It's been a while since we've had a discussion here at The Farm, but recently I've been doing some thinking and I was wondering "What kind of reader are you?" Specifically are you a one-book-at-a-time reader (OBAAT) or are you a multiple-books-on-the-go reader (MBOTG)?
Up until recently, and by recently I mean pretty much 2019, I was pretty much a OBAAT. I struggled to even begin to think about becoming an MBOTG even though I secretly envied readers who could manage such a thing. But as Stormi and I started doing more buddy reads, and my desire to actually read some older (and I mean OLDER) books on my shelves, I slowly started having several books on the go at once. So I found an article on Bustle which I am linking. It looked at the advantages of MBOTG (click on the link for the entire article).
ADVANTAGE: It helps you get through your TBR faster.
Now I don't necessarily agree with this one. I have certain amounts of time to read. That time is based on many things during the week. Having more than one book on the go at a time really doesn't effect the amount of time I have to read so how can this be true? Enlighten me.
ADVANTAGE: It helps you balance required reading and pleasure reading.
This is sort of true in the sense that it does help me balance ARC reading, buddy reading and backlist title reading. I get to mix it up and it forces me to make time for things besides new releases.
ADVANTAGE: You can balance light and heavy reads.
I can see this being the case. When I am a MBOTG, I usually mix up genres and dark and light reads and it works for me. It allows for variety so I don't get stuck in a rut or weighed down by horror and dark reads which I love, but which I have found does take over my subconscious some (nightmares people - reading from horror too long, no matter how much I love it, does effect my dream cycle - I warned you I was weird).
ADVANTAGE: You can enjoy many book mediums at one time.
YES! This is key for me. Now that I consider myself a MBOTG, I usually have a Kindle title, a physical title and a graphic novel all on the go at once. Let's be honest, there are times the Kindle needs to charge and I'm not done reading. So now I switch books.
So in looking at these, I have to admit some are why I am now finding it possible to be a MBOTG. And overall it is working for me. Initially I found that I wasn't getting books completed as my usual pace but after time, I was able to see that I was doing pretty much the same amount of reading. Now I just have some finishes that are pretty close together.
Although this is still a new thing to me and I reserve the right to revert back to a OBAAT if I so desire.
So what kind of reader are you? Any tips on how to be a MBOTG or thoughts on why being anything but a OBAAT is insane?
I prefer one book at a time, but I can do more if the need arises. I've found I do like to have an audiobook going that I can listen to while multitasking, and also an ebook for normal reading. If I'm reading a print book, I might also have an ebook going since those are easier on the go and in bed at night. But like you, idk that it actually helps me get more reading in cuz I'm still reading the same amount, just spreading it out among diff books lol.
ReplyDeleteYes, I almost always have to have a Kindle book on the go so I can read before bed - even though I know it's bad for you or so they say.
DeleteBeing able to read different mediums at the same time is a big reason I read more than one book at a time. I wouldn't take an ereader to soak in a hot bath, but I like to read paperbacks in the tub. (To my librarian: NOT library books, don't worry!) I also like to keep a small book in my purse, my "errand book" for when I'm stuck in line somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI think the reasoning you gave is quite popular with us bloggers. I've been seeing it a lot.
DeleteI do read more than one book at a time. I tend to have several formats going at any given time. I always have a book that I am reading and one that I am listening to. I have recently started going with a book in audio, one on my kindle, and one in print. That way I can read whichever format works best in a certain situation. I don't know that I read any more doing it this way but it does give me some flexibility and I seem to have days where I finish up more that one book.
ReplyDeleteIt is easier when they are in different formats.
DeleteWhen it comes to fiction, I only read one book at a time. I like to fully deal with a story before moving on to the next. I sometimes start more than one non fiction book at a time as you don't have to engage with that the way you do with fiction. I can read one fiction with one non fiction too. But I do prefer just one book. I hate having a pile of unfinished books lying around!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I will be a multiple book reader forever, but for now it is working for me. However, I do miss the days of one-at-a-time.
DeleteFor the longest time I couldn't imagine how people could be MBOTG readers but then I discovered audios and BAM I became a believer. BUT I don't know if I could go one more book on the go, I have to admit. It's the different medium that helps me focus on the two books, but... I don't know where else (different medium) I could try after this.
ReplyDeleteYes, different mediums and different genres are key.
DeleteRight now, I’m monogamous with my books, but I’m usually a book polygamist. I read 1 physical book + 1 audiobook, or 1 novel + 1 short story collection.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I love it - a book polygamist!
DeleteI'm definitely OBAAT. I've tried reading multiple books at a time but all it does is slow me down because my brain has to shift gears and that takes time. Plus like you said, I'm still reading the same amount, but it takes me even longer to finish a book.
ReplyDeleteYea I don't know where the author gets that people read more. Unless they are counting the time you can squeeze in (for example, if you keep a physical copy in your purse for down time, etc).
Deleteyay! Finally a post that makes me feel better about being a MBOTG! TY! :)
ReplyDeleteI blame it on my ADHA :)
I think I'd go through books faster if I were a OBAAT but I just can't.
I think reading for me is like watching TV. One episode of each TV show at the time :)
Great post Barb!
Thanks Daniela - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteI have read multiple books at the same time before, usually a mix of fiction and nonfiction, but for the most part, I prefer to read one book at a time.
ReplyDeleteI don't read tons of non-fiction but I do go through graphic novel phases.
DeleteI prefer one book at a time, but I don't dnf review books and with some of them I need little breaks from reading them and I don't want to waste reading time just reading nothing. 😏
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't get how it would help you get through your tbr faster, either. Hmmm... 😐
Yes, DNF'ing is completely different story for me. I do it so rarely and it really does bother me!
DeleteMore and more I am reading multiple books at a time. I like to have an audiobook going in the car, and then one to read during lunch that I can just leave in my desk drawer at work. It's all about maximizing my reading time!
ReplyDeleteI have to listen to music in the car. I fear an audiobook would put me to sleep!
DeleteI'm a read more than one at a time gal if it turns out I'm not in the right mood for a genre I'm reading.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI am so glad I have gotten you to where you read more than one at a time. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, you were a huge influence!
DeleteI'm a multi-booker, only because I usually tackle several formats at once. I like to have an audiobook on the go, an ebook for when I'm out and about, and a physical book that I curl up with at home. I like to be prepared for all occasions, I guess you could say! :D
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Yes physical books are nice to curl up with but I do prefer my Kindle in bed - no lights to turn off when I'm done.
DeleteI'm definitely a multi book reader, but I wasn't before I started blogging! I used to get stuck in a slow book forever. I love being able to move between books now.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a slow transition for me but I think it finally stuck.
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