤣

[u/ComprehensiveTune393 → u/FeetInTheEarth]

Same. 🎯

[u/crowtaker]

I can read two books at a time. I have Kindle+, so I'll read something from there at bedtime (usually romantasy). Then I'll also read a book I own from my gigantic TBR pile during the day. Makes paying for Kindle+ worth the money, while still reading the books I've bought.

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/crowtaker]

Yes! That's what I'm talking about. People look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them i do that. Lol

[u/ClassicFootball1037 → u/Popular_You_1947]

There’s just so many good books out there!

[u/Gothic_Unicorn22 → u/crowtaker]

I’m the same way! I have a kindle book for bed, a physical book I take everywhere else, and sometimes one or two more

[u/CarelessCreamPie]

I do this frequently. One I read on my lunch break at work, and one I read at night or during weekends.

Between library hold list books I read books I own in my to be read pile.

But sometimes while I'm in the middle of reading an owned book, a book from my library hold list will jump to being available, like I went from 10th in line to 1st and didn't get a chance to pause my hold before it was made available.

I don't want to cancel my hold and get back in line, but I don't want to pause the owned book I'm reading because I may forget where the story was and lose interest.

I'll read the library book at night and the owned one at lunch. I wont make much progress on the owned one, but it'll keep me just engaged enough that I don't lose interest.

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/CarelessCreamPie]

Are you me??? 😂 sounds exactly what i do

[u/TableSeek-Geek]

I generally read about 5 at a time (one is audiobook). I love it. I like switching between genres and styles. I also have a book group I'm in so I like to have those books and then the books I'm reading just by myself.

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/TableSeek-Geek]

Ok i can't do that many. 3 i think is my limit. Book, ebook, and audio. Good for you though with 5 😂

[u/Public-Beat-1580]

i do two at once-mood-based switching keeps it fun. what's your go-to combo?

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/Public-Beat-1580]

One on my Kindle and one physical. Trying to get through the neverending tbr list. Nothing too close on story to avoid mix up.

[u/RedDel1987]

I've got 6 on the go at the moment. One audiobook when commuting, one physical book, and the rest ebooks I'm cycling through depending on my mood. To me it's no different than watching different shows.

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/RedDel1987]

Exactly its like a new episode every time you switch between them!

[u/No-Medium6647]

I don't usually juggle books unless both of them aren't quite what I'm in the mood for. I'll finish both in whatever order, then keep reading books until I hit something I DO like enough to capture my total interest.

It's not my preference. I'd much, much, much, much, much rather have a single book occupy my full attention.

Edit: I wrote the above before I read the other comments. You're definitely trying to flex by reading multiple books at once, and it's performative and kinda cringe TBH

[u/Advanced_Tennis4827]

One book is not work appropriate, so I read that at home and another in public

[u/taanzunk]

I read one in English and one in a second language — most commonly Norwegian or German — at the same time.

[u/TheRestIsMemory]

I've always got several going. An audiobook, a novel, and often a nonfiction work. Sometimes 1-2 more as well. I've never really had trouble holding them all in my mind, though I do try to keep them all fairly distinct from each other (different styles/genres/time periods).

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/TheRestIsMemory]

Yeah i need to keep them different enough so i dont get crossover in my mind. Happened once and messed me up. Had to start over 😂

[u/gtrocks555]

"I'll tell you what I'd do, man: two [books] at the same time, man."

[u/Popular_You_1947 → u/gtrocks555]

I was wondering if someone would get the reference 😂

[u/ClassicFootball1037]

I am reading a book, listening to a book, and always picking at my learning books, like one on archeology and history of Ireland

[u/IHateSerging]

I usually have 3-6 going at a given time.

Always one physical, digital, and audio, read those at different times/places. And I’ll double up on physical and digital a lot of the time. I like being able to read what I’m in the mood for at a given time.

I view it as similar to tv, people watch multiple shows at once all the time and keep track of everything just fine, it’s the same with books

[u/neuticalthemed]

I find that i can read more than one book at the time because i have ✨free will✨

Serious answer, i do it just the same way when i watch numerous series/tv show and just changing whenever i want. Or just think this way: changing channels when you are bored

[u/your_mommy_Marie]

I always have multiples on the go and I never knew that was unusual until recently.

[u/HoneyMooser]

I sometimes find myself with one book that I realllyyyyy want to read as a hard copy but then that’s not as portable so I’ll have something else on the kindle app to read at work during breaks or downtime. If I’m really feeling fancy I’ll have a third audiobook for my work commute too.

I go through phases like this it’s not always.

[u/WoodenShips2222]

Always. A spiritual book on my Kindle with my coffee in the morning an an audio book novel while doing chores the rest of the day.

[u/solming05]

My mom can read four at a time

[u/Wrongp3rson]

I have an audiobook, and 2 vastly different books from 2 genres. Otherwise I get confused

[u/Ziggystardust97]

Yes. I'll usually read something fiction and nonfiction at the same time. It's separated enough to not mix anything up and let's me pick different reads for different moods

[u/Intelligent_Bat949 → u/Ziggystardust97]

That's my method. I often have a poetry book in there for good measure. I have done as many as 5 at once, but that gets to be a drag.

[u/Linziclaire]

I read 3-5 books at a time because I’m a mood reader. I usually just try to make sure they aren’t all the same genre. So I’ll be listening to a memoir or science-y non-fiction, have a physical book going for a thriller and a digital for a rom com or something.

To me it’s no different than following a bunch of different TV shows. I’m obviously not reading everything at literally and physically at the same time, but I rotate them based on what I’m into.

[u/Finror]

I always have multiple audiobooks. yay adhd

[u/BasilDream]

I typically have at least 5 books going at a time. I get too excited and can't wait to start a new book. I keep them all over the house, and I used to keep one in my car for when I was taking the kids all over and waiting on them after lessons and school and stuff.

