Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
You're right, of course. It's not people bragging, it's more those who compare themselves as if they've fallen short of the bar.
When I was younger, I used to re-read favorites, but then I fell prey to the, "so many books, so little time" syndrome. Now I'm reconsidering. The reality is that other than books I read so many times I've internalized them, my memory is imperfect, even for books that left a lasting impression of greatness. Long-term, I plan to work up a list of "books that really need to be re-read." I've already got more than enough planned for my 2016 themes, but I think they'll be on the docket for 2017.  |
I re-read for a couple of reasons. First, I have a terrible memory. It generally takes a couple of readings to get the book to stay in my memory. Earlier in the week, I was listening to an audiobook that I had read as an ebook when it first came out about a year ago. I pulled into the drive way as a crucial plot point was being resolved and couldn't remember how the plot point turned out. I pulled up the ebook just to see.
I also re-read books when I'm in a particular mood and the book fits the mood. (I tend to do that more with YA books that I read) Last, I re-read favorites from time to time. I've probably read LOTR well over a dozen times over the years. Of course, Christopher Lee said in an interview that he re-read LOTR once a year, so we are in good company!