How many books do you carry on your person during the day?

Usually just one, but....

I use a Palm device and always have lots of material to read on it. I capture certain webpages I enjoy with AvantGo, so I can read, for example The Onion. One can also load short stories and novels, not just new ones people are posting on the web but those in the public domain to be read with any of the Palm reader programs. I have read several full novels and many many stories this way. This is usually my backup in case I finish my book before I am home.

I carry one fiction book, one nonfiction book, and at least one magazine. I carry them wherever I go, which tends to exasperate the boy. "Why are you taking a book to the movie theater?" "In case we get there too early and find we don't have anything to talk about." "Thanks a lot."

He takes it much too personally.

usually one fiction,one non fiction as well...
do you read 2 to 6 books a day or do you just like to have a variety with you steve?

I guess there were two threads on this subject. My answer from the other thread of the same subject:

I usually carry the current book I'm reading and a copy of a book magazine/newspaper (Daedalus sale paper ususally). In my car, I keep 4-5 "emergency reads," which are paperback versions of my favorite books. In case I'm stuck anywhere without anything interesting to read, which has happened twice now :) Oh, I also have a second book usually going and stuck in my drawer at work for breaks/lunch.

Rarely fewer than 4 in my satchel (which travels with me most places), extras in the car and stashed away at work. Usually some admixture of literary nonfiction, fiction, and criticism/philosophy.

M.

I usually just carry one to read on the subway to and from work.

Sadly, usually none - I walk 5 minutes to work these days, so I no longer have that hour on the L to read each day. Really cut into my readin, frankly.

Two: whatever actual book I'm currently reading, and a copy of Strunk & White. Sometimes I'll get caught with one of those little 'Introduction To' books that have recently been gurgitated into the marketplace - you know, the ultra-expensive ones - if there's a new subject I'm interested in, but yeah, generally just the two.

Joseph J.: I'm with you there. My daily commute is practically the only free time I have to indulge in any proper reading. I'm reading crap all day at work, but I don't really care about any of that.

two books for the train.

Steve, you know what a fucking wuss I am. One paperback and a rumpled, drooled-on printout of something I'm writing.

Folks,
Sorry for the two threads. I posted my question without proofreading!
:(. I DON"T leave the house with out something to read.
Robin --to answer your question, yeah, I do like to have a variety with me. With the material I'm reading for class I may be juggling
two books at once. The stash at work is growing is number!
I have not taken a book on a date (heh heh) but I been known to be waiting for friends with book in hand. To Joe and Writingstatic
I hear you. The commute is critical. I also have a very bad habit of
staying up pass midnight reading.

I usually take whatever I'm currently reading, the latest paper, and a magazine/journal. For Christmas an almost-in-law gave me a zippered "book cover" that keeps one's books dry in the humid Florida climate - but it doesn't hold enough books, to my taste.