Rereading Books – Reasons & Benefits

Oscar Wilde once said “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all”. I am sure most of the readers would agree with Mr. Wilde. Unfortunately, in the recent times, books belonging to this special class have lost traction. Mentioned below are the top 5 top reasons why people reread certain books.

One of the most common reasons which many readers offer for their rereading affinity is powerful story. It not only beckons them to take another shot at the work but instantly drags them within the pages and transforms them into a participant. It is this virtue which coerces the reader time and again. This kind of literature usually finds its way into bibliophile’s collection.

Earlier, especially in the 70’s and early 80’s few books were printed, and there were fewer authors. It was also difficult to buy books due to its unfriendly price tag. To overcome this hurdle, most readers built a mini library which was exploited innovatively. Owners of these personal libraries either exchanged literary works with friends and relatives or reread interesting ones. These private libraries flourished in every neighborhood. Interestingly, some of them transformed into commercial entities especially those which had a large collection of books.

Then there are readers who swear by God that every time they reread one of their cherished books they gained a newer insight into the author’s writing style, story and characterization. Of course, most of them believe that it is age related thing. For example, some of the classic literature which forms a part of school / college curriculum is way beyond the understanding of young minds. However, a decade down the line, the same books depict a different tale. As one reader pointed out that it was all about a matured mindset which develops with age.

Empathetic and compelling character/s, especially those with whom we can easily relate to, and connect with is yet another common reason for rereading. It is this connection which draws readers to the book again and again, at times to fetch inspiration and at times to compliment the author for its outstanding characterization.

Dog eared books are like muses. They seduce readers and then allow them to recapture some of the chapters, scenes or passages of a novel. When a reader marks the page during the first read it simply means that this person will return one day. It is a signal that the particular part of the story has somehow made its way to the reader’s heart. Incidentally, in these contemporary times most of the book lovers use bookmarks which somehow dilute the intensity, the passion with which the page was marked.

So, why do you reread if at all you do? And do you believe it is an unfair practice because these books are “Gods of Literature” and many new authors lose out a sale because of them.