The Joy of Juggling Multiple Books: A New Approach to Reading
I used to be the kind of reader who strictly read one book at a time. But recently, I’ve realized that reading one book at a time isn’t worth the hassle.
Hey, fellow book lovers,
I used to be the kind of reader who strictly read one book at a time. But recently, I’ve realized that reading one book at a time isn’t worth the hassle.
I’ve started reading at least two or three books simultaneously, and it has transformed my experience. Now, I focus on enjoying the journey rather than rushing to finish books quickly.
Why the Change?
Before this shift, I was adamant about sticking to just one book. The reason? Decision fatigue. I don’t know if this is the official term, but it’s what I like to call it. Whenever I had more than one option, whether it was choosing between books or something as simple as picking an outfit for an event, I would freeze up. The nerves would hit, and I’d feel paralyzed, unable to make a choice.
But as I experimented with reading multiple books, I noticed a new challenge: the pressure to finish them all. Sometimes I’d have three books going at once, and I’d feel an overwhelming sense of urgency to complete them as quickly as possible, which only led to unnecessary anxiety.
Letting Go of the Pressure
Lately, though, I’ve learned to let that pressure go. Now, I let myself read when the mood strikes, without forcing myself to stick to a rigid schedule. I don’t organize my books by themes, dates, or times anymore—it takes the fun out of it. Instead, I go with the flow.
I plan to keep at least two or three books in rotation, so I always have something to match my mood. If I’m in the mood for fantasy, I’ll dive into a magical world. If I want something dark and chilling, horror it is. And if I feel like something light-hearted or romantic, I’ll pick up a book from that genre. This way, reading feels spontaneous and exciting rather than like an obligation.
What About You?
What do you think? Are you the kind of reader who rotates between multiple books, or do you prefer to focus on just one story at a time? I’d love to hear about your preferred reading style and why it works for you! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next time,
Arbaaz Khan
Yep, I'm with you - usually 4 or 5 on the go, but mainly non-fiction. I can't usually have more than 1 fiction at a time, but overall anyway, 80% of what I read is non-fiction.
This might interest you, it's somewhat related:
https://open.substack.com/pub/danielpuzzo/p/ready-to-read-and-listen-differently-f45?r=1qdu9h&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Yes! I always have two or three on the go. And I just let myself go down rabbit holes without a twinge of guilt.
If the post-apoc book I just finished makes me want more, I dive into the next in a series or another author’s book in the same subgenre. This was my September. One right after another. Does that mean I leave one or two others behind for a bit on the nightstand or Kindle? Yes. They’ll be there when I finish surviving an EMP and all the chaos human’s can bring on each other!