Reading several books at once: finding what works for you

You might like following one story through to the end, or prefer choosing according to your mood. There is little reason to force yourself into the other approach. If a novel has your full attention, the others can wait.

When you do want to alternate, fairly different books may be easier to return to. An essay and a comic do not ask you to remember the same characters. Two novels with similar plots might be harder to keep apart. Try it and see how it feels.

Picking up where you left off

After a few days, a bookmark tells you where to start but may not remind you what just happened. Before closing a book, you could leave yourself one sentence: “She has received the letter; we still don’t know who sent it.” That small note might save you rereading a whole chapter.

For an essay, note the question or idea being discussed instead. When you return, glance over the last page before moving on. It may be easier than trying to reconstruct the argument from memory.

When too many books are open

One useful sign is spending more time choosing than reading. You can put a few books back on the shelf and keep only the ones that appeal this week.

The number can change. On holiday you might have several books going; at another time, one short book will be enough. You do not need to keep the same arrangement all year.

When one of those books waits longer, finding the thread after a break can save you from starting the entire book again.