How Many Books Should You Read At A Time? One or Multiple (True Story)

If you are a reader, you surely would have wondered this at least once; should I read multiple books at once or just one book at a time!

So here, in this article, I have shared my story on why I shifted from reading multiple books to reading just one book at a time.

Also in here, I have given the reason as well as benefits of reading both a single book and multiple books at a time.

Now, let’s get started!!

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So let’s get started– My Story

“So many books, so little time.”

― Frank Zappa

This is what I would think, and that is why I started reading multiple books at a time.

There are hundreds of books published each day. And, I just wanted to read all the books out there. I thought reading multiple books at once was the only solution. And that is how multiple books reading was introduced in my life.

But then, as it is said, ” Too many cooks spoil the broth.” And in this case, “Too many books spoil the reading experience.“😄 This is what happened to me.

I found myself juggling between multiple books and not able to really enjoy them.

I had two books and one magazine on my side shelf for reading- one fiction book, another non-fiction book, and one magazine. There were different books for different moods.

Managing reading multiple books was tough!

The thing I struggled with most was, not feeling that sense of happiness and satisfaction or emotions that came after completing a book. I was not able to wholly absorb what the book had to offer me.

It felt like a rat race- where I would keep one book and pick up next. Not letting myself feel the wonder that books are! And this all led to feelings of dissatisfaction, frustration, stress, and anxiety.

In my mind, Oh, I still have to finish this book, and that book, and that book, this chant kept going on endlessly.

Reading multiple books made me look at the glass that is half empty instead of glass that is half full.

BUT THEN, I decided to switch to reading just one book at a time.

At last, after finishing a book, I was able to stop and confront the emotions and the learnings I learned from the book. And then just feeling great about finishing a book.

So when I was not reading, the plot, the points, the story kept lingering in my head. This kept me excited to read the next part. And you again start reading with ease as well, not needing an effort to think and what had happened when you had kept the book down.

And most importantly at the end of finishing that book: it gave me a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and happiness.

It as well increased my productivity and effectiveness.

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But, does that mean I disagree with the concept of multiple reading?

Nope. I don’t disagree with it. It just doesn’t suit me.

Every person is different. I have seen many of my fellow book friends effectively pull off reading multiple books at once. They can juggle between the books effectively.

You can consider multiple books reading like watching multiple TV shows. Sometimes you feel like watching horror, sometimes romance. And according to your mood, you keep switching. Some enjoy it, while some prefer watching only one show at a time. As I said, it totally depends on the person.

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My opinion: What I would recommend?

From my experience, I would definitely say read one book at a time.

But, it is important for you to know your reading style and what you need, like, and want. Because at the end of the day, the number of books you finish is the same.

Let me explain you with an example:

Consider this: We have to finish two books. Each of 300 pages. And now consider you on average take 3 days to finish 300 pages.

So, let’s consider both the scenarios:

Scenario #1 You are reading one book at a time:

Here you pick up one book. Finish your first book in 3 days. And then finish your next book in the next three days.

Total time required to finish both the books= 6 days

Scenario #2 You are reading both the books at a time:

Now, here you pick up both the books at the same time. Total pages you have covered: 600 pages.

So total time required to finish both the books: 6 days

See! It’s the same.

Conclusion: In the end why many people pick up reading multiple readings is because they think they will be able to finish more books. But then as you saw; it doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter how many books you read at a time. Or whether you read multiple books at a time or just pick up one book at a time. What matters is whether you appreciate the books and enjoy reading them. And most importantly, if you are feeling that wonderful, wonderful satisfaction after finishing the book. And that’s all that matters in the end.

So, what do you think is better: reading multiple books or reading a single book? Do let us know in the comment section. Would love to know your view.

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What do you think? Can you relate to my story? Or do you have any other stories? In that case, do tell us your story in the comments section below. We would love to know about it.

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