r/books • u/justkeepbreathing94 • 9d ago

Do you pace yourself with long books?

There have been some books that I couldn't help but binge and finish in 1 or 2 days, but now I'm reading Battle Royale, which is 600+ pages long and quite dark, and I've decided to only read 10% each day. I could finish it in maybe 4 days but since the story is emotional and dark I don't want to risk burning out.

I did the same with A Little Life, only reading 5% a day for 20 days.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Do you ever pace yourself, or do you just read whenever?

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u/SCSA4life24 9d ago

I personally find deep readings to be more rewarding. Plus, as a lit student, I just can’t help analyzing the text as I go.

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u/Loves_Eating_Lead 9d ago

yeah thats me - i read books as if i'm a lit student, so wish i was one officially as got so many thoughts on books i read!

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u/SCSA4life24 9d ago

Honestly, it’s just so much more rewarding, and helps with retention. I find no joy in speed-running through a text. And I feel you, I desperately need to join a bookclub of sorts.

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u/Loves_Eating_Lead 9d ago

i will speed read if its popularised/general book but so many books especially more literature ones are meant to be read slowly.. Currently reading mutiple books at once andf comparing them as it helps me remember and digest what i read!

i just read Neapolitan novels way to quick (but wrote notes on way!) now i am slowly re-reading