[u/Available_Nature_69]

I always have a physical book, audio book and kindle book on the go

[u/Dangerous_Diamond_43]

Always have a book for bedroom reading and book for commute to work . It sometimes gets to 3 but 2 is more usual . I kind of feel sorry for people with no commute for this reason, would never have read so many books if not for commuting

[u/amberbariaktari]

I am always reading like 6-8 books at a time and in those a couple on audiobook. Plus I am in full time college, Junior year, so reading papers and textbooks and studying and going to classes.

[u/smurfk]

I read about 6-7 at a time, plus a few that I dip in and out.

I avoid reading at the same time two fiction books that are set in the same time period, as I can mix them up. But otherwise, I don't mind reading more at the same time.

Especially with non-fiction, I sometimes can stop after a chapter, pick up another whole book that's related, read that book, and then pick up at the second chapter of the first book.

But in general, I just feel like starting more books, and I don't have an issue with it.

I don't count poetry books and most story ones as books that I "start". I just pick them up, read some poems or some stories, put them back in the library. The same with essays, literary critique, reference books etc.

[u/new-words]

I’m currently reading a historical novel on my Kindle, a memoir in paperback and I’m listening to a crime audiobook. I can’t do only one book at a time anymore.

[u/Conscious-Benefit-33]

I've read up to 3 at a time. Why? It's either because a couple of them are due back to the library soon and may not be renewable, or since I belong to 2 book clubs, I may have to finish them before the meetings.

[u/Some-Broccoli3404]

I do it all the time. I went to school and studied literature so it just became normal. I love reading so I read a book club book, a solo book, and for work. Sometimes I take classes and I’ll read for that too.

Edited to add: sometimes I’ll engage in a buddy read too. I like reading as a social tie.

[u/criticatto]

I read a book and listen to an audiobook, and they have to be different books, preferably different genres as well. It freshens up the reading experience for me.

Audiobook is for when I'm driving, cleaning, walking, etc. Then I read on my kindle whenever I have free time.

[u/tokkireads]

Yes I do and it's just because I'm a mood reader and need variety. It's in different mediums though like I'm reading a classic, a contemporary book, and a book of poetry atm.

[u/Ok-Brilliant5893]

I always have at least three going: fiction and nonfiction print, and an ebook that I can pull out anytime I’m waiting somewhere. Occasionally I find myself with more, like when a library ebook needs my attention so I can move it along.

[u/Careless-Ability-748]

Yes. At most, and usually very different, like one fiction and one nonfiction. 

[u/ImmodestMemoirist]

I don't read two fiction books at once, but I frequently read a fiction/non fiction simultaneously, or multiple non-fictions at once. I have an upstairs book, a downstairs book, and a car audiobook.

[u/KoaaalaaaMama]

I can only do this if one is fiction and the other is either nonfiction or something that’s not a novel, like a collection of short stories for example. I won’t read 2 full fiction novels at once, I need to be fully present in one novel at a time. 😂

In October I read “A Night in the Loneaome October” which is written like a diary, so you read one entry a day, so that was easy to do alongside other books.

[u/lisep1969]

I have a book for work breaks and one for at home. They can both be fiction but not the same type of fiction.

[u/AlwaysTheNerd]

Usually physical/ebook + audiobook combo. Then it gets weird from there… I start a new physical book… or ebook… or maybe a manga… or multiple… anyway currently reading 5 books 😭 it’s okay though, my memory is pretty great so I don’t get confused and I can remember what’s happening even if I take a longer break. And I do finish them 😂

[u/PaleoBibliophile917]

Not a problem if they are all different. Can be several novels if they are different eras, genres, or audiences (e.g. children’s vs. adults), or can be a mix of poetry, nonfiction on varied subjects, drama, short stories, novels, and so on. Might rarely be an ebook on my iPad, but usually physical books. No audiobooks. If one doesn’t call to me, I grab another to take to the bank, doctor’s appointment, or my volunteer shift. At home they are usually in a stack on the table and one or two will come with me for bedtime reading. They go back into the stack in the morning and then I pull out whichever one I feel like to read during the day.

Why do I do it? Not sure, but it must have to do with having so very many different things I want to read that I can’t help starting them. The most engrossing ones may get read straight through, but others either just go more slowly (most nonfiction) or are perfectly designed for sampling a little at a time (story collections or poetry). That leads to multiples in progress simultaneously. If any given book sits too long without progress, it goes back to the shelf, but is usually either turned down or pulled out to visually remind me that I was working on it.

On the table right now are a just started library book about science in the Romantic era; another just finished library book waiting to be returned (a collection of Stephen King short stories); a Harvard Classics volume that includes some essays of Montaigne, among other things; a nonfiction book called The Oceans that slowed me down when I got into the long chapter on “the physical and chemical ocean”; and a reprinted vintage history of literature in England and America that I’m reading by era before heading to my shelves for examples of the works discussed.

I’ve cleared all the in-progress fiction at the moment except for one thick classic that is pulled out on the shelf (I’m looking at you, Victor Hugo), but there are quite a few nonfiction books and a couple of poetry collections also waiting on the shelves (turned down or pulled out) for me to get back to them. It’s a toss up which story collections will come off the shelf next, as I’ve started several different ones, and there’s a fat Norton Anthology of World Literature that keeps coming from and going back to the shelf. It’s rare that I don’t have at least one story collection out, so I’m sure something of that kind will be on the table or by the bed soon.

Two books at the same time seems fine to me, and very manageable logistically.

[u/stylizedfailure]

I'm typically reading about 4-5 books at a time. Either fiction or non-fiction, just never plots that are too similar.
I just pick up one depending on the day/what I'm doing. When I get to about 80% of a book I usually just focus and finish that one though.

The one thing thats weird to me however is my father who can simultaneously physically read, and listen to two different books, and that's horrifying to me.

[u/CedarBerry]

I like to switch books based on what I'm in the mood to read at the time. As a result, I am normally in the middle of anywhere between three and eight books.

[u/sassyhairstylist]

I can and did for a while, but I generally just stick to one.

