THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Barb, I always have an audiobook going. I drive just under an hour round trip for my job so that gives me lots of listening time. I have been known to sit in the car in the garage to keep listening when at an interesting point. Now that I have an iPhone I'm better about just bringing it in with me to keep listening! :-)

Martha wrote: "Barb, I always have an audiobook going. I drive just under an hour round trip for my job so that gives me lots of listening time. I have been known to sit in the car in the garage to keep listening..."

Too funny! Sometimes I'll do that too sit in the car and have to finish something before going in. My neighbors probably wonder what the heck I'm doing. Isn't audio great. I just got a ipod not long ago, so now download to that and can take it on walks.

I consider myself a one-book-at-a-time reader but there are a few exceptions. I'll generally have a second book that my husband and I are reading together - we like to take turns reading aloud to each other. If I have something I am reading primarily for professional development, especially if I'm not particularly enjoying it, I may read it simultaneously with something I'm reading for pleasure. And, if I've started a book I'm not enjoying, I may pick up something else before either going back to the one I didn't like or, more often, admitting I'm not going to finish it and giving up.

Dorrit wrote: "I consider myself a one-book-at-a-time reader but there are a few exceptions. I'll generally have a second book that my husband and I are reading together - we like to take turns reading aloud to ..."

When you write "I'll generally have a second book that my husband and I are reading together - we like to take turns reading aloud to each other." my first thought is - what a wonderful way to read a book together!

I can only READ one book at a time! But, I can WRITE a couple books at a time while editing another one or two books at a time.

But when it comes to reading - ONE.

Catherine wrote: "I can only READ one book at a time! But, I can WRITE a couple books at a time while editing another one or two books at a time.

But when it comes to reading - ONE."

"WRITE a couple books at a time while editing another one or two books at a time."
very very impressive Catherine!

The voices in my head all talk at the same time. LOL - Kinda like dinner time with the kids. *grin

I'm getting so many good book recommendations that I'm up to 10 books at a time on a regular basis, like now.

I read one book at time, mainly because I do not devote enough time to reading.

I read multiple books at one time. I usually have between 30-40 books checked out from the library at once. :)

Jenny wrote: "I read multiple books at one time. I usually have between 30-40 books checked out from the library at once. :)"

I usually max out my library card too, our limit is 50 "real" books and even more ebooks. Plus, my husband lets me use his account and he never has more than 2 or 3 books out, so I'm usually at around 100 books.

Depending on how long a book is will depend on how many I read at one time. The book I am currently reading is 1,009 pages so it's the only book I will read. But if a book is 400 pages or less I usually read 2 or 3 at a time.

I always read 3 books- 1 at home, 1 in the car for during lunch, and 1 at work for when there is down time.

Bradley wrote: "I always read 3 books- 1 at home, 1 in the car for during lunch, and 1 at work for when there is down time."

sounds like a great plan to me!

I find I read more books if I have three or four going at a time. One in the car, one in my work bag, one by my bed, one on the coffee table. Any spare moment I have I have a book within reach. I only have two going right now, it is time for a library trip.

Lisa wrote: "I find I read more books if I have three or four going at a time. One in the car, one in my work bag, one by my bed, one on the coffee table. Any spare moment I have I have a book within reach. ..."

you are definatley among friends, Lisa!
as long as I have a book within reach- I have a feeling of ....wellbeing!

I have to read one at a time or else I forgot what I was reading. Granted that happens anyway..

What I hate is when my library has all the books I requested ready at the same time! I am not the faster reader and it just kills me!

Generally, I read one at a time. As you can see from my "Currently Reading" status, I've got two books vying for my attention.

currently am reading 6 different books!! :P

It depends. I can easily have several books going at the same time. It's sort of like folks who watch different sitcoms, they can follow a bunch of different story lines throughout the weeks, why not the same through books? But right now, I've been reading a book about every 1-3 days, so...though I have a stack of about 10 books from the library standing by, I've been tackling them one at a time.

Yes, because I have to do reviews for Suspense Magazine and trying to keep track of more than one book at a time is no fun, especially when I have all my editing jobs to do as one of the Executive Editors. Too much pressure to hold the plot and characters of more than one book at a time. I also review movies.

I read one book at a time typically, but will read a couple of different genre's, like a novel/mystery and a non-fiction book if the mood strikes me. I get so involved in the books I don't want to "cheat" on them with another! lol

I'm always in the middle of a dozen or more books at a time. Typically that includes one or two on different historic topics, something on the earth sciences, some on computers and other tech subjects, some current military stuff, some how-to, some humor, some science fiction/fantasy, some psychology, and some other odds and ends.

Terri wrote: "Yes, because I have to do reviews for Suspense Magazine and trying to keep track of more than one book at a time is no fun, especially when I have all my editing jobs to do as one of the Executive ..."

very interesting Terri- do you find it far more difficult to review certain writers as opposed to others?

Fariha wrote: "currently am reading 6 different books!! :P"

wow!! I can handle 3 -maybe 4 at a time- but 6?...wow:>)

lol! am multi talented! :P

Rick wrote: "Terri wrote: "Yes, because I have to do reviews for Suspense Magazine and trying to keep track of more than one book at a time is no fun, especially when I have all my editing jobs to do as one of ..."

