Conversations With Kav – How many books do you read at the same time? and DNFs + Giveaway

Today is a two part question day (because I am that nosy!) If I’m not talking about books, I’m thinking about the routines of avid readers in their natural habitat. 🙂 So, here we go!

How many books do you read at the same time?

I’m pretty boring — used to be I just read one book at a time but once I started listening to audio books it became two fiction books at a time. I just have to make sure that the physical book and the audio book are different genres. I tried reading one cozy mystery while listening to another cozy mystery (not at the exact same time, but you know what I mean) and it was so confusing!

In my booktube sojourns I’ve come across multiple content creators who read multiple books at the same time — like six, seven, eight! I was gobsmacked. Still am. To me that just means the books aren’t engaging enough and I would DNF them licektey split and move on to find something I couldn’t put down. Which brings me to the second topic of the day.

Are you a DNFer? If so, at what point to you give up on the read?

I am a firm proponent of DNFing. (Do Not Finish) Life is too short to waste my time with characters I don’t like or plots riddled with holes or a writing style that doesn’t call to me. And there are so many books in my TBR begging to be my next best read! How can I disappoint them by wiling away precious reading time on something that I’m not connecting with?

I have a three chapter rule (usually.) If I’m not hooked in three chapters then I give up. Even when people say – but the last half of the book is awesome! I shouldn’t have to slog through the first half to get there. Sometimes, I’ll DNF earlier. Like if there’s a coarse language issue or other content that I don’t want to read. Or if a trope or issue comes up that I’m not keen on. Sometimes it’s a mood thing. Those are soft DNFs and I’ll give the book another chance sometime in the future. Usually, though, I’m unapologetically decisive and don’t look back.

This year I’ve started keeping a DNF log, writing a ‘for my eyes only’ review explaining why I DNFed. It’s been eye opening and I’ve discovered I can be snarky sarcastic when my readerly sensibilities have been offended. Oops. Reason why I don’t post DNFs or reviews on GR. 🙂

The Giveaway

Let’s get the conversation started. Share your thoughts on multiple book reading and DNFing in a comment below and I’ll enter your name in a draw for a $10 bookish gift card – Baker Book House or Amazon – winner’s choice.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 14, 2026.

59 thoughts on “Conversations With Kav – How many books do you read at the same time? and DNFs + Giveaway”

    1. I seem to go in phases. I was a one book at a time most of my life. Then a few years ago, I went to two. Typically different genres or different enough. Although if I’m using different formats, I don’t have to be as concerned with genres.
      For quite awhile I had one audio and then a Kindle and a physical book, or a couple of Kindles going. Sometimes ARCs are thrown in there. I think four at once is the most I’ve had going. I’ve been reading one at a time for the last few months though. Time to switch back!

    2. Yes, I DNF. Many years ago I bought a paperback by a CF author I hadn’t read before. It bored me and confused me to no end. It was torturous to finish. It took me forever and I was miserable. I kept at it because I paid for it. After that I wouldn’t buy a new author without reading a book of theirs from the library or something first.

    After that I decided that I have too many books and a respect for my time. I will DNF and stand by it. It rarely happens though.

    A couple years ago I read a book by a male author who brought up pee many times in the first few chapters and I was done. It was like listening to a bunch of guys chatting around a coffee shop with rambling conversation. I DNF’d and never looked back.

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    2. I can’t imagine reading four books all at the same time! My brain would get befuddled and I’d miss characters from the other books or, worse, I’d start thinking up ways all the different characters could meet and merge into one colossal story and then I’d be in a dither for sure. Bwahahaha! I admire your steel trap mind that keep everything straight.

      I agree with you on DNFing a book that doesn’t appeal. Even if I’ve bought the book, I will still stop reading if it doesn’t grab me. Reading shouldn’t make your miserable. And it’s so hard to spend money on a debut or new-to-you author. Great to be supportive but also, ack, what if I don’t like their writing style? I usually try to find one book at my library but that often isn’t possible with indie authors. Then I go by reader friend recommendations and reviews from people I know have similar likes and dislikes as I do. And, if I’m really in a pinch, I’ll check the 1 and 2 star reviews to see if what they say would match my feelings. That’s risky though, because they can contain spoilers so that’s my last resort. I use that a lot for new cozy mystery series. Good luck, Tammy! (still snickering over your last comment…just no!)