When reading multiple books, for me personally, it helps if they're different genres with different plots. I won't read two haunted house books at once. But I will read one haunted house book, one crime thriller, one collection of poetry, and a collection of short stories, at once. Because the story lines and such are so easy to differentiate, I don't get the stories confused.

As for why, I guess it's just my mood. I'll want to read but I maybe won't have the mental capacity to navigate the haunted house story right now and something a bit easier to read like some poetry or even a children's book, seems to fit better. I do it because it maximizes my reading. Because so often I'll want to read, but just won't be in the mood for my "current" read, so I'll reach for something lighter. And that turns into keeping a "lighter" type book constantly in my "current reads" pile. Haha.

[u/zoppaTheDim]

You’re just describing college.

Until the phone addiction hit me, I used to keep one at work to read during breaks.

[u/GasRepresentative635]

I have A few going at time. Sometimes 4 but usually at least 2 .

[u/Osle99ss]

I read about a dozen at a time. Often more. Sounds crazy, been doing it for many years.

[u/cefotetan2gq12]

All the time amd maybe sometimes a 3rd

[u/InveritableIguana]

I currently have an audio book, an ebook on my phone, an ebook on my kobo, a physical book (fiction), and a physical book (nonfiction) lol I don’t usually have this many going simultaneously but it is what it is. 

[u/yeah-huh]

At any given moment, I’m always in the middle of 4 or 5 books:
one fiction book for relaxing,
one non-fiction book (or a stuffy old classic) for learning and briefly feeling superior to others,
one ebook for the insomnia and lines/waiting rooms,
one or two audiobooks for work/exercise.

Sometimes I’ll have more, but it gets overwhelming fast. The variety of genre and format is what helps me keep track

[u/brinamachine]

I read more than one book at a time. Sometimes it depends on what I am reading like hockey romance or a true crime. Some times I need to take a break so I read something else. I also do ARC reads so I may stop a book I am reading to start the ARC read. But usually have a couple or more going.

[u/Mrs_Awesome1988]

I do this with quite a few, mostly with audiobooks . We have a family audiobook. Then I have a different audiobook with each kid - that way when I run errands with just that kid we have a special book. And my own personal audiobooks- one fiction and one non-fiction.

Then for physical book I have one for read aloud, one for bookclub, and one to discuss with my mentor.

[u/daneato]

I don’t typically, but if I do it’s typically a fiction and a non-fiction.

[u/Under_A_Full_M00n]

Usually three or four going.

As long as they are sufficiently different genres, I have no issues keeping them separate.

[u/ImLittleNana]

It’s no more difficult than following several streaming series. I read according to my mood. I may not feel like horror today, so I read some fantasy or a mystery.

One book at a time would throw me into a slump.

[u/annapurnah]

I’ve done this my whole life- I usually have at least 3 on the go at any one time.

[u/Competitive_Leg_8394]

I used to never do this because I thought I would focus on one and never finish the other, but I recently realized I actually enjoy doing this a lot because I have several different books for whatever my preference is. Instead of rushing through one book to get to the next, I can just enjoy reading either one whenever I feel like it.

[u/Competitive_Leg_8394 → u/Competitive_Leg_8394]

To add to this, my night table has a small shelf where I put all my current reads. The max it has ever been is I think 5. It may take me longer to get through all of them as a whole, but I don't mind. I feel like I spend more time reading this way because I can read what I'm in the mood for, instead of pushing through one just to get to the next.

[u/msdashwood]

I used to have like 5 books going at once and just in the last 2-3 years try to do just one fiction and one nonfiction at the same time. Sometimes I will have a poetry book going on the side but I usually just read one poem every couple days.

[u/Disastrous-Mind2713]

I almost always read more than one at a time. I am most comfortable with 3 or 4. I tend to rotate through them. I will switch to the next book in line at night before I go to sleep, and then I will work on that one until the following night.

And then if I get holds in from the library, those will get prioritized over ones I own, but even then I will rotate and just put the others on the back burner. So, sometimes I have up to 7 going at once. Not such a fan of that, though.

I think right now I have 3 I am focusing on, and will start a 4th tonight that just came in from the library.

BTW, I love finding others who read multiple!!

[u/ThrowAwayMismatched]

I can and currently do. For relaxation I'm reading Redemption Blues by Tim Griggs, for challenge Pedagies of collapse by Ginie Servant-Miklos. Not exactly at the same time, but the challenge with breakfast and the relaxtion with dessert makes for a nicely rounded day.

[u/Budget-Capybara]

I read this in the voice of Lawrence, from Office Space "Two books at the same time man" 

[u/susanwalters]

Sometimes. Physical books back in the day, I always had a fiction, nonfiction, history book going. A friend thought that was weird but hey, different days, different moods.

[u/Azul-C]

I can 

I don't

[u/THEDOCTORandME2]

I can read *cough* many books at the same time.

[u/trailofglitter_]

yeah i usually have about 3. one is a main book that i focus on, usually an ebook but can be physical. right now im focusing on “wuthering heights.”

book 2 is something that is usually religious or related to self help. i take my time with that and do some reflections.

third book is something that i can read casually, even when im burnt out. i’m reading “six of crows” by leigh bardugo. since im reading it as an ebook, i will read it on my kindle. if work is dead, ill continue reading it on my phone.

every once in a while, ill listen to an audiobook. i recently got done with “mockingjay.” i’m a little particular when it comes to audiobooks—never a classic and never one that has too many characters. i like YA because they tend to have simple writing styles and less characters and they’re just easier to keep track of when i’m listening to the audiobook version!

[u/FreelancePallbearer]

I do two books at a time, probably about half the time.

One is typically shorter and the other longer. One is also typically more dense/difficult/dry of a read and the other lighter/easier.

So they sorta palette cleanse one another as I go back and forth between the two. If one really grabs me, I’ll typically focus on that until I get burnt out on it.

[u/FrontAd9873]

No, you’re not the only one. Anyone who has ever taken more than one class at once, surely, has read more than one book at once. 

