How My Mindset on Reading Books Changed
Every reader knows a habit-killing book. The one that stops you in your tracks because it’s too boring or too difficult. I’ve found a way to avoid this trap with parallel reading!
For most of my life, I thought I had to finish a book before starting a new one. When a book dragged, my reading slowed to almost nothing, or I gave up for months at a time.
Then I tried a new habit: parallel reading. It sounded overwhelming at first. But we already do this every day: moving from emails to the news, podcasts to Netflix. Books feel bigger, but the principle is exactly the same.
So I picked up a few books, and the difference was amazing. Parallel reading is simply keeping a few books going at once, instead of forcing yourself to finish one before starting another.
What you’ll discover about parallel reading:
- The many benefits of parallel reading
- Myths that might stop you from even trying
- What life looks like when you can balance multiple books with ease
Let’s start with the benefits. If you’d rather skip ahead to practical tips that will make parallel reading a reality, you can find them in this post.
Benefits of Parallel Reading
Variety and Flexibility
Parallel reading gives you both variety and flexibility. You can match your book to your mood. A light read before bed, or something motivational on the way to work. If a book feels slow or difficult, you don’t have to abandon it. Switch to another and come back when you’re ready.
Spacing Improves Memory
Your brain needs time to process what it reads. When you binge several chapters on the same topic, it struggles to absorb them. Taking a break, even for a week, helps keep topics distinct and easier to remember
Connections Across Ideas
Parallel reading sparks creativity by linking ideas across time and topics. A phrase in a novel might clarify a concept in a business book. A philosophy book might reveal that people thousands of years ago faced many of the same challenges we deal with today. When ideas connect, you don’t just remember more, you start to see patterns and new insights.
Motivation and Enjoyment
Reading makes life more fun. It calms you, lifts your mood, and even lowers stress. Studies show that just 6 minutes of reading a day can cut stress by 60%. With parallel reading, you always have something that sparks your interest, so instead of forcing yourself through one book, you keep the habit alive and enjoy it more.
Finish More Books Without Losing Momentum:
If you’re like me, you can’t resist adding new books to your reading list. Parallel reading helps you move through your list more consistently. You finish books regularly, without the guilt of half-read titles. This also lets you add fresh titles to your rotation without feeling overwhelmed.
5 Parallel Reading Myths
1. “I don’t have time to read one book, let alone many!”
This is understandable. Most of us feel there is never enough time to read, even when we want to.
Truth: Parallel reading actually saves time. Different books fit different parts of your day. A challenging book might need a quiet hour, while a lighter one with short chapters is perfect for a short break. Instead of reaching for your phone, you can dip into that lighter read. Over time, this flexibility helps you read more, not less.
2. “I won’t be able to remember all of it!”
This was my biggest fear. The excitement of reading so many books was quickly overshadowed by worry about remembering it all.
Truth: Your brain remembers better with variety. Forgetting happens more when you overload it with the same material, not when you switch. You can boost recall with simple techniques like short summaries or a simple Reading Matrix, which make switching between books easier and more effective.
3. “Serious readers finish one book before starting another.”
I remember being told in school you should always finish one book before starting another. Many readers probably gave up because they were forced into Shakespeare before they were ready.
Truth: Anyone who studies deeply reads several books, papers, and articles at the same time. They understand that connecting ideas creates new thinking. Multiple books bring variety and help you build a lasting habit.
4. “It’s overwhelming to keep track of multiple books.”
It is easy to feel that too many books will be overwhelming when you don’t have a system.
Truth: This does take a little planning, but nothing heavy. I keep 6 books in my rotation, each a different genre and in a different place where I know I will use it:
- A motivational book at work for short breaks
- A fiction book by my bed for winding down
- An e-reader in my bag for deep dives
A simple checklist in an app or on your fridge can also remind you what you’re reading.
5. “It kills immersion in a single story.”
Many readers worry that switching books will spoil the feeling of being lost in a single story.
Truth: You don’t have to give up immersion. Keep one immersive book in your rotation, and the others from different genres. That way you can switch to lighter reads and always return to your story when the mood is right. Many readers even find the main story more rewarding because of the contrast.
Your Life as a Parallel Reader
Picture what your day could look like as a parallel reader.
In the morning you wake up and read a passage of philosophy with your coffee. On the commute, you turn to something more motivational to get you going. Later, a 20-minute work break is a chance to learn a new skill.
At home you can choose what fits the moment. If your house is quiet, you can take a deep dive into your passion. If not, you can pick up something lighter to dip in and out of. Finally, before bed, you immerse yourself in a different world.
The heart of parallel reading is not speed but variety and choice. This helps you finish more books over time and remember them better.
If you’re ready to begin your parallel reading journey, take a look at these practical tips that will make reading easier and more enjoyable: {Placeholder link}
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