In this post, I’ll walk you through how to read multiple books at once without losing track or burning out. Whether you’re trying to read more or just want to match your book to your mood, this strategy might be exactly what your reading life needs.

I used to think I had to finish one book before starting another. But over time, I’ve discovered a more flexible and enjoyable way to read. Now, I keep multiple books going at once—and I actually finish more books this way. It’s not chaotic or overwhelming; it’s intentional.

How to Read Multiple Books at Once: The Method

My current reading system has turned me back into the bookworm I used to be! If you love reading but struggle to find the time, you might enjoy my approach! The trick is to have more than one book in progress at a time. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Use Different Formats (Physical, Audio, Phone App)

Fitting reading into your busy life probably means that you need your reading formats to be circumstantial.

Are you sitting down at home? Great! A hardcopy or eReader is perfect.

Are you in the waiting room and didn’t bring your hardcopy or eReader? That’s what the Kindle app is for! (If you can scroll social media, you can scroll a book.)

Are you doing chores around the house or cooking? Try an audiobook!

The book Formats I use

You need books in a few different formats.

• Kindle or a Hardcopy: This is your primary book because it has no distractions!
• Kindle App on Phone (Apple|Google Play): Get in the habit of opening this app when you would otherwise be doomscrolling or scrolling mindlessly on social media.
• Audiobook on Phone (Libby|Audible): Read with your ears when you’re working on something mindless.

Choose a different book for each one so that you don’t have to worry about syncing progress. Plus this keeps it interesting since you aren’t stuck with one book.

Just as with knitting, progress is made one little bit at a time. Eventually you’ll be finishing books left and right!

Ereader and Kindle App Settings

Just like with all electronic devices and apps, there are settings that you can adjust to make something your own. Here are some recommendations:

• Scrolling: You’re used to scrolling on your phone, so choose the scroll setting for your Kindle app instead of trying to mimic turning pages. If you’ve ever read any sort of long format media on your phone, this is a natural transition.
• Font: It’s easier to read Sans-serif fonts (like Arial, etc) than Serif fonts (like Times New Roman) on a screen. Make sure your phone app is set to a sans-serif font.
• Size: You can make the text as small or large as you like. Choose what’s easiest for your eyes.
• Spacing: Do you want your lines of text close together or far apart?
• Brightness: Choose a dimmer light setting to be easier on your eyes and more realistic.
• Warmth: Play with the warmth – do you want ‘pages’ to be more yellow or more gray?

Choose a Different Genre for Each Format

I recommend choosing different genres for each of your formats. For example, I don’t want to mix up the details of two mysteries or thrillers, so I only have one of those going at a time.

I also don’t want to miss any details in a mystery or thriller, so I usually choose to read those with my eyes (hardcopy, eReader) instead of my ears (audio).

Give Yourself Permission to Pause

If you get 10-20% into a book and aren’t driven to come back for more, you can put it in your DNF (did not finish) list, and move on! You can always come back to it later if you change your mind. Don’t let a slow book ruin your reading mojo.

Keep a Reading Tracker or Notes

I’ve moved from Goodreads to The StoryGraph (love it!) for tracking and rating, and I keep my notes here on Knitrition for you.

As with my recipe organization system, I rate my books on a 5 star scale, and I prioritize reading books that are averaging at least 4 stars (a B), but ideally 4.5 (an A).

Remember:

• A = 90-100% = 4.5-5 stars
• B = 80-89% = 4-4.4 stars
• C = 70-79% = 3.5-3.9 stars
• D = 60-69% =3-3.4 stars
• F = <60 = 0-2.9 stars

In this phase of my life, I want the little time I have to read to be used for something truly spectacular, not just meh. I’m looking for an A!

Final Thoughts

I hope you try this method to shake up your reading life or get yourself out of a reading rut.

Check out what I’m reading if you’re interested.