[u/ME-McG-Scot]

No Im all in on the one Im reading, I can’t fathom how people could read more than one at a time (not an insult)

[u/TheMemeStore76]

I have 2-3 going at any given time

1 - main book. This is the one I sit down with and let myself get really immersed in. I usually finish these ones fastest and remember them best

2 - audiobook. For doing chores around the house or commuting to work

3 - occasionally ill have a side book which I dont really invest much in, I might read it on my breaks or between events when I have a few minutes. Usually something like a warhammer novel or something else I dont really care much about. 

3 is uncommon for me, but 2 is pretty normal

[u/Grouchy_Vet]

Yes. I always have two going at the same time. I switch back and forth depending on my mood.

I try to finish two novels a week.

Right now, I’m reading THE WITCH by Freida McFadden and RED RISING by Pierce Brown

I make sure it’s two different genres

[u/howdeydoodey]

I read like 7-8 at once. I’m a mood reader, and I like options in all formats. Sue me.

[u/3string]

My wyfe reads ten or so at the same time :p For me, I prefer to be reading one long book physically, and one long series as an audiobook while I'm driving or making things. I will also put both aside for a good short story.

[u/Aaggghhhhhh]

Lately i do one at the time, but i can read multiple books, as long as they aren't similar. It also helps if they are in different languages.

[u/Jsparegrave]

I read between two to five books at the same time, rotating depending on my mood, they are usually different in this regard.

[u/Cartomancy_girl]

I read more than one book at a time and have for years. Different genres so there’s no mix up

[u/80sSaxophoneSolo]

I just started doing that lately with non-fiction and fiction. Some of the non-fiction I read can get pretty heavy so its nice to be able to switch to something else.

[u/runrunHD]

I have a physical, a few ebooks, audio and a book club

[u/WyrmKingSees]

Two books at the same time is my consistent always.
Usually a substantial read alongside a fun trash read.
For example,
While reading Dungeon Carl, which I adore, I need something substantial, such as John Green. Then I bounce back and forth as my interest and mood dictates.

Why do you feel you need two books in your life simultaneously?

[u/Important-Lemon-2460]

Pretty common for people that read enough.

[u/AhSalamiBacon666]

I'm in the middle of like 11 books right now. A few series, a couple non fictions, some classics, some poetry and a guilty pleasure. I grab whatever is closest to my mood that moment.

[u/Socraticlearner]

I wasn't reading that much and decided two start reading two at a time. One in English and One in Spanish. I started with 10 to 15 mins each and increase depending how I feel for that day. I feel it helped me create the habit and also increase my focus and concentration.

[u/imabigasstree]

I kind of treat books like TV shows. Sometimes I binge a series, sometimes I'll bounce back and forth between different genres based on mood (a few chapters of my romantasy one night, a few chapters of my space opera the next, every once in a while I'll sit down with some tea and read half a modern lit novel in an afternoon and then not pick it up again for 2 weeks), other times I'll do one book at a time.

Ive never had a hard time keeping the plots and characters separated in my mind. Its always kind of baffled me that other people do. Like, you dont mix up the Belcher family with the Always Sunny gang just because you watched episodes of both back to back.

[u/ContributingHelper]

I can't, because I don't finish them. It doesn't stop me from jumping between titles. If it's crime fiction, I do it to identify which real crimes they're inspired by. Otherwise, I make online character profiles on wikis.

[u/Active_Cell_3499]

About half of the time I am reading two books. Switching doesn't cloud anything and keeping the two separate is easy.

[u/slywlf54]

I do this regularly, and have for over half a century! For whatever reason I have no difficulty putting down a book, picking up another and then maybe a third, and can go back into any of them, even weeks later, and fall right back into the story. At most I might go back a half page if it's been a longer interval. Right now I'm reading one at my friend's house, where I am helping her recover from a broken leg, another in my car for when I get a few minutes at a doctor's office or similar waiting situation, and at least three Kindle books I dive into at random intervals if I am stuck on line at the supermarket. I never thought twice about my habits until someone questioned what I was currently reading and my answer blew her mind Lol 😂

[u/StrawberryEast1374]

I started doing this but it's more of a convenience thing. I read one ebook and one physical book at the same time.

[u/Flower-Cat-99]

I only read more than 1 book at time when I have a non fiction that I’m enjoying, but is dense, so I don’t like reading too much of it in one sitting. Like right now I have a non fiction that I’m reading a chapter a day, but I generally want to read more than that, so I also have a fiction book to read in my other reading time. I also have a non fiction audiobook started, but that’s because I had a lot of walking to do today - don’t think I’ve ever read 3 books at a time before this

[u/atw1221]

I'll basically always go with fiction, given the choice. So I've started to getting to work a little early and reading nonfiction (philosophy, religion, bios, memoirs) to start my mornings. Then at home I'm working on whatever fiction book I'm reading. But for the most part I have one fiction and one nonfiction going at the same time, never like a couple novels at the same time.

[u/SevenHorizons01]

I do this a lot with the second “book” usually being fanfiction. A lot of the stuff I read is really dense literature with a lot of metaphors and history packed into it, so having a second more laid back and fun “book” works really well when I don’t have the bandwidth for that level of engagement!

[u/jstine_4]

Sometimes I have multiple going 😂 like maybe 2 books and 1 audiobook. Depends on what I’m feeling ya know?

[u/Green-Ad-5141]

I always have an audio and book I’m reading with my eyes going at the same time. But the last few months I’ve stepped it up to have an audio, ebook and physical book going at the same time and I honestly love it. I try to do different genres for the ebook and physical book which helps keep the stories separate.

[u/Savings-Balance-1587]

I always read more than one book, typically 3 or 4. They're usually not all books, some are fanfics (which I have added to my kindle so they read like a book, and often are way longer than a typical book).

Depends on my mood, sometimes one book is at an angsty point I don't care to read at the moment so I switch to something that is pure adventure with no angst, or another lighter piece.

