Why I Reread Books

Mutterings, Uncategorized

I’ll admit it: I reread books. A lot. Chances are, if I really like a book, I’ll read it more than once. If I love it, I’ll read it more than twice. There are a couple reasons for this. The first is simple: I have a horrible memory. Because I have epilepsy, both my medications and seizures I’ve had have caused me to have lapses in memory. Add in depression and bipolar, as well as being the mom of a toddler, and my memory doesn’t stand a chance.

The main reason that I reread, though, is because a good book is like a friend. Over time, friendships change. I grow. Maybe a book won’t stand the test of time. There are others, though, that still stick with me. They’ve become more than just words on a page. They’re memories and comfort.

Often, when I reread, I pick up on things that I didn’t notice or appreciate the first time through. When I read a book the first time, I pay attention to the story as a whole. Tiny nuances, or subtle foreshadowing might escape me. However, reading through again, I’ll pick up on those things. It brings a new level of appreciation, both for the book and the author.

Sometimes after finishing a book that was harsh, or where I felt the narrative got away from the author a bit, I’ll reread an old favorite. I like the comfort of knowing that I’m “safe” in the author’s ability to weave the tale. I can relax, already knowing that I like the ending.

I tend to reread more in the fall and early winter. I’m not sure why that is. It could be that the warm fuzzies from the different family celebrations carry over to my reading preferences. This is the time of year when I most find myself reaching for old favorites. Books like The Hobbit, Harry Potter (of course), the Dragonlance Chronicles, and the Amelia Peabody books are greeted like the old friends they are.

I talk a lot on my blog about the magic of books, how a good book transcends the written words, and takes on a life all its own. I guess that’s the real reason I reread so much: why experience the magic of an amazing book only once?

What about you? Do you reread books? What are some of your favorites to pull out?

Published by wittysarcasticbookclub

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20 thoughts on “Why I Reread Books”

  6. I reread too. I always have those ‘comfort’ reads that just feel like a warm hug. I used to reread A LOT more before I started blogging and reading so many new books. But I probably still reread 4-5 books a year at least.

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  10. I love this post ♡ and it’s so timely that it popped up in my Twitter feed today because this month I am rereading 3 books! 2 are re-reads and one I will read now for the third time. I couldn’t have described my reasonings better than you, but rereading is rare for me. My pitfall is the fact that the books I love most, those that have reached me deeply beyond the surface, be it for joy, suspense or heartache, are also the most difficult ones to review for me !!! 😆

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      1. The Rage of Dragons, didn’t have time to review it and it was months ago that I read it. I just re-read and will review The Last Namsara, which I looooved, and I am starting Wicked Saints for the third time! The Audiobook is awesome, but the reading experience of the phydical book struck me more. All of these are 5 Star reads for me, so I really want to write a propper review.

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