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    1. One thing I recently learned from Tracey is about the preview feature for kindle ebooks on amazon. I’m finding that helpful to check out an author’s writing style and usually if there is going to be language issues, that kind of thing. It’s quite a generous preview. And when I DNF a book I’ve bought I donate it to my library used book sale so maybe it can find it’s perfect reader match there. 🙂

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  3. What fun questions! I read multiple books in ebbs and flows. Sometimes I’ll have a few books going at once. Other times, especially in the case of rereads, I may drop some of the books to finish review copies. On the flip side, when I’ve read a review copy or two but haven’t gotten around to the reviews yet, I like to fill in my time with books I’m not planning to review. But then if I like those too much, they may also go on my need-to-review list 😉

    As far as DNF, I try to power through review copies unless I’m objecting to the content. I’m more likely to drop recreational reads from the library (kindle/audiobooks). I recently started one and, after 2 hours in, decided I’d tried enough to get into the story. My more recent listen is the second book in a series and I really liked book one, but with a second protagonist introduced in book two, I’ve been debating if it’s worth it to get connected into the story. I’m a little over 40 minutes in.

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    1. Reviews bring a whole other conundrum to the mix! I have to write my review pretty much right after I’ve finished the book and before I pick up the next one. I hate having a review obligation hanging over me and if I wait too long it becomes a chore rather than me enthusiastically sharing all the bookish love I feel. 🙂

      I’m very careful about the books I choose for review. That’s pretty easy for me since I don’t read ebooks and Net Galley is very sparse with audiobook ARCs. Plus, since I live in Canada, I don’t get the option to review print books any more. But even when I did, I was super careful about what I chose because I’d feel an obligation to read the entire book. If I DNF a book, I don’t leave a review because I don’t think it would be a fair evaluation. So disappointing when the second book in a series doesn’t match up to the first. The struggle to read or DNF can be a challenge sometimes. Good luck, Stephanie.

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  4. During the school year, I read about 10 books at a time. But that is because I teach reading for all grades. For my own pleasure, I usually am reading 3 – one on audio for my commutes and workouts, one on my Kindle, and one physical copy. I find that switching mediums creates a completely different story feel, although my favorite by far is paperback.

    I sometimes will not finish a book. But I am picky about what I read. My brain is so overstimulated from teaching, that I have learned to be choosy about what I read in my downtime. I try to finish a book, but there are a few I have let slide.

    Great discussion!!

    kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Whoa! Ten books at a time. But I can see that since you are likely reading different age levels and content to match the different grade levels so that might make it easier to keep up with all the various plots! When I worked for the school board library and in my elementary schools I pretty much read picture books and middle grade exclusively, but even then, I’d finish one book before starting on the next – it was just easy to get through them all faster. 🙂

      Love that you can listen to audio books on your commute. I only allow myself to listen to an audio book when I’m moving, so walking, exercising, housework, gardening etc. If I’m stationary I switch to my print book. I can appreciate your need to be selective in what you choose to read in your down time. Your brain must be buzzing in the school term. Good luck, Kathryn!

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  5. I read I just walk more than I read. And for me it’s if the book hasn’t caught my attention by the 3rd chapter than I’m done. And it’s not just books. I read a lot on the internet too since I don’t have regular tv. Such crazy stuff happening in the world right now. Walking gets me out of my head and thinking about what I am seeing.

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    1. I love walking too. Sometimes I walk without audio book accompaniment just to enjoy my surroundings – the neighbourhood, the birds singing, greeting dogs and cats, I come across on my walk. But I find audio books help motivate me to walk farther wo I usually enjoy a mix of nature and storytelling when I go out. Good luck, Kim!

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  6. Guess I’m either old school or simple minded because I only read ONE book at a time. I like being drawn into a book, both in story and characters, and can’t do that but one book at a time. To me it would be like watching a fabulous movie on TV (like in the old days when you couldn’t hit record) and neighbors keep dropping in for a visit. Maybe welcoming but still frustrating and you feel you miss out on something or lose the intensity of the storyline.