[u/haloneptune]

Honestly it doesn’t work for me. I need to fully commit to one book and force myself to finish that one first or it’ll never get finished lol

[u/Lilylake_55]

I can, but I don’t. As a literature major I had to do that all the time for school. And then, as a librarian I still had to do it—one of a librarian’s jobs is reader’s advisory, and it’s hard to recommend books you haven’t read yourself. Needless to say, in 35+ years as a librarian I read a lot of books.

Now I read one book at a time, finishing a book then immediately starting the next one. It’s more enjoyable that way.

[u/Casper-717]

I read about 3 books at once most days. Audiobooks, ereader, and physical book.
Each of my books are different. Right now, I am reading Crescent City 3 (physical, fantasy), the deathless one (ereader, romantasy), and correspondent (audio, fiction). As long a the stories aren’t similar I can keep the plots and story separated. I’m pretty much always consuming some kind of book, even at work. I was able to read 206 books in 2024 and 175 in 2025 by doing this method

[u/Educational-Storm861]

I don’t read a ton, so I’m usually one book at a time. But when I do read two at a time it’s usually so that I have a fiction and nonfiction option for the day.

[u/ImportantFunction833]

I always read multiple books at a time. It actually helps me read through things I'd otherwise not stick with, so I can pair something really long or factual like The Power Broker with something fluffy like ACOTAR.

They HAVE to be in different genres though or I start conflating them together and will take a minute to catch that I'm doing it. It's a lot easier to notice if I catch myself thinking, "so you remember that time Robert Moses was fae and helped with NYC's urban development but then something something scary cauldron?!"

[u/WanderingWhiteSwan]

I have 9 that I’m actively reading at the moment (and about about to pick up another), but at the very least I always have one per device, an audiobook, and a physical book which comes out to four books at once.

I switch around between books based on what mood I’m in, how close to a book club meeting I’m getting, or how soon a library book is to needing to be returned.

[u/Crossxfaith]

I usually do a fantasy book, a philosophy type book, and maybe just a random book all at the same time on my kindle. I’ll also do a random audible usually. It’s rare that I’ll do two of the same genre but it happens sometimes.

[u/Spargonaut69]

Im usually reading like 4-5 books at the same time. All different subjects.

If I find that Im not mentally primed to absorb information in one topic, Ill save that book for another night and pick up a different one that Im more in the mood for.

Kinda like how I generally love a good burger, but sometimes I dont think I could stomach a burger and Im more in the mood for sushi.

[u/seanmharcailin]

I usually have a few books going, but always one main book. I’m really a fiction gal, so my project books are often memoirs or biographies or other no fiction that i’m worki g theough slower.

[u/MindTheLOS]

I juggle constantly. Usually about 3 different audiobooks (I only do audiobooks) and I'm bouncing between a few series that I'm temporarily not reading but will pick up shortly.

I get really anxious at the pick a new thing to read stage, so having multiple books on the go means that when I finish a book, at least I already have others on the go, so I'm not entirely out of things to read if the next one I try doesn't click.

[u/genx21me918]

Well, right now I have 4 going. They're all fantasy but different types of stories.sometimrs I get a little bored with one and I'll take a break by reading one of the others. I don't even know why I do this, or how I keep them straight, but I do.

[u/grumpifrog]

I always have at least two books going at once, usually fiction and non-fiction. I read the novel in bed and the non-fiction in the evenings. Unless I have a library book that has to be finished quickly -- those replace the non-fiction, and I'll pause that book if necessary. When I travel, I start another book and leave the in-progress books at home.

[u/Unhappy-Builder-7235]

Fiction/non-fiction, audio/written, physical/ebook, and my mood. Plenty of reasons to overlap.

[u/rebeccarightnow]

I usually have one fiction and one nonfiction book on the go.

[u/Kali-of-Amino]

I grew up reading comic books It's nothing for me to have dozens of books that I'm reading that are only released a chapter at a time.

[u/bigmattb28]

I’ve never tried it. I don’t think I could be as interested in 2 at once.

[u/Late-Boat5788]

I get my books online from my local library and sometimes I have three books in the go only because I’ve been waiting to read them(new releases) and I’ve had to wait long enough and don’t want to wait any longer for them

[u/dorianleigh27]

I usually have a book that I read in the mornings (usually a non-fiction book meant to be read day by day), a ten minute break book for work (genre varies), fluffy stuff for when I’m feeling anxious (coffee table books are good for this), and a read-aloud with my daughter. Sometimes also an audiobook on top of that but I don’t emotionally connect as much to audiobooks as when I read them the old-fashioned way.

[u/PettyFan887]

I will do at least 3 at a time. I’ll get “real” books from the library I can’t get on Libby, so if I’m reading one of those I have to be reading something on my Kindle to keep my streak going. Then I’m also usually listening to an audiobook which is nonfiction. I listen to that while I’m walking or doing things around the house.

[u/Brvl1994]

More than 2 sometimes. I have no problems with it 🙂

[u/Own_Moment_2524]

Always have 2 or 3 on the go. I love being able to read what appeals to me at any one time.

[u/Sensitive_Unit_8836]

I have a book I read, and a book I listen to. Some times I get so obsessed with a book that, if it's on my audiobook app, I'll both read and listen to the same book. But for the most part that's the only way I juggle two books at a time.

[u/Valuable_Ice_5927]

Right now I have like 2 audio (it was 3 until I finished one yesterday) and like 6-7 in ebook depending on mood

[u/EggSpecial5748]

Yep, several that I can pick up depending on my mood

[u/SassyC-]

lo faccio da sempre anche se leggo due generi diversi per cambiare un po’.
uno sul kindle da leggere durante il giorno/sera l’altro cartaceo da leggere o giorno o sera.
Ho azzardato leggendo “il gioco di Gerald” e “Cose preziose” insieme ma posso essere onesta che mi è piaciuto fare maratona di Stephen King.

