I used to approach reading the way I approach most projects: one thing at a time. A book, once started, demanded my full focus—chapter after chapter until I either finished or lost interest. More often than not, I’d hit a point where the spark just wasn’t there anymore. Momentum faltered, and I shelved the book halfway through (sometimes permanently).
That all changed when I began reading three or more books simultaneously (credit to Daniel Miessler for the idea). Here’s what I’ve found:
Variety keeps you engaged
Switching between topics (say, technology, history, and fiction) knocks boredom out of the park. When one feels heavy or slow, I jump into another. The spontaneity keeps me curious and coming back.
You actually finish books
By spreading attention across multiple reads, I avoid the all-or-nothing pressure that used to tank my progress. Suddenly I’m finishing every one of them, just at different paces. That sense of completion really matters.
Your focus gets sharper
The real benefit came when I noticed my attention span improving. Instead of forcing my way through material I wasn’t ready for, I let my brain choose what it wanted. When I feel mentally fatigued or stuck, I don’t push, I just pivot. That quick segue keeps me in sync with what I actually want to read.
Insights cross-pollinate
Reading multiple books at once means ideas from one bleed into the others. A metaphor from a novel or a technical insight from a non-fiction piece will suddenly make perfect sense in another context. It’s like each book extends the reach of the others.
If you’ve ever stalled in the middle of a book and thought, “Maybe I’ll just quit this one,” try a trio. The variety gives your brain options, and the momentum builds naturally, without forcing yourself to finish just one.
TL;DR
- Reading just one book means momentum dips lead to quitting
- Three books at once = variety + motivation
- You’re more likely to finish, stay engaged, and learn more
- Switching between books sharpens your focus and enriches insights
Hopefully this will be a fun experiment for anyone stuck in a rut with a single book. If you ever want to see what book(s) I’m currently juggling, see my “Currently Reading” section on the home page.
Finally, please give me your book recommendations. I want to read them all.