Do You Like Reading Multiple Books in Parallel?
Some people [looks at JP] like reading multiple books in parallel. JP is currently reading two (three?) books in the same genre (sf). One guy I know (let’s call him “Ralmon”) reads multiple books in parallel, but only when they are different types – a sf book, a non-fiction book, etc.
I’m more of a serial reader myself. Well, maybe not entirely, since I do tend to sneak in some short fiction stories while reading novel-length stuff. Like Ralmon, reading two science fiction books in parallel is out of the question. I’m sure to confuse universes or essential plot elements. I’d constantly be asking myself why Paul Atreides just doesn’t slip off his VR mask to get off that accursed planet.
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Filed under: Books
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I’m probably currently reading about 25 books–more than half SF or F. I never have trouble keeping them apart. Sometimes it takes more than a year to read a book, others I just get really hooked on and read them in a day or two.
I’m usually reading between 20 and 30 books at a time, but the majority are non-fiction. I keep my fiction reading to five or less to avoid too much confusion. Fiction books I’m reading right now are Steel Beach (Varley), Witches Abroad (Pratchett), Villa Incognito (Robbins) and Crusader’s Cross (Burke).
:O Gah! 25 books?? 30??? More power to you!
If I did that, the longer calendar time it would take to read one of those titles would dilute the story so much, I would probably lose interest. Like watching a half-hour sitcom in 3-minute increments over the course of a week. The timing and pacing is ruined. But that’s just me.
I usually have one fiction and one non-fiction going at the same time. I need the variety–sometimes I don’t feel like reading one or the other.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how to keep track of several books being read in parallel. I can’t remember details well when I do that.
Thanks