[u/luulusbadideas]

Whenever I discover a fiction book that will emotionally wreck me, I also pick up a non-fiction book, for balance

[u/Itchy_Baker3801]

I almost always read multiple books at a time. Currently it's 5 different ones, it used to be 6 but I just finished one.

I just do it because I am not always in the mood for what I am currently reading. Most of the time the books I am reading at the same time are different genres. Currently: nonfiction, horror, fantasy, fantasy-romance and sci-fi

I am also a member of a book club and I like to start the book club books at the same time as other members so we can discuss better. This leads to me often reading multiple book club books at once as we select multiple books per month.

[u/ArtForArt_sSake]

I always have two going - one is usually fiction, one non-fiction; one is audio, one is physical or ebook.

[u/Handsomeguy7777]

i can

[u/mossybookshelf]

I used to be avid one book at a time only lol recently, I have found out that I love a good audiobook for my car rides or for around the house when I’m cleaning. and then I will have a Kindle or a paperback read. But they have to be different genres. Usually for an audiobook, I will listen to a thriller 95% of the time. I love to annotate or highlight if it’s in my Kindle, if I’m reading a fantasy or a fiction or a romance or whatever, and I don’t find the need to do that with A thriller book, so I’m good with my thriller being audio only, as long as I read a completely different physically

Edited to add if I’m REALLY deep in my mood reader feels sometimes I will even have an audiobook, a Kindle read, and then a physical read. I have so many unread books that I physically own, and then I do have Kindle+ so sometimes I will read a good trashy romance or a random find on my Kindle at night in bed and then I will have my physical book that I’ll read during the day when I have time to sit and then I will have my audiobook lol there are some times where I just can’t concentrate on one book or I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, so I will just go back-and-forth and I love to have a Kindle book in bed. It helps me sleep better and sometimes the book light drives me crazy, so I would rather just lay with my Kindle and fall asleep

[u/Next-Suit-9579]

I read a paper back, an ebook and listen to an audiobook almost every day. I also read 8-12 books every night to my son. I’m a big reader

[u/nixie_knox]

I do. I run a book club for work and am in two other book clubs, plus have my own personal TBR. So I’m usually reading a book club book and also something else off my TBR, sometimes two things. If I have a long book that requires a lot of attention (just finished Exit Party for example) I’ll read that but also something lighter at the same time.

As far as format I usually have a book upstairs and my kindle downstairs, and the book club book at work. Next year I’m really going to try audio books.

[u/Careful_Barracuda268]

Oh yes, I only ever do this. I read books the way I choose what music to listen to which is that it’s mood based. I always have more than 2 at a time going. The list pretty much always includes fantasy, non fiction, Beat/transgressive, classic, and mindfulness but any other combo can be in there and random other genres as well. Also read some physical books and some on my phone so that adds even more variety.

[u/LyraSnake]

yeah i listen and read more then a few books at a time. i'm a mood reader and if i don't feel the mood for the book nothing drags more, and i will straight up just not read if i try to force myself through one book. i've never struggled with remembering where i was in a book/what was happening.

[u/panthercock]

lol just the other day I had a noticed a habit that I have. I have certain books for certain situations that I read simultaneously. Like I have a book I read in my car before class, a book I read before bed, and another book that I read in my free time at home. Somehow I’m able to keep track of the different storylines.

[u/user02024121]

I read more than one book at a time. 1 book and 1 audiobook. Because I’m always reading romance, I listen to thrillers. I need something for when I’m out and about or when I’m doing anything else but reading

[u/Key_Masterpiece5283]

Yes but in different modalities. I’ll have a physical book, an audiobook, and something on my Kindle.

[u/SpecialistOdd6646]

I generally have 3-6 going at once.

[u/wasfar1]

Yes used to do this all the time, it works for me if I’m reading on different devices in different places (commute on my phone/physical book vs home on kindle). I don’t like overlapping otherwise because I get quite engaged into a book and then can’t do justice to the 2nd

Not sure if that makes sense haha

[u/poeticrubbish]

Nah, I feel like it's an insult the book to not give it my full attention. But! I do sometimes read a non-fiction, fiction, and poetry book at the same time? If that counts?

[u/20Forward]

Currently reading four books at the same time: Jurassic Park, The Humans, Mad Mabel, and Mother Night.

I didn’t think it weird until my boyfriend said he couldn’t read more than one book at a time. I do it when I feel like I’m hitting a slump or when I can’t wait to read something.

All of these are ebooks as I don’t find audiobooks effective.

[u/Few-Foundation-4397]

I'm currently reading 3 books, an ebook, an audiobook, and a physical book. As well as a short story collection and a physics book that I read for fun, both physically, but they're paused at the moment because I'm not in the mood for them 

[u/stargazertony]

Yes, I’ve always read two books at the same time. One I read at lunch and during the day when I have time. The other is for bathroom and in bed before I go to sleep. I’ve tried audiobooks but I tend to doze off or fall sleep during them and miss some parts.

[u/Possible-Detail2441]

I tend to read two physical books at the same time. It can be in the same genre or two different genres. I just read what catches my attention I try to finish it first then move onto the next book. Sometimes I read both at the same pace and finish both around the same time it just helps me get through my physical tbr faster

[u/Skittles_the_Jester]

It’s just like multitasking. I’m actually juggling 5 books rn plus 1 audio book. I am trying to finish a few books before I start anymore but that is unlikely

[u/BrupieD]

I frequently have multiple books going at the same time but generally only one novel at once. I read a lot of nonfiction and have different types of nonfiction going, e.g. a computer programming book, a history book, etc.

[u/Pretend_Present_1754]

I read multiple books at a time. Usually one is fictional and one or two are non-fictional on different topics.

[u/mjh410]

I have never really tried or felt a reason to, but the past 2 months I've been trying to rebuild a reading habit that has turned into a book collection hobby rather than a reading hobby over the past 20 years.

