Why You Should Read 3 Books At A Time

Most of us start out reading just one book at a time, and won't start another one until our current read is finished. Maybe you've tried reading another book on the side and found that you just couldn't stick to it or maybe you found it too confusing. I don't really have a way to help you get into the habit of reading multiple books at a time (golden number is three, you can read more, or just 2) but I do have a list of why you should.

First I do have one tip, it may be easier to ease into it by starting a second book while in the middle of your first, rather than committing to two books at once (I always circulate mine around and hardly ever finish two at the same time). Then when you are comfortable with two add a third.

The point of course is not to read three at exactly the same time but to circulate from one book to another. I personally have no problem distinguishing between two similar books that I'm reading, but if you get the character's mixed up you can alternate genres (like reading one fiction and one nonfiction).

Without further ado here are 4 reasons you should read three books at a time.

You get through slow books more efficiently.
While it may seem like reading multiple books simply makes them all take longer, that's really not the case. Whether the slow book your reading is assigned, one you're reviewing, simply slow,  or just more difficult to get through (classics, especially philosophy for me), reading multiple books helps you get through the one you're struggling with because you can take a break from reading it but don't have to take a break from reading. Just pick up something lighter and then return to the classic. I like to set small goals for myself, like one chapter of  Mansfield Park followed by two chapters of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. Which brings me to my next point:

It helps avoid the dreaded 'reading slump'
Like I just mentioned, slow or hard-to-read books can be intimidating and you may end up dreading the slogging-through process (even though you probably still want to read it, or have to), this often leads to a slump. Another cause of the slump is finishing a really good book and being unable to get into a new one. Reading multiple books solves this problem because it gives you a break from the hard book, (but you're still reading), and if you just finished a really good book you don't have to fear getting into a new one because you are already in the middle of another book. Nothing cures a hangover like already being half-sober.

It get's you through your TBR faster.
Not only does it let you read more efficiently and avoid a reading slump (although it does that too) but you can also reread old favorites while still working on your ever growing list of yet-to-be-read books. I don't know about you, but I always felt a little guilty rereading books because it took away time from discovering new books (and I really wanted to do both), this way it's balanced. It's also a great way to meet that Goodreads reading goal:)

Speaking of balance...
Reading a couple books at a time can help you balance have-to-read -books (as in assigned) with books you want to read, and emotional reads with something more lighthearted. It also lets you read in different genres at the same time, vs reading a biogrphy and then fiction and then a reread etc. I'm currently rereading the Harry Potter series, learning about the Romans in Mary Beard's S.P.Q.R, and reading a new book from one of my favorite authors, Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan.

Overall it's a good system for the hardcore reader, University/college student juggling multiple reads, and anyone else who would like to read more, avoid slumps and get a massive brain workout.

-Thanks for checking out this post! ~Alicia