    My DNF depends solely on the book. I might read longer if I can feel the pull to the storyline, even if moving at a slower pace than I like. I once won a book on Goodreads that I only got to the second page. There was foul language, bad, and it had me researching the book description to see if I had made a mistake by entering. Nope nothing to even hint at the wordage. I let Goodreads know I wasn’t reading and why. Told them if they wanted to pay the postage back ok, but I won’t be passing it on to anyone. Ended up in the trash. Can’t say up to what point I’ve gotten, and it’s not often, but I seem to know when enough is enough. I like you 3 chapter rule. The next time I decide to DNF I’ll have to check out what point in the book I really am.

    Question for you – Does Canada do the change the clock twice a year thing? We changed our clocks back last night losing an hour. I haven’t missed it yet, but may feel I’ve been cheated out of another hour of reading later in the day.

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. You’re like my, Kay. I end up living the lives of the characters I’m reading about and that makes me invested in the book. I’d still be reading one book at a time if I hadn’t discovered audio books a few years back. And I love your analogy of constantly being interrupted while you’re trying to watch a movie in the old timey days when we couldn’t just hit pause and catch up later! 🙂

      Gah to unappealing language surprises that crop up unexpectedly. I find it hard to get good recommendations for general market books because of language and other content issues. People will say they don’t remember any swearing so I’ll start the book in good faith and then – bam – coarse language follows. Same with explicit content. So many readers say ‘just skip over those parts’ but you have to start reading them before you figure out that’s what they are! Gah! Sorry….went off on a rant.

      Yes, we change our clocks twice a year too. Though there is always controversy over whether we should stop doing that or not. Saskatchewan doesn’t any more and British Columbia is going to stop next year. It’s so confusing. Lots of people sheepishly slunk into church late this morning. 🙂 Good luck, Kay!

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  7. Like you, I’m curious about other readers reading habits too.

    I rarely read more than one book at a time. The few times I have done it was when I was reading a suspense too close to bedtime and I needed to get my mind off of what was scaring me. I’d switch to an easier read for an hour or so. It’s just the way I’m wired, but whatever is on my mind when I go to sleep, I will dream about it. One of the reasons I can’t read creepy, overly violent suspense books.

    I remember the first time it occurred to me I could actually stop reading a book if I wasn’t enjoying it. It was 2013, the first year I started keeping records on Goodreads. I was halfway through a 368 page book about a female pilot delivering mail in the Alaskan wilderness. It had a good premise, but nothing was happening and I got bored. What to do, what to do? I had to decide whether to DNF or give myself the book credit. Since I had read around 190 pages, I gave myself the book credit because many books only have that many pages. I felt so guilty, but it got easier after it happened a few other times and now if it doesn’t grab me in the first couple of chapters, I let it go. I see readers who have DNF shelves, but I don’t keep one.

    Have a blessed Sunday Kav and Best Readers!

    Thanks for the great discussion and giveaway 🙂 tracey14567 atgmail.com

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    1. Oohhh, that’s a good point, Tracey! Good to have a cozier read on standby fore bedtime reading. I’m like you, I often dream about the books I’m reading. Or elements of them anyway. Then I wake up and wonder about the crazy happenings in my dreams and make the connection with characters or stories I’ve been reading. And it’s always disjointed fragments of the books mixed up with my own life so the dreams get really crazy. Bwahahaha!

      I think I know the book you are talking about! And I find it interesting that you can remember the year of your emancipation from reading to the end of a book you aren’t excited about! I think I was born DNFing, no guilt attached to it at all. I’m thrilled you’ve now perfected the technique. I’m finding tracking my DNFs enlightening. I’m beginning to see patterns. I’ve only DNFed eight books this year, so it will be interesting to see how many I’ll DNF in a whole year, and what the reasons are. Good luck, Tracey!

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      1. I’m probably weird or naive that it never occurred to me not to finish a book I’d bought before 2013, mainly because I spent A LOT of time in my Christian bookstore reading the first chapter of books to see if I’d like them. Never bought a paperback/hardback I didn’t finish.