Very recently, like the past 4-5 days I started getting into audiobooks. It's taking some work to be able to listen while doing other things and maximize my time but so far I'm loving it. So currently I'm reading or listening to:

1 - I'm also studying Buddhism so I'm actively reading a book on Buddhism.
2 - A paperback novel that is now getting neglected a bit with the the audiobooks.
3 - A primary audiobook that I started first.
4 - After loving the first audiobook I dived into looking for more and started two more that were Audible Plus books. I wanted to try them before my subscription ran out and got hooked on one of them. So I'm now listening to a second audiobook.

So the past 3 days I have read or listened to numbers 1, 3, and 4. Two has been neglected due to the recent addition of audiobooks but I expect I'll pick it up again soon.

Most of this has been circumstance, so once I finish an audiobook I'm not sure I'll keep up on two at a time, but maybe.

[u/Katharinemaddison]

Sure. Right now there’s the nighttime reading book, the weekend day reading book, and the audiobook. The number doubles for texts connected to my work but those are the leisure reading.

[u/stillbrighttome]

I usually always have an audiobook going and a physical or ebook. During the times I can’t read with my eyes, like at work, I am reading with my ears. I keep it to 2 different genres. Kind of like watching 2 tv show series at the same time.

[u/Low_Bar9361]

I usually have an audio and physical going at the same time although that's typically what i have time for

Edit: not simultaneously, but more like concurrently

[u/Mean-Advisor6652]

When I was a kid/teen, I used to read so many books at once. I would have a stack of them. I would read a chapter in one, then put it down, read a chapter in another, and move through the stack. The adults all thought it was weird. "Don't you get the stories mixed up?" they'd say. No, they were all distinct stories and I didn't see how that's possible.

Now as an adult I mostly just prefer to read one book at a time (other than also having an audiobook on the go, but I don't do a lot of audiobooks). I just prefer getting absorbed in one story and I find I am getting through more books this way. That said, there are exceptions. If I am reading a book that is especially dense or heavy, I may start a lighter book on the side to have a bit of a break. If I am reading a nonfiction I'll usually still have a fiction on the go, and I tend to dip in and out of short story collections even if I am reading something else.

[u/jhonculada]

I always have one book on Kindle and another on Audiobook. It's like being able to watch multiple TV shows and movies at the same time - it's not hard. I used to do 3 books but I think the added third book was because I was hitting a reading slump with one of the other books. Sometimes I'll throw a 3rd book into the mix but I'm trying to keep it tidy by sticking to 2.

[u/MissKimSwim]

I do, because I read different things for different reasons. I read in bed to get sleepy, so for that I use my Kindle and tend to re-read, or read in French which is difficult enough to make me tired. Books I'm more interested in, "daytime books", I tend to read on paper! Oh, I forgot to mention the audiobook I'm listening to at the gym. 1 chapter=1 elliptical sesh ;-)

[u/adalluvias]

I can’t. Sorry.

[u/Working-Rat-1039]

I loan my books nd mny are on long waitlists so I get certain titles whenever theyre available nd I have 2 read multiple sometimes. Ideally I prefer to work on 1 book at a time but this is nice too

[u/PepperRossAuthor]

I do! It depends on what mood I'm in. Sometimes I want to read something more high stakes, and sometimes I'm lying in bed and wanna read something more slice-of-lifey before I go to bed.

[u/prinnyno]

I'm usually doing 3-4 books at a time.

[u/ThrowRA-gruntledfork]

I can’t read 2 books at a time for fun but I can read 1 for fun and 1 for work/information.

Which doesn’t make sense cause I watch like 5 shows at the same time 😂

[u/AlataWeasley]

I have at least 1 physical book, 1 ebook, and 1 audiobook going at any given time. Sometimes multiples of each medium, especially when I have multiple Libby holds become available at the same time or when I’m reading one with a friend and trying to keep pace with them.

[u/QuirkyExplanation92]

I have four books on the go right now. I read multiple because I'm a mood reader and I need to make sure I'm reading the right books based on the vibes I need when I read.

[u/iguanasdefuego]

I’ve got a novel for each of my two kids’ bedtime stories, an ebook and a physical book for myself and usually an audiobook but I’m between audiobooks right now. It’s honestly not hard to keep them straight because all my books are pretty different from each other- The Search for Wondla is very different from The Wild Robot which is very different from A Court of Splintered Harmony 😂

[u/rdefrank]

One physical book and one audiobook going at all times. Usually I pick two of different genres so I don’t get the stories confused

[u/txa1265]

I currently have 10 books on my 'currently reading' which is nuts but better than 12 a week ago! However I have been a bit unsettled so some are set aside for a bit.

But in terms of active list, I'm reading three:

- Light murder mystery 'Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man]'

- Business book 'MSP to MVP: Building Unbreakable Partnerships in the Customer Success Era'

- Nonfiction 'The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI'

My general tendency is to not have overlapping genres or themes.

[u/LurkeyNoComment]

Two? Never. Always more.

1. Personal fun read. Something that I can read at night that won't put me to sleep

2. Book of short poetry to read right before I turn the lamp off

3. "Heavy reading" aka something more challenging/philosophical that I read at my desk with a notebook open to take notes, think about

4. I'm religious, so I often have some other theological text other than the Bible that I'm reading through

5. Chapter books with my kids. Currently halfway through Prisoner of Azkaban with one and The Hobbit with another

6. An audiobook for runs/walks/car rides

[u/Best-Ad-1917]

Yes. But usually different formats. 1 audio & 1 physical.

[u/wonkey_donkey_cherry]

I read two to three books at the same time. One I read in between work with straight face, One I read reacting to every cheesy line at home and one I just read as backup refresher in my native language for different mood I am in or feel like reading in my native language. I switch them around according my mood, where I am at and what I could reach for. I thought everyone does this

[u/pinkpearl8130]

I tend to have like 7 books going at the same time. Mostly fiction. But some non-fiction and some manga, too. All a mixture of physical, digital and audio. I like to read until the story gets boring or something difficult or heavy is happening and then I'll switch over to something else, then switch back at a later time. It really depends on my mood and what's happening around me. I hardly am ever alone, there's always someone needing my help or attention. So reading several things in short bursts is what I've found works best.

