I love sharing good books, and lately, I’ve been diving into some great reads! Whether it’s fiction that keeps me up past bedtime, non-fiction that shifts my perspective, or audiobooks that make daily tasks more enjoyable, I always have something in progress.
My Method For Managing Multiple Reads
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)
You need books in a few different formats.
- Kindle or a hard copy: 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.
I also recommend choosing different genres for each. For example, I don’t want to mix up the details of two mysteries or thrillers.
Just as with knitting, progress is made one little bit at a time. Eventually you’ll be finishing books left and right!
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, but ideally 4.5.
Remember:
- A = 4.5-5 stars
- B = 4-4.5 stars
- C = 3.5-4 stars
- D = 3-3.5 stars
- F = 0-3 stars
What I’m Reading Right Now
Here’s a roundup of the books I’m reading right now, books I finished recently, and my thoughts on each. If you’re looking for your next read, you might just find it here!
This list doesn’t include my DNFs (did not finish).
Family & Other Calamities
The sass! The snark! This one is fun!
Format: Kindle
Mistress of Rome
I was so thrilled with The Huntress that I’ve decided to try more by Kate Quinn. This is the first in a series.
Format: Kindle App
Recently Finished
The Huntress
This was so good! The plot follows a team of nazi hunters, and the story follows three perspectives, each of which is captivating. I do love historical novels, and I gravitate toward those about WWII, but this is an angle that was new to me, and I enjoyed every bit of it. 5 stars!
Format: Kindle
Open When
This is the counterpart to Dr. Julie Smith’s first book: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before, which made my list of Life-Changing Non-Fiction Books. The first is a lot about practical theory about how your brain works, this one is for when you’re going through it.
I didn’t enjoy reading this as a start to finish book. It truly is meant to be opened to the chapter you need when you need it.
Format: Hardback then Kindle App
Death Row (Alibis collection)
This one was free via Amazon First Reads (I consider Prime to be worth every penny), and it was surprisingly good for a short story. It felt like a full thriller that didn’t overstay its welcome. It was thought-provoking on so many levels.
Format: Kindle
Cut and Thirst: A Short Story
Meh… Death Row was better.
Format: Kindle
Don’t Forget to Write
This one is by the same author as Behind Every Good Man (below), which I LOVED. The writing style is the same, the protagonist is just as spunky, the ending has a great twist! 4.5 stars! I think I have a new favorite author.
Format: Kindle
Here One Moment
Well the premise of this one is certainly new! A woman on a plane predicts the age and cause of death of all of the passengers, and then we follow their stories to see what happens. It started strong, but I wasn’t into it anymore by the end.
Format: Libby Audiobook
The Women
Kristin Hannah is a master of novels based in history. This one is about a woman to enlists to be a nurse in Vietnam. I learned so much about that time, both in Vietnam and in the US. It drew me in, and I can’t stop thinking about it now that it’s over. I definitely got a book hangover from this one. It made my list of 5-star fiction books.
Format: Kindle
Be Ready When the Luck Happens
I’ve been a fan of Ina Garten for years, and it was interesting to hear her story. She’s easy to listen to, and as always, I recommend the audiobook format for celebrity memoirs.
Format: Libby Audiobook
Camino Island
This one started out exciting, but the excitement never picked back up for me.
Format: Libby Audiobook
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
This one was available without a wait on Libby. It was surprisingly good. Hated the language, loved the message.
Format: Libby audiobook
Behind Every Good Man
This was such a delight! It made my list of 5-star fiction books, and my full review can be found there. I hope somebody turns it into a show or movie.
Format: Kindle app on phone
Eleven Numbers
I don’t typically do short stories, but this one was free with Kindle First Reads, which is an Amazon Prime benefit (it pays for itself), so I decided to give it a whirl. It was great!
Format: Kindle
Sapiens
It’s interesting to hear human history from such as high level view.
Format: Libby audiobook
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
This one was trippy, long, and unlike anything I’ve read before. It kept me interested, but was difficult to follow. I did appreciate the reveal(s).
Format: Kindle
Final Thoughts
I’ve written more about my 5-star fiction and non-fiction books. And I have advice for reading and knitting at the same time if you’re up for a challenge!