        When I got my first kindle for Christmas in 2010 I “bought” so many free books to try, there were lists with the top 100 CF in every genre. I was in heaven, I’d never seen so many CF books in my life. I bought a lot willy-nilly for a number of years then found many book styles/authors just weren’t for me. It was a process of self-discovery, but now I have a pretty good feel about what I like overall. I still love when I find a new to me author that’s really good to add to my list, but I always try to read a bit of the book before purchasing it.

        When I started on Goodreads comments by readers saying they just couldn’t finish certain books was a light bulb moment for me. Between 2010 and 2013, I just powered through those ebooks that weren’t that good. Finally, I felt like I had “permission” to stop and now it’s not hard at all. I rarely have to DNF now because I screen most of my books so carefully.

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      2. I was just adding another DNF review to my growing list and I realize that most of them are books I got free on audible plus. Most cozy mysteries that I found either dull or riddled with cuss words. There are so many cozy mystery series out there I can afford to DNF the ones that don’t live up to my idea of cozy!

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  9. When I read fiction and the vast majority of nonfiction, I read one book at the time. Rare exceptions could occur if reading a very long and serious, impactful nonfiction, I might take a little break and mix in a lighthearted novella. My DNF guideline is typically two to four chapters. However, there have been rare books in which two to four pages have been such a negative that I said no.

    Interesting discussion!

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    1. I can’t remember a time I sat down and read a nonfiction book cover to cover in one stretch. I need my NF to be doled out in smaller portions. Usually about ten pages a sitting, and not every day! But I can gobble up a fiction book in a matter of hours. 🙂 Lighthearted novellas are a great way to break up heavier reads. I appreciate your DNF decisiveness. Why waste time on a book that isn’t working for you? Good luck, CC!

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  10. Good morning, Kav! Interesting questions.

    I tried to read more than one book at a time a few times & found I usually liked one better than the other, continued it til I finished, then would go back & finish the other. I don’t know if that makes any sense but I still ended up reading one book at a time! 🙃 I get much more out of the story if I just stick with one.

    As far as DNFs, I don’t have many bc I read the samples of the book on Amazon 1st before I invest my time/money in a book. If you don’t read too much of an ebook & don’t like it, Amazon will give you a refund. I don’t give it a set chapter when I DNF, but when I start skimming that’s the end of the line for me. I’ll drop a book instantly if it has swearing. I always finish NetGalley books for review. I just received an ARC from a popular author & it took me over 3 chapters to get into it, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Her books are always brilliant & this was no exception!

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

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    1. That’s an interesting twist. And I never thought about liking one book more than another. That brings up the question of if your views on the ‘lesser’ enjoyed book might be completely different if you weren’t comparing it to the preferred book you were also reading? I don’t know if that makes sense, but my brain gets where I’m coming from. 🙂

      That Amazon sample trick is priceless, especially for indie books. Audible is funny — sometimes you can return a book and sometimes you can’t. But you can also return a book that you’ve finished, which is so strange. I’ve only ever returned a few. Now I’m curious about the popular author’s book that took you over three chapters to get into. That’s a good reminder that sometimes not DNFing too early pays off. Good luck, Diane!

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      1. You bring up a good point. I hadn’t thought of it before, but maybe my subconscious mind is comparing the two. I do read the Bible & a devotional so I guess I actually read 3 books at a time. lol That’s weird about being able to read an entire audible & still get a refund. They are very particular about e-books & if you read even 3 chapters sometimes they won’t give you a refund unless you call them. I mean it’s not like you read the entire book & are trying to get your money back, you just read a very small percentage of it!

        I just double-checked the fabulous book that took me a while to get into & realized I had to get past all the historic “guy stuff” & Scottish dialect I had a hard time understanding til I reached the heroine’s POV. lol

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      2. Now there’s a discussion for another day. Dialects in our books, adds authenticity – especially if we are armchair travelling too, but when is it too much? And what if the author doesn’t get it right?! Making a note. Thanks, Diane. 🙂

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      3. Your reply was in my spam. Sigh… The real difficult to understand Scottish dialect was in the prologue bc the hero was still in Scotland. Later on it was pretty easy to understand . . . words we know like “ye”, “bairn”, “aye”, “dinnae fash yourself”, etc.

