You have to read it twice
Compliment or Insult?
Do you like rereading books? What would inspire you to do that? There are so many books out there and more coming all the time. Do you fear you’ll miss out on a new book because you want to read a story a second time?
I have favourites that I go back to periodically. I want their familiarity. I know what needs they will meet for me, like escape, relaxation, titillation, comfort. Picking up an unknown book is work that sometimes I don’t want to do.
I know people who schedule a reread of a classic every year.
Why do we take time from reading new books to revisit certain stories?
Does a character get under your skin and refuse to leave? You read the last sentence and go through withdrawal because you connected on a level deeper than you’ve ever known? You read the whole series of that character and sign up for the launch team of the next book but that’s not enough. So you reread the series from the beginning.
Does the story grip you? Are you thinking about it as you work, study, love and live? Does something happen in the story that astounds you? Maybe the author lined things up so expertly that you crave that kind of satisfaction over and over. You like the way things turn out (better than real life.)
Do you get more out of the story every time you read? That is what happens to my friend who schedules his annual reread of the Lord of the Rings. The story is so rich you can’t take it all in at once. My friend also finds that different parts of the story resonate with him as he matures, becomes more learned, and has more experience with life in general.
Are there books that baffle you and you drop for a while, but only for a while? The character or story, or some theme of the story resonates with you and calls you back. How many times do your persevere through a “hard read” to the consummate moment when you get what you were looking for? How many times do you go back for the treasure you find hints of during your first read?
Sometimes a good story will come from an inexperienced author. Their way with words is not fully developed and you are left wanting more. Maybe you’ve read a later book they wrote that did a better job and now you are rereading the earlier work, more willing to dig down for the gold you know is there. The author behind the story is treasure too. Connecting with them soothes your loneliness for ideas. Just knowing where they started and how far they’ve come is encouraging to you.
A good writer can package a bad story and have you longing for more. Maybe you just can’t believe how bad that story was because it was so gilded and shiny so you read it again.
How patient are you? What are you really looking for when you read?
The answer lies in a million directions and the road to rereading is equally enigmatic. Thinking about it and clarifying for ourselves what we want makes us better readers demanding more and being rewarded with better writing from our authors.
Don’t settle for an easy read every time. Be rigorous and demanding.
What books do you read over and over?
About the Author: Where are you from? Chances are, I’ve been there. Africa claims me as her child, Europe claims me as a nomad, Canada claims me as a settler. My voice, accent, outlook and style reflect all the places I have lived and loved. What do you love? I love children and hope never to grow too old to get down on the floor and build, romp, or fly through a child’s imagination. I love animals and am pleased to say, they seem to love me back.
