This is a simple question with, I think, only three possible answers. Which are, "I completely read one series (at least as far as written) then go on to another", or "I read one book from a series, then read one book from another series, and so on, until I've covered every series I'm reading, then go back to the first series and read the next book", or "just read haphazardly as whim takes me."

My preference is the second option; one book in a series at a time. My reasoning is I won't grow weary of a story/character before I am done reading (although I hope the series I am reading could maintain my interest). But, my problem is that I am currently reading about fifteen series, and every month I add a couple new ones! My to-read list will outlive me by years! I suppose this is a form of wealth.

Back to my question: What is your preferred way to read series of novels, and have you ever thought why that is?

David

If I had to read one series from start to finish, I think I would die of boredom and quit way before the end. I much prefer the rotation though my ever-growing list. If I enjoy a series, I will remember the basic plot points and be able to continue with no real problem.

David,

I would have to agree with you on the rotation of series. And believe me I have so many started right now I will probably never get through them all. As with you my to be read list will out live me as well.

I also rotate my series also. Right now I'm trying to read all the books that are #1 in the series. I think I have about 4 or 5 or those left to read and then on to the #2 in the series. I hope they all keep my interest. The only series I haven't tried to tackle was the In Death series by J.D. Robb. I don't think I would ever get through all those books. Maybe one day I'll try.

@pontiacgal - I feel the same way about John Sandford's "Prey" books. I won't start anywhere but the beginning, and he has been writing too long for me ever to catch up (unless I read nothing else!).

Long standing series have to be started at the beginning so the reader can understand the character building.

I find that if a series is really good I try to read them in order and as soon as I can. Some books are too dark and heavy and I really can't read for too long so I have to rotate or read something lighter and new.

The new trend of writing prequels and half books is starting to drive me crazy. When starting a new series I don't always know where to begin.

I used to feel that I had to finish one series before starting another but as I've grown older I've discovered that I can keep up with more than one at a time - especially if the series is long I normally jump around and find other series to read to keep me interested. Also, I had no idea until joining some of the wonderful chats on amazon, here and others that there are so many christmas cozies and mysteries out there to read so I've had to suspend some of my series and actually lucked up on finding wonderful christmas books that are actually #1 in their series. (Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes, the body in the transept by Dorothy Martin etc.) I'll be ready for a change again next month I'm sure.

I like to read a series in order, but of course that can not happen all the time. If I find a series I really love I will read it through till the end. If I find the series slow moving or very in depth I will read one or two books at a time, then move on to another series.

I am feeling a little like the odd man (woman) out here lol .... I prefer to start a series and read the complete series or latest in the series before starting a new one. However if I am through and waiting for another book to be released I will start another series or continue a series until a new book is released. I am currently reading 4 or 5 series now, but for a couple of them I am awaiting a new release. I CANNOT start a series with any other book but book one of the series. I will also not read a series out of sequence which drives my fiance crazy because he will. lol

Catching up on messages here - I usually roam various series except for Sandford's 'Virgil Flowers' books - I devoured them all when after I loved the first book, another author that I read through the entire published series was Tara Janzen's "Steele Street" books. These 2 series were the exceptions but that's how much they affected me.

Now I'm starting Cody McFadyen's 'Smoky Barrett' books - have them all from the library and will probably read them all, Even though I'l read a series right through to the last book, I *do* read other books in between, but will read that enire series without jumping to another one.

I pick and choose the way I read so haphazardly that it will be a miracle if I finish certain series'!

I usually jump from series to series. I am currently trying to finish a series but found myself getting bored trying to read all of the series back to back. So i decided to keep jumping around!

I usually rotate them as well.....like I'm saving a special treat for later. But if the series is one I simply can't put down, I'll read from start to finish...

I read often books I get from my local library, usually discoveries from the new books shelf. So I tend to rotate through different series. Once i'm into a series, I sometimes grab up the rest and read multiple in a row, but mostly I rotate. It keeps things fresh, and I discover new authors and series. As stated, I too have a never ending to read list. I don't find this to be negative. I always have something to do in my spare time.

I jump series to keep it interesting.. There are times that it can be hard especially if I go too long between my series but I try to keep it at a 3 book min between each series book

I am an "undisciplined" series follower! Now that I spend time reviewing daily Kindle free book offers as well as having online library access, I can only say that just about each day I am finding a new series to begin, track or add to!

I like to wait until a series has about 3 in a row to read. I read those, then try a different series. That lets me get to know the characters, the story line, and feel like I am part of their world. It also gives the book a fair chance. I think it takes about 3 before I can fairly "critique"/ judge the book series and author. Often the first in the series is just setting up for future , more enjoyable books in that series.

I am bad for finding a series and trying to get it all caught up before the next one comes out.

Back in April I discovered the Death on Demand series by Carolyn Hart and found that there are 22 books in the series so am trying to get them all caught up before the next one comes out. At the same time though I have found as I try to get caught up that reading them one after the other that I get bored with the main characters so have been inserting other books in between the ones in the Death on Demand series. I only have two more in house to read and then I will be relatively caught up...the last two I don't have yet so will have to try to find them but will have read 20 of them since April not counting the other books in between them that I have read.

A lot of the times I will read a more heavy/dark book in between the light books to keep the reading on a more even keel. I also like to try out book 1 of a new series in between the current series I am reading to see if I would like to read the rest of the series. This tends to add to my TBR pile but I have also found that some series just do not interest me.

I have over 400 books in house waiting for me to read so always have something to read in between the series that I am trying to bring to a current status

I"m very haphazard with my series reading. So much so that I currently have 90 series I've been working my way though over the years. I seem to start new series and then never finish any of the series I've started. I think i've only read four series back to back (all books within a few months).

I"m very haphazard with my series reading. So much so that I currently have 90 series I've been working my way though over the years. I seem to start new series and then never finish any of the series I've started. I think i've only read four series back to back (all books within a few months).