In the beginning I did, Rick. I had the genres I liked and was comfortable reading, however, because I have a fabulous agent, she taught me to just open a book without expectation, jump in and just enjoy what you're reading. I have now come to appreciate zombies, vampires and even horror, three things I NEVER would have been okay with reading even a year ago. The only thing I have trouble with is the poorly written book, which I do come across from time to time.

I rarely read more than one book at a time--too compulsive I guess. However, I might read a novel or non-fiction book while dipping into some poetry.

Terri wrote: "Rick wrote: "Terri wrote: "Yes, because I have to do reviews for Suspense Magazine and trying to keep track of more than one book at a time is no fun, especially when I have all my editing jobs to ..."

so it was really an evolving process?

Joan wrote: "I rarely read more than one book at a time--too compulsive I guess. However, I might read a novel or non-fiction book while dipping into some poetry."

Joan, I used to read one book only- but have found if I differ the genres- a current thriller, a historical novel, a classic or fantasy- it is almostlike haveing your own time machine- Each night I "Mind-travel" from 11th century England to current day DC to Victorian London and beyond!

I always read more than one book at a time.
Normally I read about 3 or 4 at a time. My friends look at me like I'm nuts because they can't figure out how I keep up with the storylines. now that kindle put out an android app it's much easier for me to read during downtimes even if it's just a few pages.

I enjoy the option of being able to read what I'm in the mood for. I generally have a fantasy or mystery novel always.

Plus I figure I have to read multiple books at a time if I plan to ever get through to be read list. (which is constantly being updated)

I wish I was at Jenn or Rick's levels ^, I currently read more than one book, though it has to be different class, (ie. one novel, one book on philosophy, one book of short stories). I'd really like to be at the point where I can switch between novels, but I'm not there yet. Aspiring readers have it just as bad as aspiring writers...

Gregory wrote: "I wish I was at Jenn or Rick's levels ^, I currently read more than one book, though it has to be different class, (ie. one novel, one book on philosophy, one book of short stories). I'd really lik..."

well, Gregory- I make sure the novels I am reading are quite different in genre- as I always love reading a current thriller- I make sure the others are historical fiction or fantasy.

2 or 3 one on Kindle, one in paper, and one on iPod that I only allow myself to listen to when working out--makes it last ALOT longer lol. The other two are usually different genres so I can keep stories straight. If it is something I LOVE I will only read one at a time. And I haven't ever listened to one and read one simultaneously (although I have run across some so badly written that may actually be possible)

Kaaren wrote: "2 or 3 one on Kindle, one in paper, and one on iPod that I only allow myself to listen to when working out--makes it last ALOT longer lol. The other two are usually different genres so I can keep ..."

sounds like a great plan to me, Kaaren!

Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and received Frank: The Voice as a Goodreads giveaway. Seeing as these are 600-700 page behemoths, I'll be commuting with more portable material & reading the big guys in my easy chair. I may read a short story as a palate cleanser once in a while.

Vince wrote: "Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and received Frank: The Voice as..."

Frank-The Voice was just reviewed in mylocal newspaper- received a fairly good review- curious what your opinion of it is Vince

Vince wrote: "Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and received Frank: The Voice as..."

I just requested this from the library. Can't believe they have so few copies, less than ten, considering we're in Nevada.

Rick wrote: "Vince wrote: "Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and received [book:Frank: The Voi..."

Can't wait to receive it. I won the giveaway 2 weeks ago & was told it would be 4-6 weeks until it arrives. The book only covers the first half of his life (1915-53) so I'm assuming there will be another volume down the line.

Vince wrote: "Rick wrote: "Vince wrote: "Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and received [book:F..."

I think there are supposed to be three volumes in all.

Shay wrote: "Vince wrote: "Rick wrote: "Vince wrote: "Usually I read one book at a time during my commutes to work & back. However, I recently purchased Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 and re..."
For Sinatra? I know there are 2 more for Twain. (This looks lika a ping-pong game.)

Vince, you're right, for Twain. I was just assuming it was about Twain.

Shay wrote: "Vince, you're right, for Twain. I was just assuming it was about Twain."

When I saw your mention of Nevada, I assumed you were talking about Frank.

Twain was in Nevada too...wrote about it in the book Roughing It. His brother was Secretary for the Territory of Nevada.

Forgot about Roughing It. Twain never played the Sands though. :-)

Vince wrote: "Forgot about Roughing It. Twain never played the Sands though. :-)"

had he did- I could see Twain opening for Red Buttons!

OK, that was a fun discussion to read!!

Vince, I wanted to win the Sinatra bio, but am just as happy with the Sal Mineo one. I did love him in movies & on tv & can hardly wait to read it!! :-) LOVE the giveaways!!

Martha wrote: "OK, that was a fun discussion to read!!

Vince, I wanted to win the Sinatra bio, but am just as happy with the Sal Mineo one. I did love him in movies & on tv & can hardly wait to read it!! :-) ..."

Beginner's luck for me. 1st time I entered one!

Rick wrote: "Vince wrote: "Forgot about Roughing It. Twain never played the Sands though. :-)"

had he did- I could see Twain opening for Red Buttons!"

"Sam Clemens - Never got a dinner!"

I just started entering recently ... late August or early Sept. I've won 12 books!! I don't know why or how, but am very grateful. :-) I've read & reviewed 3 so far & have 2 on the shelves waiting. I haven't received the rest of them. I'm in no hurry. :-)