What Are Your Reading Habits? (Books, Audiobooks, and Re-reads)
Abdal Yousef
29 replies
I love reading, but my habits can be a bit all over the place. I’ll start one book, get distracted by another, and jump between them. Other times, I’ll revisit a book multiple times or switch between reading and listening to it on Audible. I have quite a few unfinished books waiting for me.
What about you—how do you approach reading?
Do you stick to one book at a time, prefer audiobooks, or mix it up like me?
Replies
Harald Frank@haribelafonte07
I tend to be excited when I start, but really struggle at the end.
I have accepted that I don't have to read the whole thing. I can scan and skip parts that don't serve me. Took a while, but there is really too much to read to waste time on just finishing for the sake of finishing.
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Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@haribelafonte07 I totally get that! I also struggle to finish some books, but not because they’re boring. Like you, I don’t read just to finish a book—I prefer to study them in depth. I often switch between multiple similar books at the same time. For example, this year I’ve been rotating between 10-15 books, many of which I’ve either read or listened to before, or at least finished most of. It can take me years to fully 'finish' studying them as I repeat some chapters again and again before moving to the next chapters and I do this for multiple books at the same time to combine there ideas, especially since I'm busy and might finish other books along the way. Some books I breeze through and re-read quickly, but others serve as long-term reference guides—helping me with topics like problem-solving, mental health, financial success, design thinking, and psychology. For me, it’s all about the value I get, not just ticking off another book.
At the moment, I read 3 books at a time, the same title, in English, in Spanish, and workbook. Most of my books are reference books, read and re-read again and again. Consulting them from time to time.
I read books to my kid before bed. That's about all the reading I do these days, but if I find something really appealing, it's usually an audiobook, and I’ll finish it the same day if possible. I can't understand how someone can read 50 pages a day or listen for 30 minutes, then return to it the next day. If I like a book, nothing can stop me from finishing it.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@jurijs I totally get that! I often find myself gravitating towards audiobooks for the same reason—they're so easy to dive into and finish when the story's gripping. And reading to your kid before bed is such a special routine! I feel the same way about books too: when I'm hooked, there's no way I'm putting it down until the last page!
I’m both reading books and listening to audiobooks. Recently, I came across the idea that reading a book while simultaneously listening to its audiobook can help improve content retention.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@dcupl Hi Gernot, that sounds like an amazing method for boosting content retention! Interestingly, I discovered this idea about 8-9 years ago and used it to improve my English and German. I spent months mainly reading the well-known novel Homo Faber while simultaneously listening to its audiobook, and it worked wonders! I also apply that to some other books and I was able to go from A1 to C1 in less than a year—I was completely obsessed with it! This method really helped me immerse myself in the language and accelerate my learning in ways I never thought possible.
Lancepilot
So much into books!
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
Scade.pro
I read a lot, these days I prefer paper books, but when I worked in the office I loved audiobooks because it's more convenient to listen to them while commuting.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@nastassia_k I totally agree! I've spent countless hours listening to audiobooks on Audible, especially while driving or cycling. It's such a great way to make the most of commute time! Reading paper books is something I enjoy too, but, unfortunately, I haven’t read as many in recent years compared to digital and audiobooks.
App Finder
I also have have many book that I started to read and didn't have time to continue yet, there are just so many interesting and important books!
I finish what I start but I do get disconnected due to other works.
Thanks to reading Atomic Habits and The 4-Hour Work Week, I've gotten into the habit of reading from a professional, business, or personal growth book every morning. I stick to one book at a time. I'll re-read it if it's good and I think I need to. I also "actively" read and underline important points or take notes.
I don’t have much time for reading these days, so I often listen to audiobooks in the car to make the most of my commute. It’s a great way to keep up with books and learn new things, even when I’m short on time. However, when it comes to writing, it’s even more challenging. Between balancing work, studies, and life in general, I can barely find the time or energy to sit down and focus on assignments. That’s why I usually rely on https://stateofwriting.com/uk/ca... for help with my case study writing and other assignments. Their services have been a real lifesaver, helping me stay on track with my academic work while freeing up some time for other priorities. It’s been a huge relief knowing I have reliable support when I need it most.
I didn't read often, but I like successful business Resechbook, Biographies, etc
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
I usually like to read one book at a time and prefer physical books over digital, but right now I'm stuck in a bit of a reading slump.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
At first I was a compulsive reader. Just reading what sounded good, juste for fun.
But now I tend to read like 30 minutes and then right after dump all my thoughts in Notion for 15 minutes. This not only helps me structurate my opinion about what I read, but I noticed it also increases the interest I have for the book and the topic.
Hope this will help you finish your books.
I usually have 2-3 books going at once too - a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Love audiobooks for when I'm driving or doing chores. And I definitely re-read my favorites every few years to see what new insights I pick up!
I typically read 2-3 books at a time too, mixing up fiction and non-fiction. Helps me avoid burnout on any one book or topic. And audiobooks are great for fitting in 'reading' while doing chores, commuting, etc. Definitely re-read my favorites every few years to see what fresh insights I get. How often do you re-read books?
I usually have a few books going at once too - typically one fiction book and one non-fiction on different subjects. The variety helps keep me engaged. If I'm not feeling either of those, I'll switch to an audiobook sometimes while doing chores or on my commute. And I love re-reading old favorites from time to time - it's like visiting with an old friend and I often notice new things on subsequent reads.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@matthewaaronclarke I can totally relate! I usually have a few books going at once too—it keeps things fresh and interesting, especially when I mix up fiction and non-fiction. Audiobooks are a lifesaver for me as well, especially during repetitive tasks or commuting! I also love re-reading old favorites. I always seem to discover something new that I missed the first time around, especially after reading a new book with similar ideas but different perspectives. It makes me revisit my old favorites with fresh eyes and see their ideas from a whole new angle!
What are your favorite self development books?
I prefer reading two books at a time of different topics. Mostly I'm into science or philosophy, so I swtich between them and it feels like it engages different parts of my brain, so if i feel tired reading one book, i switch to the other. Sometimes if I don't feel like reading at all, I read novels / fictions.
App Finder
I'd to switch between two books at a time.
Jaeves: Content & Marketing AI Copilot
@winston_appsallset Same here, most of the time I switch between two books as well. But when it comes to self-development, finance, or business, I sometimes find myself switching between 3-5 books at once!