The Value of Committing To A Single Book
I have a terrible habit of reading multiple books at once. I jump from one book to another, waiting for the right one to entice me. I often struggle to find the one that immerses me enough. I string along multiple works at the same time, craving the feeling of absolute engagement.
It’s not that I can’t finish books, it’s that I finish them rarely. When I do, it’s because I’ve decided that book is worth my full attention.
I don’t read books in order either — especially if it’s nonfiction. I find myself hopping from chapter 3 to chapter 15 then maybe back to chapter 5 if I feel like it.
“What’s wrong with that?” is what people ask me.
Or they say “At least you still read”.
The thing that is wrong with my reading habit is the same thing that’s wrong with just reading book summaries on Blinkist or Wikipedia instead of the actual book. You miss out on the depth of knowledge attained from linearly reading a full book. You miss out on the artistry of the author. You’re also more likely to misinterpret the message of the book if you just read a few chapters and assume you know what the whole book is trying to say.
The habit I have when it comes to reading isn’t frowned upon anymore. My reading habit is something that is now promoted by many big names — including entrepreneurs and famous authors themselves. I saw Mark Manson say this in an article about how to read more books:
“…I go into new books with the attitude that they need to earn my attention, either through the quality of writing or the quality of information. I have a personal rule, if I get 10% of the way into the book and am still not enjoying it, I put it down and move on. Life is too short and there are too many books in the world.”
Life may be short, but it is likely to be longer if you don’t prioritise instant gratification.
Although one could argue that reading is just a form of entertainment for many people and not something one needs to learn from, I think prioritising excitement when it comes to reading is naive.
For instance, I recently finished reading One Hundred Years Of Solitude, a book I previously abandoned after just 2 pages because of the writing style.
This summer, I made a vow to myself. Even if I find a book boring, I’m still going to finish it. I went back to One Hundred Years of Solitude, even as I was 25% in, I was still somewhat bored, but I forced myself to continue the journey and the payoff was eventually worth it. It’s a beautiful book and I’ve never read anything like it.
Fear of Commitment
Reading multiple books at a time, falls under the umbrella of commitment phobia. We know how insufferable commitment-phobes are in the world of dating, so why have they become so celebrated in the world of reading? Commitment-phobes are so afraid of wasting time on the wrong person or wrong book that they burn themselves out and waste more time trying to find the ‘the one’ or ‘the right book’.
The beauty of every book, and every relationship, is that they will always have an ending. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stick around until the ending of that book. Unless it’s excruciating and painful to endure, why not allow yourself get to the ending? Commitment isn’t permanent, because nothing is. It just has to be intentional and active until the book inevitably ends.
What about a book you’re enjoying but suddenly get bored of or suddenly says something you don’t agree with? Does that really mean you should suddenly throw the book away? Just because of a faulty chapter? There may be more thoughtful chapters to come again, and if you lose hope so quickly you’ll miss out on that.
It’s refreshing to meet people who can take the time to genuinely commit to and reflect upon a single book. I find their actions far more appealing and empathetic than people who constantly jump from one book to another. Reading one book at a time shows patience, humility and empathy.
By committing themselves to one narrative at a time, they fully experience the highs and lows — and truly understand the message, intent, and nuances of the author. They are more likely to view books not merely as entertainment, but as companions on a journey of exploration.
Moreover, by reading a book cover-to-cover, we can all honour the effort an author puts into their work.
Do yourself a favour. The next time you’re reading a book, and find yourself experiencing a fleeting emotion or momentary lapse of interest…keep going.
