Reading three books at the same time
I used to think this is crazy, but apparently a lot of people do it, read more than one novel at the same time. I used to think such would criss-cross ideas, plots and characters, but the human mind can be a jungle of thought.
I used to think that it must be one novel, a book, or treatise at anyone it. It must be read, completed and fathomed before you begin to start thinking about opening the pages of the next story book.
This was actually my dictum, providing that I finished what I am reading. I have to tell you as well, sometimes I don't get through the first 50 pages before throwing the novel out of the window to use an expression. Sometimes, I don't get past page 10 and call it a day. "The book is simply too boring, rambles on, or there is no punch to it."
As of late however, my reading habits have started to change. For some unexplainable reason, I would be in the middle of a good book, like what I am holding now, a War Without Ends by the ever-enigmatic Ken Follett, and just take a breather, and start a new book.
It's not the fact that War Without End is too long, for that has nothing to do with it, but it's something innate within me. Luckily this time I picked up what I think is very humorous and poignant novel by Sue Monk Kidd, titled the Secret Life of Bees that traces the life of an about-to-turn-teenager in the American south in the 1960s who simply gives us a wonderful insight into her life and race relations at that time.
Since I am still reading, I can't say anymore but the book is funny, mirthful and has the kind of simple humor to keep readers turning the pages, while having the odd snigger here and there.
After I complete this book, I will detour back to Ken Follett and continue with that story set in Middle Ages England. I have yet to start reading three books at the same time, that would be the ultimate weirdness.
But one of my friends is already doing that, not only three novels, but four books at the same time. I wonder to myself how does he keep up with the place of the narrative. But I think again maybe its interesting as plots meander and slip into the different books he is reading, crazy yes, but he enjoys it.
