THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

I used to always be a one-book pony. I could read through some pretty big books pretty quickly. But in the last few years, I have become a moody middle aged mom, and I find it works better for me to have a couple books going at once so that if my mood suddenly changes, I don't automatically abandon the book I'm reading. I sometimes have one book for morning reading and one for later. I sometimes simply can't focus like I used to, so I jump around. I also find myself loving a huge novel of one sort only to hate huge novels at other times, and then I'll pick up a collection of short stories. One comfort is that these days I have no deadlines(except library ones, and even they allow renewals to the max) and no tests on reading material, so I just do whatever I want when and how I read.
This weird moodiness has also allowed me to jump into more genres than I ever, ever have done before. I was on a history kick for a few years. Irish authors another time. Those Unknown Titles of Famous Authors. Nature writing. More poetry. It's been mind expanding.

I try to stick to one book at a time, but without much success most of the time. I find it's somehow easier with long paperback books.

Aside from if you're writing about a book and you want your attention fully on that book I can't grasp how people religiously will read only one book at a time. I can't be the only one who thinks that certain times of the day call for certain types of books. I don't necessarily want to go straight into 19th century Russian Realist authors right after breakfast and if I've had a long day I'm not looking to read something that's going to make angry or sad, even if they are masterfully done. In both those circumstances P. G. Wodehouse or Gerald Morris would be better for me.

I've done that. I had one book I read mornings, and one I kept for afternoons. I also have seasonal tastes in reading.

Lora wrote: "I've done that. I had one book I read mornings, and one I kept for afternoons. I also have seasonal tastes in reading."

It makes parts of the day and year more meaningful and enjoyable, doesn't? At least for me it does.

My hat is off to anyone who can read more than one book at a time. You are amazing! I am a one book at a time gal otherwise folks from story A get confused with those in story B and it's just a mess.

I'll read literature and non-literature, switching off. Right now I'm reading a book of essays on poetry but am also starting Elizabeth Warren's A Fighting Chance.

Shelley
http://dustbowlstory.wordpress.com

I used to read two books at a time - one during the daytime hours and one at my bedside at night. Those days I was writing one book at a time. After attending a Writer's Conference in New York city I learned that authors like James Patterson, Clive Cussler and others always write 3 books at a time in various stages of completion. I now read one book at a time and write 3 books at varying time intervals just like them - except I don't have the staff help like them. I have 34 story line concept sheets waiting in line to become novels. And Yes I'm retired and spend all my time on these projects.

Peter
http://sbpra.com/peterglassman/

Currently reading Karen Victoria Smith's book Dark Dealings. It is well received among the reading audience. Not the usual genre I read, but after reading the sample chapters on her blog, I needed to go finish the book.

One book at a time. I like to pay attention to details, especially if I'm reading a mystery novel.

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Peter: I'm jealous!
Jan: I've noticed more authors offering free samples (Google and Amazon make this possible too) and wondered if you have done this more than once? Where you read a sample on their blog and then feel the need to go get the book.
It's an interesting change from the way things were done in the past, and I think it's a good promotional tool, if used well.

Hi Peter,
Yes, I have gotten to know other authors by their doing this practice. I have not been published yet, but when I am I plan on a sampling and a three day free offering on my book.

This practice has me reading genres I would never have picked up. However, after reading the sample chapters, I realized I was missing a lot of good reading. To be truthful I still don't like the zombie and vampire stories, but I have been captivated by some of the fantasy books.

Jan

E.R. wrote: "Sometimes I read one at a time or two books at once. Most times I will listen to an audio book while reading another book. Or I'll just have more than one book loaded in my FB reader and whatever m..."

I have yet to listen to an audio book...ever! I love old time radio so I know that I will enjoy audio books..odd I have yet to listen to a single one yet!

Currently reading two..a medieval thriller and a current thriller

Currently reading A Tap on the Window

Rick, are you enjoying The Astronomer? It looks great!

Rick wrote: "Currently reading two..a medieval thriller and a current thriller"

Sometimes one book, and sometimes more than one, but when I'm really loving a book I stick to that one. I find that if I'm reading a book on my kindle, I'll often need to read another book. Alas, I'm a bathtub reader and need that physical copy for bathtub reading.

I have quite a few going on my kindle. I like the way it keeps my place for me. Then I have the fat print books on serious subjects usually non fiction by my bed. I need to read those slowly to absorb them better.
Sometimes I go and reread bits on my kindle. I used to be a linear reader but that's changed.

I am currently reading two books and
A great combo!!

I just love reading a current thriller and a classic novel!!
The two ones in reading now is and

Reading three books now!

Mostly one, two only if they are vastly different books. Right now I'm reading a fiction thriller and a book about the origins of language. That's the only way I can do it.

I an the same 2 at a time one is on my kindle and the other on my nook

Usually one at a time. Yes. I find it's not as fun to try and cram more than that. If your rushing, it makes sense, but if you're reading for the joy, taking your time to pay attention to one is far more immersive.

I've always been a 5 or 6 book at a time person. Currently reading three historical tomes in dribs and drabs, a sci fi book a fantasy book and a how to book.

Writing one and reading more than one is more than I can handle at one time.

Sometimes, but not always. I generally read 1 novel at a time, but I may read a graphic novel or short story at the same time I'm reading the novel.

I usually read 3 books at a time and always in different genres. This way I have something to read for every mood. Sometimes it will be less, sometimes it will be more than three, which depends on the balance between the heavy and light reading involved.

I do tend to agree with others that it would probably enhance appreciation if I'd just read one at a time and for this purpose I have tried that. Failed miserably.

I start several,then finish whatever interests me the most.

I typically average 2 at a time, one audible for my commute and 1 physical book.