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  11. For me, it’s one fiction (currently The Belle of Chatham), one nonfiction (currently The Myth of Good Christian Parenting), and the Bible (currently the First Nations New Testament version).

    As for DNF books, I will DNF immediately if it is explicit in any way (language, sex on the page) or if it totally creeps me out. Otherwise, I tend the read the entire book… even if I don’t care for it. I know a lot of people don’t do that, but it’s what I do. LOL.

    Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, the bible is an every day given for sure. And whatever devotional I’m reading. Like your choice of current reading material, Jolene! Interesting that you persevere to the end of a book that hasn’t quite grabbed your attention. I haven’t done that often…mostly in college, come to think of it. Once I didn’t have to finish something for a grade, I gave myself permission to give up on anything that didn’t keep my attention. I’m sure I’ve missed out on some great stories but….Good luck, Jolene!

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  12. Good Morning! I don’t think I’ve ever read more than one book at a time. I usually finish a book in a day or two so I like to enjoy one book fully before going on to the next one.

    I very rarely DNF a book. I have on occasion skimmed very fast and/or skipped to the end if I’m not enjoying the book. I’m not very experimental with new authors unless they’ve been blogged about and recommended. So, I mostly read books that I know I’ll like.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. I’m a fairly fast reader too. I wonder if that might be a factor in reading one book at a time? I mean, if I was reading the same book for two weeks I’d likely get bored and want to mix it up with something else as well. Ohhhh, that leads me into wondering if book length has anything to do with readers who read books one at a time or multiple books at a time? I’m giving this all way too much thought, aren’t I? 🙂

      You have reading gumption, Sandy, always reading to the end. I’m impressed! I like reading new authors but I tend to choose them on recommendations from bookish friends so it’s not as scary out there as it could be. Good luck, Sandy!

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  13. Hi Kav, great questions!
    I usually just like to read one book at a time, but sometimes I’ll reread a favourite while I’m in the middle of a new book.
    I don’t often DNF books, unless I really can’t get into it.

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    1. Good point, Karina. Sometimes I crave a favourite reread too and it totally works to also be reading another book at the same time because I’m so familiar with one of them that I don’t confuse plots etc. Good luck, Karina!

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  14. I read the Bible, a devotional, and a Kindle book daily. As for DNF…..that would happen if the book was too scary! Thanks for a FUN Sunday, Kav, and your generous giveaway. jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  15. Off the top of my head I can only think of two books that I started and didn’t finish. I feel like once I start them then I HAVE to finish them! I admit, it is a silly thought, especially when I have to force myself in some cases to at least read a chapter a day! 😂 As far as reading multiple books at the same time goes, I sometimes will read a book and an ebook at the same time. It does get tricky when there are similarities within the two books though! I’m reading a few right now where the main character on the ebook is the pet’s name on the actual book! 🤪 

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    1. Oh, wow, Bridget! Only two DNFs????? It seems like we are all okay with reading two books in different formats. Makes sense if you are an ebook reader because they would be handy to carry around when you are out and about, compared to lugging a 400 p historical tome around! Oh my goodness, that would be so confusing one book’s MC has the same name as the pet in the other book. Bwahahaha! That could make for some fun brain scrambles! Good luck, Bridget!

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  16. I usually read one fiction book at a time but have a couple of study books, devotionals, or reading group books going at the same time. I usually finish a book once I start it as I can’t leave something undone so therefore there’s only a few I have never finished. I know I’m strange. Blessings! leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  17. I’m currently at about my max for books at one time: one novel, one audiobook (which my husband and I listen to in the car and before bed), and one non-fiction book (which is pretty easy to pick up or set down as I have time and inclination). Even with two fictional stories, I can keep separation of novel and audiobook fairly well (maybe it’s something to do with visual vs audio mediums?), but two novels at once is just not doable.

    As for DNFing, I’m not great at it, but I’m getting better, especially now that I’m not doing book reviews anymore (unless I feel like writing a review, that is). It used to be very hard for me to quit a book once I started, or a series. I don’t have a set point at which I’ll quit, but if I’ve gone on long enough, sometimes rather than give up entirely I’ll skim to find out roughly what happens and maybe read the last chapter or two. Then I don’t feel too much guilt for including in my book count for the year. But it means I probably should have quit earlier!

