As a novice, I bought used books and went through them one at a time.
Later I tended to have a set of books open while working on a single aspect or opening. I'd come across enough poor published analysis to believe that relying on a single source is unwise.
I always only have 1 going on.
Right now im finishing Lars Schandorff's book about Queens Gambit.
One page at a time. I suppose it translates into a fraction of a book. See the cover below? The only reason I purchased the book today is that is has a chess theme on the cover.
Due to a sheep-grazing catastrophe I no longer have floors in my apartment, so I just open chess books and use those for my general walking needs. I'm hoping to absorb some of the presented information subconsciously.
I have over 60 chess books, but none by Fred Reinfeld. I've heard his name pop up too many times. Which book of his should I purchase first?
The Complete Chessplayer was my favorite chess book way back when.
Also his collections of Tarrasch's and Keres' games are good (and the one about Lasker).
A quotation attibuted to Bronstein: “Fred Reinfeld is the world champion lightning chess book writer.”
I have one of his books for novices somewhere, though currently misplaced and out of sight.