Today's Musing Monday question deals with multi-tasking:
I've seen several bloggers mention reading multiple books this week. Do you frequently read more than one book at a time? Do you try to limit this to a certain number? Do you have different books for different purposes/topics?
Well, if you have read my recent teaching posts, you know that I consistently teach 3-4 different novels per week (this past week I taught Pride and Prejudice, Fahrenheit 451, The Hobbit and A Midsummer Night's Dream). Now, I have read all of these books a minimum of 3 times in the past, so I while I re-read the book along with the students, truly it is more of a quick review (although I always find something new that I never noticed before).
In addition to my academic novels - I like to try to read one fictional book for pleasure. My most recent read was Alice I have Been by Melanie Benjamin (review coming soon). This book served a dual purpose for me: first, several bloggers recommended it as "must read" material, and second, my 9th grade class will be reading Alice in Wonderland within the next couple of weeks (to time with the Tim Burton movie release) and I thought this might enrich my reading experience (which it did). I have not yet decided on my next fictional read, but trust me, I have several options.
In addition to fiction, I find myself obsessed with reading non-fiction books on the craft of writing fiction. I have read numerous books over the past few weeks, and my current fixation is Turning Life into Fiction by Robin Hemley. Fascinating concepts and very practical advice -- exactly what I need.
I find it very difficult to read more than one fictional book at a time (a "new-to-me" fictional book, that is), as I tend to confuse the characters and plots. I enjoy reading one fiction and one non-fiction book simultaneously though. I think they stimulate two different sides of my brain, and that is good for me.
I would like it if I could focus on reading two or more books at once, because there are just so many books out there but so little time.
ReplyDeleteI have tried reading two fiction books at once, but I can't multitask that much. I, too, confuse characters and the plot especially if one is better than the other. Interesting question! :)
I can read only 1 non-fiction book at a time. I usually have 1 or 2 fiction books going at a time.
ReplyDeleteI do not tend to read multiple books only because I get to a point that I cant' decide which to read when so then end up watching tv. I'm a monogamous reader.
ReplyDeleteI generally read two at a time. A book at each end of the house. One I am dedicated to ( the book in the family room) and the other gets read a chapter or so at a time. Makes it interesting. The chapter at a time book is usually a fluffy light read.
ReplyDeleteIt's generally one book at a time for me, but I can see why you read more.
ReplyDeleteOne book at a time for me. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteI have three books listed each week as my "current reads," but mostly I read the stack through one at a time.
ReplyDeleteI have read more than one at a time, in the past; it's usually something like a smaller book to go in my handbag when I'm out, and a larger book to read at home.
I am not a huge non-fiction reader and I agree it is hard to read more than one fiction book at a time, but I also admit to having several 'inactive' books, books I have put aside, lurking nearby, waiting to be picked up again.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to become a good article
ReplyDeleteOnly one book at a time for me. I couldn't keep more than that straight in my head. Plus I would probably play favorites and push others aside to finish "the one". But, this week I am reading one book and listening to another on the ipod. So far this is working out well for me and I am getting hooked on the idea of audiobooks.
ReplyDeleteI really admire readers that can read more than one book at a time though.
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