The case for reading one book at a time or multiple books at once
I’ve been struggling to decide what to write for this post (severe lack of inspiration lately!), so I thought I’d keep it short and snappy. Today’s topic: a lighthearted but surprisingly divisive question — do you read one book at a time, or multiple books at once?
This always sparks debate in my book club and with friends, and the reading community seems pretty split: some swear by the focus of sticking to one book, while others (like me) can’t resist juggling a few at once.
Personally, I’ve always been guilty of reading multiple books at once. It’s a habit I’ve found nearly impossible to break. But recently, in my journey of rediscovering reading and wanting to immerse myself more deeply, I challenged myself to stick to one book at a time.
I can’t say I’ve been 100% successful, but I have gained a new appreciation for slowing down and fully sinking into a story.
Reading One Book at a Time
At its core, reading one book at a time is all about focus. With just a single book in hand, all your attention is directed there; you’re able to fully immerse yourself in the story, which naturally leads to better retention and understanding.
This approach is especially valuable for novels with complex storylines, richly built worlds, or layered lore. I can’t count how many times I’ve finished a book only to realise I couldn’t recall much of what happened. Looking back, it often felt like I was reading just to finish, not to truly absorb the story.
I have a friend who only ever reads one book at a time because she loves to completely submerge herself in the narrative. I really admire that dedication and often wish I could emulate it. But here’s the challenge: if she’s struggling with the pacing or not enjoying the book, she won’t touch anything else until it’s finished. And that’s where I falter, because if a story drags, I need the freedom to switch gears rather than stop reading altogether.
Why I Read Multiple Books at Once
Reading, as you probably know by now, is my primary source of entertainment, my favourite hobby, and honestly, a bit of a crutch I lean on heavily. The books I choose, and the genres I gravitate toward, depend almost entirely on my mood. If I’m not in the mood for a book on my TBR, chances are I just won’t read it.
That’s where juggling multiple books comes in. If I’m bored, struggling with the pacing, or just need a break from a heavy story, I can’t afford to stop reading altogether. Instead, I’ll switch to something else. For me, going long stretches without reading feels worse than temporarily setting a book aside.
I’ll admit, this is what I’m most guilty of. The minute a book stops working for me, I put it down and pick up another. Forcing myself through has only ever led to burnout; it makes everything I read feel bland and has even caused me to step away from books entirely. That’s why I usually end up with two or three reads on the go. It’s not that I’m actively reading them all at once, but rather that I rotate depending on what I need in the moment.
Of course, if a book is genuinely gripping, this doesn’t happen; I’ll finish it straight through and move on. But for those times when a story stalls, I’m glad I have options. I like to call myself a hybrid reader: one “main” book I’m focused on, with a few side hoes waiting in the wings. And when the main book starts to disappoint, well… the side reads get their moment to shine.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this really isn’t a debate that needs to be a debate. There’s no right or wrong way to read, just whatever fits your style. It’s your reading journey, so do what makes sense for you.
I feel like this always ends up being my sentiment in these discussion posts, and you’re all sick of hearing it, but honestly, what works for one reader won’t necessarily work for another. If you can’t imagine juggling multiple books, that’s fine. If sticking to one feels restrictive, that’s fine too. The point is, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you.
So read your way, and let others do the same.
Thanks for reading! See you in my round up on Friday! In the meantime, follow me on GoodReads and Fable!
Signed,
