Are you a monogamous reader?

[Dave Rosenthal]

On Read Street, we've been discussing this topic: Are you monogamous? Not that kind of monogamy — I mean reading habits. Do you read one book at a time? Or do you have two or more going at once — say, a novel, a nonfiction book and a collection of short stories?

Alison Morris, a Publishers Weekly blogger, has identified several species of polygamists. They include: the Whimsical, who dips in and out of multiple books at once; the Placebound, who reads several books simultaneously but each in its own locale -- at home, at work, on the subway; and the Noncompetitive, who reads one fiction book and one non-fiction book at the same time, or some similar combination.

I’m a one-book man. I like to focus, to get comfortable with the author’s pacing and language. And I want to keep track of the subtleties of a character, setting or plot. I may have a magazine article, comic piece or short story handy in case I only have a few minutes to read. But I prefer at least an hour of quiet — and one book.

Nancy, my blogging partner, flits among different books. As she says: "What if I’m not in the mood for the collection of political profiles I picked up a few days ago? Well, I just pick up the graphic novel about zombies. Or the Mexican crime novel. Or re-read Pride and Prejudice. Do I ever get confused or lose my place? Sure! But most of the time, it’s a system that works for me.

What are your reading habits — do you subscribe to Davidite monogamy or Nancyist polygamy? And can you think of any other species to add to Alison's list?

[Lori]

I usually have 3 going at the same time. Usually a fiction, non-fiction and maybe a biography. Or if I am reading two fiction they are of two completely different geners.

[Mindy]

I just do one at a time. If it doesn't grab me, I stop reading that one and move on to something else.

[Yvette Kelly]

If a book is really good then I will read it from start to finish in one go.Sometimes I come across a book which is not that interesting but is readable just to get my mind to slow down.Those books I keep next to my bed so I read a chapter every evening before going to sleep as it puts me to sleep all relaxed.So I usually read two books at a time.The bedtime books just takes a whole lot longer to finish.

[Dave Rosenthal]

I think you all have corrupted (or at least co-opted) me. Although I've been very loyal to my books, I find myself flirting with two now. I'm reading House of Leaves, and have had a hard time getting into the supernatural novel's 600-plus pages of dense prose. So I'm "relaxing" with The Discovery of France, which describes how that nation was built from disparate communities.

[Jenna Ahern]

I am monogamous.

[lynn malone]

Depending on the type of book I am reading, I will either read one or more at the same time. A few years ago I read a lot of the classics and could only read one at a time....but now I am kind of reading fluffy stuff and can handle two to three at a time. If I am reading more than one, each book is in a different location in my house..bedroom, livingroom, etc...I just want something to read wherever I am....but I don't read at work...no time!

[C.S. Bhagya]

I'm definitely the Whimsical polygamist. I read to around three books, mostly novels, at the same time.

[Harvee Lau]

I tried to be. Now I'm back to my old ways, and have about 4 books going at once.

[Tammy]

I am definitely monogamous. I have a hard time disassociating myself from one book to another even after I've read the first and moved on to the next! I'd have a really hard time if I was reading more than one at the same time!

[Valorie Tucker]

I used to be the type to read more than one book at one time. Max I would read at any given time would be three. However, I am so busy lately that all I can read is one book. If I read more than one, which I get the urge to do now and then, it takes me twice as long to finish each.

[diana mack]

most of the time i have my current "i have got to read this..everyone says it is so good" book
then i have a nonfiction book (just finished columbine..awesome)
then i have the book my book club picked which i keep trying to get into and end up doing a marathon with to finish
so...usually 3!

[Deirdra Van Duzer]

I have one book going at a time. If I get an ARC and have a personal book going then it will be two with other ARCs to follow until done. So far that has not been an issue. I just think it is harder to do a good review if you have multiple plots and characters floating in your head. You are bound to mix them up. If I take the time to read a book I want to be sure the review is as good as the book is.