I use a Kindle for reading simply because of the lack of distractions. On the iPad I see notifications every time someone posts on Facebook, every time I get a new e-mail... it's hard to lose myself in the book.
Why don't you simply turn off notifications? Or even better, enabled the 'do not disturb' mode in the settings app?
I was running into the same problem, and ended up sending notifications for non-essentials to the lock screen but not elsewhere. It's made extended reading much more manageable.
"Facebook would like to send you push notifications."
- Do Not Allow