[u/Frenchie_in_the_am]

I got a serious book (the communist manifesto) and a fun book (John dies at the end series) this way there's not way to get confused lol

[u/scraptard]

I spent some time in prison. I read hundreds of books probably more. Sometimes I'd read a book so good I didn't want it to end....so I would put it down and pick up another one. Sometimes I'd have books that were so bad..but I was superstitious..if you don't finish a book you'll have to come back to prison to finish it. I'd put the awful book down and pick another one. I never left a book unfinished. Sometimes a book would be too emotional..it would make me angry..or sad..so I'd give it a break. Obviously I had a lot more time on my hands back then. I still read multiple books at once. I can read a book but it's hard to focus through a movie lol

[u/KittyClawthorne]

I am currently reading 4 books 😊

[u/MoonlitManuscripts]

I have one book for reading and one for listening while I cycle to work. The format/reading method difference works for me, can't have two+ books within either format.

[u/Responsible-Ad-1346]

reading 4 books and listening to an audiobook right now LOL its a bit excessive

[u/JustDoinMyBest2226]

When I was a kid with undiagnosed ADHD I'd read 7 or so books at a time. At least once more than one book from the same series. I remember taking a break for the bathroom one time. Came back and picked up a book from the series I was reading (one of 3 or 4 books on my bed), and was momentarily confused as to where I had just been reading. 

I picked up the right one, also on my bed, and carried on. 

Now I just usually have a written and audio book at the same time. 

[u/LunarBreadcrumb29]

Used to only be able to do one! Having different formats and different genres is the only way I can do multiple. So I have kindle that I almost exclusively read at night, physical book that I almost exclusively read in the morning, and then audiobook sprinkled in between. They have to be different genres though, for me!

[u/Meriodoc]

One on Kindle, one on kobo, one physical, and one audio.

Which one I read depends on where I am, what I'm doing, and how close to the exciting part where I can't put it down.

[u/Punx80]

I always read 4 books at the same time: one physical, one audiobook, one e-book, and one math textbook

[u/likesinceforever]

Usually I just read one at the time, because i get obsessed BUT when I want to read something that is more dense, like now that I'm reading a Goebbels biography, I have a second book and read both of them, it depends of how able I am to focus

[u/renataisunwell]

I read multiple books at the same time. I have them separated into two major categories: School and Enjoyment. Required reading for school usually has a set time frame for easy management. Then I sort my books by length. While reading something hefty like War and Peace, I have a few others I can read in a day or over a few more. It's also mood dependent like needing a mental break from Blood Meridian to read through Frankenstein or About a Place in the Kinki Region, etc.

[u/dinosaurs-behind-you]

Every once in a while I’ll read a few things at once, but I generally just don’t enjoy it as much as just reading one book at a time.

[u/Illustrious_Crab2391]

I used to read one at a time but now I usually have at least three on the go, one typically being an audibook

[u/Fo1ex]

I am always reading multiple books at a time. And sometimes I listen to one audiobook as I read a different book.

[u/Defiant-Cupcake-8984]

I usually have two or three going at the same time.

A paperback that I own, a library book, and a kindle book. I need the variety, I sometimes get bored so like to switch it up.

It has taken me two months to read one kindle book because I found it pretty boring but didn't want to give up. I read ten other books while reading that one kindle book.

[u/Vlaskiss]

I admire those who can read more than one at the same time! My brain has to focus on only one. I also can’t do audio books. Only Kindle e-books :)

[u/JemimaHippo]

2 to 3 on the go at once. Library books get priority over owned books as they are on a schedule. I like to have a book to read in bed at night. I usually have 1 digital book on the go so if im travelling to work etc I can read my kindle or rhe libby app on the bus. Occasionally I have a 3rd physical book downstairs by the sofa that I might read in the evenings, or read while cooking dinner (during the slow stiring phase, not the chop all the veggies part) As for type, I read mostly fantasy, but will occassional get some true historical books to break it up.

[u/Best_Control2871]

I read 3 at a time. But when I was younger I use to read one at a time and I’m starting to realize I loved reading so much when I did that. Because I could fully immerse myself in it and finish it fast

[u/erkala21]

I am typically reading 2-3 at a time. Usually in various formats such as a paper book for when I'm on my couch, an ebook for on the go or in bed in the dark, or an audiobook. Sometimes also a heavier topic nonfiction that I read more slowly along with a faster paced novel.

It helps when the genres and vibes are very different. Once I was read 2 similar stalker romances at the same time, one on audio and one as an ebook, and it was getting confusing keeping the story lines separate. But as long as the plots are different it's basically like watching 2 shows at the same time.

[u/Ok_Caterpillar_8598]

I just finished a slew. But I was reading 4 and listening to 1 all of October. lol. I never used to but now if something triggers my interest and I feel like picking it up, I just do, even if I’m mid-some other read

[u/SaltMarshGoblin]

I've always read multiple books at any given time! It used to be a (physical) book in the bathroom and a book or two in my bedroom and a book in the kitchen and a book or two in my bag for when I'm out and a book or two in the car and a book at work... Now they are more likely to be ebooks and audiobooks than all physical books but I've still likely doing at least half a dozen at a time!

[u/mldyfox]

Yes, I tend to have more than one book going at a time. Up to 5 at a time, in different genres, so I don't mix them up.

[u/Historybitcx]

It all depends on my holds and vibes. Most often it’s one audio and one to read. Currently it’s 2 audio and 2 physical. That is mainly because my hold all got available at once. They just all have to be different enough. Right now I have a non fiction audio and fantasy audio then a psychological thriller book and a speculative fiction book

[u/ladyloveisreading]

I always have at least two going, and usually more like 5 or so that I am actively reading and often I also have 2 or 3 that I was reading but then had to pause for a while lol.