Re-reading a book

I rarely read a book I’ve already read. In fact, of the nearly 1,500 books I’ve consumed through the years, I’ll bet fewer than 20 ever got a second pass.

And there are a couple of funny things about that fact.

For one, many of the books on the big list were fantastic, certainly worthy of a second, a third, or maybe even a fourth trip through.

Let’s face it, few of us think twice about re-watching movies we love. There’s one film in particular that I know I’ve watched at least two dozen times in my life, at least once every couple years.

What’s Different?

So what’s different about books? If you turned on The Princess Bride (the movie) right now, I’d gladly sit down and laugh through it again, even though I practically have it memorized.

And yet the book, which I also adored, I’ve read once.

Sure, there’s the time element. A movie lasts around two hours, while it takes the average American about five-to-six hours to read an average-length novel.

But if, as most of us agree, the book is almost always better, then why wouldn’t I make the commitment to explore some of these great volumes again?

Perhaps it’s simply because of that time factor, but for the opposite reason. Since it is more of a commitment, maybe I subconsciously want to use that time to absorb something new.

But that leads me into the second funny thing about my reluctance to re-read:

I don’t remember squat about books.

Are you that way? Probably not. Chances are you remember way more than I do.

There’s something screwy about the RAM in my head, I think. I can tell you whether or not I’ve read a book—I remember the titles, for sure, and whether or not I enjoyed them—but within a month of reading one, my memory banks are wiped.

I was talking with my wife about The Kite Runner. I read it as soon as it came out in 2003, and I recall loving it. Even recommended it to people and featured it in my book club.

Today? I couldn’t tell you anything about the plot, the characters, or how it ends. Nothing. When pressed, I guessed that it took place in either Pakistan, Afghanistan, or India—but couldn’t be sure which.

Sure, with some books, I recall a few more details. The ending of To Kill a Mockingbird, for instance, would not be a surprise. But the majority of books? Practically nothing.

And that’s the funny thing, then. If I did choose to re-read a book, it would be like a whole new experience for me. And, going into it knowing that I loved it the first time, I could be guaranteed a good experience.

That certainly was the case with one my rare re-reads when, after 20 years, I finally broke out one of my all-time faves, Christopher Moore’s Lamb. It was practically all new to me and still held up—and still remains in my top ten.

An Art Collection

Look, I’m aware that some people—maybe you—read their favorites over and over again. I know someone who reads the same book at least twice a year, and has done so for 20 years.

I’m the weirdo who doesn’t. I have a home library crammed almost exclusively with one-time wonders, books I loved, but then were banished to the shelves. They’re now like an art collection I just glance at as I walk by.

So why do some people read their favorites over and over? Is it simply a comfort zone?

Is it the joy of discovering something new you hadn’t picked out during the first, fourth, or fourteenth read?

Is it because certain books, even fiction, are just so inspirational that you must revisit the lesson to get re-energized? I could understand that.

Is it fear that new stuff won’t—or can’t—stand up to your favorites? (I can’t get on board with that, by the way. There are just too many great books written every year.)

Perhaps one of these reasons, however, could prompt me to try it. To maybe go back to the bookshelf and pull down an old favorite, a book that’s moved with me from house to house but only been appreciated once.

Maybe every third book could be a re-tread.

I think I’ll do it. And maybe I’ll start with a virtual visit to Afghanistan with that kite runner.

Yeah, I cheated just now and looked up the country.

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Here are some of the books mentioned in this piece. Disclaimer: These are affiliate links, which means with any purchase, I’ll make a few cents. Doesn’t cost you a penny more, but those cents help to support this blog. (Plus, I think you’ll really like them.) So thank you!

The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Lamb, by Christopher Moore