MiniMe7

I never read a single CFAI book cover to cover for 1 & 2.  I think it is a waste of time.  You are much better off using schweser study notes, answering their questions, then doing CFAI EOC and Blue Box questions.  On the occasion where you feel you might need more info go to the CFAI books.
I did this twice in level 2 that I can remember.
1) Had to the do with wanting to see how they talking about covered/uncovered Interest Rate Parity in ECON
2) Was for the formular for how to value a forward contract on day g
I give the above two examples just to give you an idea of what I mean by “on occasion.”  Little stuff that Schweser doesn’t necessarily full explain.
Otherwise those  books are just absurd and bad for your health.

Finalnub

4 months, too, but it was really grueling experience.. Better to plan it for at least 5 months + 2-4 weeks of revision.. So half a year is optimal IMHO :-]