I read multiple books at once. Because there are so many books out there in the world, and so little time, I appear to think that I will read them all faster if I *checks notes* read all the books at the same time.
I cannot stress this enough: I do not recommend this method. This is insane and the workings of a chaos goblin with a sick brain.1 However you choose to read your books is probably more normal than this and I support it.
Anyways, I got this little book organizer in an Illumicrate box and it makes my books look like they’re on a boat and that makes me very happy. So today I thought I’d share with you all of the books in my little book boat. Aka, all the books I am reading at one time. (Plus one digital library loan.) Will I finish any of these any time soon? Who’s to say. Will the Book Boat still make me happy? Yes, defnitely.
I saw this novella by Chloe Caldwell recommended somewhere and I can’t remember where, so if it was you, thanks! A short book to hopefully get me caught up on my yearly reading goals.
Le Ciel Ouvert
The first French book on the list. This is by Nicolas Mathieu, and includes some absolutely stunning illustrations from Aline Zalko. As I am still disastrously behind on my French reading goal for the year, I thought a shorter book WITH PICTURES would help speed up my reading. I read more slowly in French than English, so I’m sure if I applied myself to a couple of hours at a desk I’d finish this.
A Court of Frost and Starlight
The last ACOTAR book I’m reading. For now. I’m sure I’ll somehow get sucked back into the Mass-verse (probably at the behest of my book club) but for now I’m going to call it a day with the Christmas special. It’s 200 pages, short for this author and series, so I’m hoping to finish this by the time you’re reading this post.
I finally finished reading the first book in this duology by Kika Hatzopoulou, Threads That Bind, in June. I started it in October and never committed to finishing it before my library loan was due. Anyways, now that the sequel is out, I need to know what happens to Io and JUST LOOK AT THAT COVER.
Le Pays des Autres
I started reading this Leila Slimani book back in February. It is translated into English, In the Country of Others, but since I’m capable of reading it in French, I will continue to do so. This book is not short, but like with Le Ciel Ouvert, if I applied myself, I’d make more progress. What this means in reality is that I’m going to need to get my iPad set up with all my dictionaries and sit down at a desk like I’m reading this for school.
One Summer in Savannah
My secret shame. I checked this book out from my local library back in April and then…*whispers* never returned it. I have zero good reason for this other than the library is on the other side of town and with the traffic we’re experiencing due to all of the bridges in this state collapsing,2 I just never had any desire to drive over and sort it out. I did already pay the library to replace the book, but I will return it. Eventually. Once I finish it.
The Sparrow
I have officially been reading this book for over a year. I once again have no excuse for this other than the foreshadowing was SO INTENSE that I jumped ahead to see if it was worth it. It was not. So now I know what happens at the end and I’m not motivated to finish reading it. But I will, because I am stubborn.
The Selected Works of Audre Lorde
I am still reading that Audre Lorde book that I borrowed from my friend Sam. I really do try to be better about returning books to people, but given that I’m also holding a library book hostage, maybe this is just who I am? Sorry Sam, I will get this back to you. Promise.
My digital library loan on Libby. I wasn’t going to start reading this (I’m saving all my digital books for later this year) but this new book from Lex Croucher came off of hold the day after I placed it, so. I’m reading it now! It’s delightful, and is a twist on the old Arthurian tale. Much sass and magic abounds.
And that’s it! Not like I’ve got a lot going on or anything. I’ve got a flight coming up soon, so even though its short, I’m hoping to knock one or two of these off my list. Never fear, they will soon be replaced with others.
I hope you maybe found a new read or or at least a little reassurance that you are probably more normal in your reading habits than I am.
What are you reading right now? Anything good? Do you read multiple books at once? Please say yes. :)
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, take your pick. I have also dreamt TV episodes (with commercials) and full musicals before, so there may be some other stuff going on up there.
Only a mild exaggeration.
This is all so relatable! I've tried, more recently, to have a 'rule' that I cannot have more than six books on the go at once. I'm failing at that at the moment...
Also, when I hold on to library books for months (ahem, years), I like to reframe it as helping the library with their storage. They know where the books are if they want them...
OMG Please don’t make me list all the books I’m “reading!” Like you I have stacks of them. So many books! So little time! Great stuff thanks!