Read the Same Book Multiple Times?

[Majorix]

I see people everywhere reading some books numerous times. I can't understand how they can do it. I mean, no matter how much I like the book, I can't read the same book even twice. Knowing the plot twists etc, and reading the same things I already know about just doesn't give me the pleasure I had had reading the book for the first time. I like the feeling of being curious when reading a book, and that is pretty much what keeps me reading it - you can't "wonder" when you know what will happen next and next and next.

What about you?

[mewmartigan]

I'm not much for re-reading books either, although I will watch my favorite movies over and over, haha.

The only books I have re-read are Hobbit/Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars "Thrawn" Trilogy by Timothy Zahn.

Both were worth the re-read but the re-read took place many many years after the first reading (i.e. 15 years or so).

[Majorix]

Originally Posted by mewmartigan

Both were worth the re-read but the re-read took place many many years after the first reading (i.e. 15 years or so).

That could be the only reason I can think of. There are some books I have read as a child, and I don't even remember the names of the lead characters. I could read those if I have time.

[emoorman]

I'll admit to rereading really good books several times. It's my way of reading. I am not a plodder who reads fiction very carefully. If the book interests me and has a great story line, I find myself reading faster and faster. I "need" to know what happens next. Especially in a good series, I go very fast. After I finish, I'll think, "That was great. I'll have to do that again for the details."

Normally, I'll go and read another fiction book or two, then I'll get the desire to read my new favorite again. I'll go slower, trying to catch all the details and little nuances the author put in. Usually I'll highlight sections. If the book is super good, it can take me 4 times to finally slow down and "smell the flowers," so to speak. It's just the way I am.

[CRussel]

I'll read old favourites multiple times. Often when the author is about to come out with a new book in the same series. OTOH, watching most movies more than once? I'll pass, except for old Fred Astaire movies.

[pwalker8]

Different strokes for different folks. I re-read a lot of books, but then again, I watch favored movies multiple time and listen to music that I like multiple times. Every time I re-visit a favored work, I find I bring a new perspective to it.

[CWatkinsNash]

There are a few books I can re-read, but I have to wait a good amount of time before doing so. The overwhelming majority of books, I don't re-read. The same tends to hold true for movies.

[westofpecos]

I have read hundreds (thousands?) of books more than once. Some are fiction - I read them again because I like the style, or some other aspects: to me the plot is not everything. Some are non-fiction: I read them again because I don't remember everything of them :-)

But - there are many books that I will not read more than once. I have thousands of physical books, and thousands of ebooks. The physical books I won't read more than once I dispose of - I am starting to do the same with ebooks. I would say there is a 3:1 ratio to [the ones I won't read again]/[the ones I will read again]

[Canuck_in_Japan]

A Prayer for Owen Meany.
/thread

[susan_cassidy]

Especially if it has been several years since I read a book, I don't remember all that much about it, usually, unless it is an unusually good book, so I can easily re-read it. Other books are favorites, and I reread them peridically. I'm re-reading the Miles Vorkosigan books by Lois McMaster Bujold right now, in fact. I love Miles, and always find the books entertaining. I look forward to certain favorite parts, even. Just like watching a favorite movie again.

[hrosvit]

I spend a lot more time re-reading old favorites than reading new books. That's the thing I love most about e-readers; I can carry all my favorites around with me so I can re-read whichever one whenever the mood hits.

[Catlady]

I love to reread. Even if the book is the same each time, I'm not, so the experience is different.

On a first read, my priority is learning what happens next. On a subsequent read, my priority is enjoying the journey.

[Purple Lady]

Years ago when I was poor and couldn't afford more books, I reread a lot. Now that I can afford more books there are some I will read some again just because I enjoyed them so much.

I've read The Handmaids Tale and The Lord of the Ring multiple times. And since Octavia Butler came out in ebook format, I've bought all her books and read them again. Just like in my life, I forget a lot when I read, so when reading again there's always a lot I don't remember. I do refrain from reading ahead to find out what happens on subsequent reads though.

[Apache]

I have always enjoyed reading good books again and again. Some people like to watch movies over and over, I do the same with books.
Apache

[jgaiser]

I reread books. It's like visiting old friends.