Some people like to read a book once, and then they're done. The plot is resolved and they know whodunnit, so it's time to move on to the next book. Other people reread a favorite book every few years, and still others keep it on their shelves in case they may want to read it again someday. Are you a frequent re-reader, an occasional one, or are you "one and done"? How do you decide what to reread, and when?
Extra Credit: What was the book you reread?
I love re-reading. I love to re-live a plot and take another look at the characters and see the things that I didn't see the first time when I just wanted to know what happens next?! However. If I had the luxury of three lifetimes, I would not get to all of the books I want to read. So I don't indulge in it as much as I'd like.
When I was young, I re-read lots of stuff. But whe I was young, there weren't nearly so many age-appropriate books. I recently confessed on Booking Through Thursday to having a rather ragged copy of Flowers in the Attic. There are a few novels from the original V series that I read to death. I would love to find a hardcover copy of my first chapter book, Little Witch
, because it is out of print and my old paperback version is in quite sad shape. ($75.00 is the best price I have ever seen for a decent copy. Do you believe?) I have mentioned that I used to read Gone with the Wind every summer through high school and college. I haven't picked it up for more than a reference check in years.
This year, I re-read Jane Austen's Persuasion while I was on vacation. It was a Kindle freebie and an old favorite. I also re-read The Outsiders, by S.E. Sinton, because I found a darling copy in a used book store and got nostalgic. I am considering re-reading A Christmas Carol, as well. Those are all short novels.
The last time I re-read anything of the epic variety was A Tale of Two Cities a few years back. I would like to do that again sometime. Kindle would be good for that too.
It is now official that I spend as much time shopping for books and talking about books as I spend actually reading them.
3 comments:
I stopped re-reading a few years ago when I realized that I have so many more new books to read. Though occasionally inadvertently pick up something I don't realize I already read...
It is true that there are far more worthy books out there than can be read in a lifetime, but books you've read before are comforting, like old friends. As you say, there is more to be learned from them on the second and third reading, and perspectives change as one rereads them through the years. There are several titles on your reread list that I still need to get around to for the first time. Someday!ses
I used to read The Wild Party every New Years Eve.
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