This week’s BTT.
For something different, I’m borrowing a question from … here! One of the very first questions ever at Booking Through Thursday. Back from 2005 when Laura owned the blog but, because it was so new, it didn’t get as many responses as it does now … so, why not revisit?
Here’s the question:
Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…
- Are you currently reading more than one book?
- If so, how many books are you currently reading?
- Is this normal for you?
- Where do you keep your current reads?
I am actually reading more than one book. I’m alternating between What is Time?, a non-fiction, and The Rachel Papers, fiction. I’m still also attempting to finish Catch-22.
This isn’t normal for me. I usually only read one book so I can focus on that one book. But since I’ve transfered unis, I’m also catching transport almost on a daily basis rather than driving for an hour, so I have a bit more time to read. Taking a book along with me on trains means it has to be thin and light so no Lord of the Rings! The main collection gets read at home.
I also much prefer reading one book at a time. The writers have put in so much blood and sweat that readers should take their time to appreciate and absorb their art. Readers should enjoy the moment and atmosphere of the book.
I also have a short attention span and I’m attempting to read through my collection of non-fiction this year. I alternate non-fiction reads with fiction reads so I can stay interested and with my mind on the matter.
Currently, What is Time? is sitting by my bed. The Rachel Papers usually stays in my bag but I’ve taken it out for holidays and the weekend. Catch-22 is languishing on my desk looking solemnly at me as if saying I should finish what I’ve started.
Mad Bibliophile 
I always pick the slim book to bring with me as well. Maybe I should pick the thickest, get a bit more exercise during the day.
I tend to pick a real thick one if I am going somewhere…but then again if I am taking a bus or train means I am going somewhere far away and you get a lot of reading done in 5 hours 😉
I too am re-reading Catch 22!
BTT: Juggling books
I ahree that books should be savored and not hurried through. I only assign about half of what other courses require in reading, so that students can read closely to appreciate the motive and language.
We are very much the same way. I like to give one book my undivided attention.
I would love to be able to read several books at a time, but I find that it takes me much longer to finish them than if I keep it down to two or three.
ooooh..catch-22. I can’t recall how many times I have tried reading catch-22. I guess it’s not my cup of tea.
The Rachel papers sounds interesting, I’ll have to check it out.
Oddly enough, I find it easier to focus on the book I’m reading when I’m reading more than one book. I’ve found that if I read just one at time, I’m so excited about what’s coming next that I’ll rush through what I have just to get to the next one. When I read more than one though, I’m at ease enough to immerse myself in the story at the time I’m reading it. Weird, I know. Isn’t it funny how the minds works? =)
One of the best things I love about my commute to and from work riding both the bus and the subway is that it give me time good time to read. I’ve found it whole lot less stressful than driving.
Interesting. I tend to keep more than one at a time. Depends on the mood which one I want to pick up! 🙂