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

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    1. I think you are right about the two different formats making reading two books doable. I love that you and your husband listen to audiobooks together!!!! That’s true romance! However, aren’t you ever tempted to listen ahead when you get to a good part? lol

      I didn’t know there was such a thing as reader’s guilt but clearly there is — or I have no conscience ’cause I’ve never fussed over quitting on a book but a few of you have mentioned how hard that is for you to do. Good luck, Rachael!

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  18. I tend to read at least two fiction books at a time. One on my kindle app because I have to read some on there each day or I can’t keep up my reading streak on the app. They keep track! Those may be a pdf from an author or one for a challenge that one of my review books doesn’t cover.
    Then I usually read on NetGalley for my books to review or my just for fun books.
    As for DNF, I have not finished a few because of language and two because I just couldn’t get into them. I may try again later but there are too many books I want to read to worry about those few. I am trying to be pickier about ones on NetGalley especially Harper Muse. However if you choose not to give feedback, NetGalley doesn’t penalize you by reducing your %.
    Happy Reading everyone!
    paulamarysATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Readers are motivated in many ways and an app tracking your reading is one of them! Love it! Another unapologetic DNFer! Yes, so many books to read why waste our time with something that isn’t working for us. Language is definitely one of the issues that contributes to me giving up on a book. Harper Muse books seem to be a little edgier and freer with language than I expected they would be, so proceeding with caution is a good idea for me too. Good luck, Paula!

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  19. I just read one at a time and usually do my research before adding to my TBR. I haven’t really read too many books I didn’t enjoy, so not finishing a book isn’t really a thing for me. Could just be because of sticking to genres I know I enjoy and liking a wide variety of writing styles🤔

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    1. Research is the key for sure. Sometimes impulse picks at the library, for instance, are wonderful discoveries, but more often than not, I end up dnfing them because of content issues. I keep trying, but at least I’m not out of pocket and I can just return the unread book to the library. Good luck, Elly!

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  20. Kav, I’m a one book at a time reader, plus short-reads from one or two devotional-type books and my Bible each day. I sometimes have trouble keeping track of all the characters in one book so I can’t imagine keeping up with multiple books. Ha!

    As far as DNF, I’m terrible at doing this. Once I start a book, I almost always feel compelled to finish it — unless of course I find something really objectionable. I need to start feeling more free to do DNF. At this point in my life, I’m not sure I can change! LOL

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Bwahahaha – yes keeping track of all the characters in some books can be quite daunting. Especially if the book has a complicated plot with historical elements like the kind Laura Frantz writes. Another compulsive, reader to the bitter end reader! You are in the minority but also in good company. Funny how we all have different ways of approaching those gnarly reads. 🙂 Good luck, Cheryl!

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  21. I suppose technically I might be reading three books at a time, but since the book I’m reading on my Kindle has been sitting there for months, and I’m sure I’ll finish it at some point, that might not really count as reading=) but other than that, I’m usually reading one actual paperback book and listening to another audiobook. E-books come in as a distant third in my preferred reading format.

    As for DNF, yes I definitely do. To many good books out there to waste time on something you don’t enjoy… but it’s not a very common occurrence. I’ve got twenty or so DNF books on my Goodreads shelf. Not sure how long I have been a member, but I would guess that is only 2-3 a year.

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    1. See, I think that’s what would happen if I tried to read multiple books at a time. One of them would just languish, feeling neglected and forlorn and then I would feel guilty! 🙂 Yay for knowing what you like and what you don’t and not being afraid to DNF when necessary. Sounds like you are good at book selection from the number of actual DNFs you end up with each year. Good luck, Patty!

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  22. I read one fiction book at a time which I don’t find boring since I’m a quick reader. Unless the book is boring… in which case I DNF. I’ve been DNF-ing more quickly than I used to, but the last one I didn’t finish I was at the 75% point and just didn’t care enough about the characters to find out the end.

    I will read a second book if it is non-fiction without a storyline like self-help, Christian living, or DIY.

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Decisive DNFing is a good thing, I think! As is immersing yourself in one books at a time. You can really lose yourself in the story that way. I can’t believe you made it all the way to 75% before giving up on a book! Did you at least take a sneak peek at the last chapter to find out how things worked out? Good luck, Heidi!

