When people decide to try learning a language by reading books that they already enjoy they often make the mistake of starting with books that are for (young) adults. For example, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Normally I would suggest that you read a book targeting a younger audience first. Something like the Warriors books by Erin Hunter, which is targeted at preteens, but is still enjoyed by many adults. I would recommend this for several reasons: the grammar will be simpler, the vocabulary will be simpler, and, most importantly, the plot will be simpler (seriously). And I would suggest that you read it all the way through in English, and then, if you liked it, read it all the way through in the language. In my experience trying to jump back and forth after each sentence or paragraph is just frustrating because it feels more like language learning than enjoyment, and this strategy will work best if you are enjoying the process of reading the book itself.
Also, while going through the books, don't try to understand everything in the language. That's another (very) common mistake. When you start you should be reading and be thinking "I think this is the part where he shot the gun" not "And then he grabbed the gun and fired five shots very quickly into the opposing line." Think of it like watching a movie that you like in the language. You're not going to get all of what is said, but you can still follow along with the plot. Focus on the plot, not on the language. If you start to get lost, either backtrack to where you last think you knew roughly what was going on, or skim forward until you think you have picked the trail back up. If you really want to focus on at least some part of the language, then I recommend that you focus on pronouncing each word correctly in your mind (or out loud if you prefer.) But hopefully you will eventually be so interested in reading the story that even slowing down to pronounce each word correctly will get frustrating, and you'll start just focusing more on the meaning. Also, if you really want to understand more, then you can do the back and forth method, but I recommend that you do it by chapter rather than paragraph, that way when you finish reading in one language you are at a natural stopping point, and it won't feel so forced and it will be easier to remember what was going on when you switch back. Basically, it will still feel like a normal reading process, rather than a forced exercise. Your brain does not like to work. But it likes to play. And, ironically, it does basically the same thing in both situations: learn, practice, and overcome challenges.
Finally, keep in mind that your mind is doing double/triple duty while reading in a new language. So don't be surprised if you can't binge-read like you can in English. Your brain needs time (sleep) to assimilate what it is learning about the language. I would only read until you start to feel frustrated/bored/tired, and then I would mark exactly where you are stopping and scribble a quick note in English about what exactly is going on right there. Again, if you force yourself to read a specific amount each day/week/hour, then you will very quickly burn yourself out and I very much doubt that you will finish the book. Make it fun and relaxing, and take your time to enjoy the process. Hmmm... have I emphasized that enough yet? ;-)
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