I know someone personally who can finish multiple thousand-page books in a single day, I’ve always been jealous. They are now a librarian, and I’ve asked them many of the same questions you’re asking.
I recommend getting:
- the Libby app (and several library cards)
- a Kindle (or similar device)
- purchase fresh paperbacks
Figure out which format works best for you.
For me, as I’ve gotten older I’ve found that audiobooks allow me to be the most productive, while consuming books. I still have books I will read on paperbacks, but they allow me to take risks on books I wouldn’t want to dedicate as much time and effort toward.
As long as we can never fully understand when or how it will turn red, and sometimes when you wrap it in towels it stops being red, I’m all for it.