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  23. I read one book at a time though I occasionally will listen to an audio book before finishing my print book. I try to be pretty discerning about what I read so I don’t often not finish. The last book I tried to read but just couldn’t make it past 100 pages was a classic as part of an online classics book club.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. The classics are hit or miss with me too. I read a ton in my late teens and I remember feeling so literary and grown up but now so many don’t hold my interest. It doesn’t help that I know the plots courtesy of BBC adaptations throughout the years. Love that you are a loyal one book at a time reader. 🙂 Good luck, Pam!

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  24. I often read fiction & non-fiction when I’m doing reviews, but i normally read only one fiction book at a time. If I start a second, it has to to be a different genre. Multiple victims, villains, and motives would be my undoing!.

    i always believed I should finish every book but that’s gone by the wayside. My time is growing too short so I have joined the DNF crowd! 😉

    Connie

    cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Bwahaha — can you imagine reading both a Lynette Eason and Lynn Blackburn romantic suspense book at the same time?! That would be so confusing. But all the banter would be fun. 🙂 So yes, I always make sure that my audible book and my print book are different genres. Right now I’m reading a cozy mystery and listening to a suspense…kinda close, but intensity level is very different so it’s all good. Congratulations on joining the DNF crowd. We should start a Best Reads DNF club! Good luck, Connie!

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  25. I usually read just one book at a time, but occasionally I do two. I’m like you and have to read in different genres, though, or I get confused. Sometimes, if a book is too intense, I start another that is lighter–maybe a contemporary romcom. I rarely DNF a book. I’ve gotten much better at knowing which authors and types of books I enjoy, plus I do a lot of reviewing for authors, so I feel obligated to read the book so I can give an honest opinion.

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  26. I feel guilty if I don’t finish a book, and I think the only one I never finished is The Diary of Anne Frank. Technically I still have the book, so I could finish it, but since I haven’t picked it up in over 10 years, I kind of doubt I will… Since I primarily read Christian fiction, I (usually) don’t have to worry about explicit scenes or language so it makes it easier for me to finish a book, even if it’s not my cup of tea. Usually I’m a one book at a time kind of person, however, if I start to get board or frustrated with one I’m currently reading I’ll sneak in another one before finishing it. It probably would be easier to just mark one as DNF, but I just can’t seem to do that! I want to know how each story ends!🤪

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  27. I sometimes, but rarely, read more than one book at a time. Like you said Kav, it has to be different genres or I get too easily confused. Or sometimes I’ll read short ebook and full length paperback (still in different genres)….I mostly do that to “pad” my book count on my Goodreads yearly goal, lol! I do read a LOT of Christmas novella ebooks at the end of the year though 🙂

    As for DNF, if I can’t get invested in the book after the first chapter (or if they are short chapters, by the second), I put it down and consider it as a DNF. Like you again Kav, there are FAR too many books to read to slough myself down on a book I can’t get through. It could be for any number of reasons….maybe I don’t like the characters, or the plot just doesn’t interest me, or etc. I have occasionally DNF a book after the halfway mark or so just because I REALLY wanted to give it a chance to get better…..but if I think to myself “I just can’t bring myself to read another page”, I’ll DNF it. Maybe the story started strong but by the middle or so began to wane and I lost interest or didn’t care enough about the characters or it was MUCH to predictable for my taste. I definitely DNF a book if I run into a curse word, no matter what it is!! I also can’t stand when a book mentions people drinking or going to a bar to meet friends to “casually” drink……that’s something I won’t tolerate in a book. Funny thing, I read a lot of Regency books and they mention the men & women separate for a time so the men can drink their port wine. But I think that’s because that was the “norm” for that time period, and it wasn’t done to excess.

    Hopefully I haven’t rambled on too much to be confusing! There are so many reasons to DNF a book and each person is different in the whys or wherefores. Ultimately for me, if an author can make me really care about their characters and be invested in their lives….then that’s key for me to enjoy the story & keep me coming back for more!

    P.S. Have you ever read multiple books by the same author but you haven’t loved all of them? It’s weird isn’t it, at least to me 🙂

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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