It’s a common debate: is it worth it to reread books, or is it just a waste of time? I’m a proud re-reader of books, and I think we all should be.
I’ll start by stating the obvious: re-reading books is a sure way to enjoy yourself. People rewatch their favorite movies all the time; what’s the difference between that and re-reading favorite books? Life’s too short to read books you’re unsure about liking. In the intensity and competitiveness of reading challenges and mandatory university reading lists, it can be easy to forget that reading is a hobby and should be enjoyed as such. How could reading something you know you’ll love possibly be a waste of time?
Re-reading books can also be comforting; they can take you back to a certain time in your life. I re-read The Great Gatsby every spring because that’s when I first read it for my English class; looking back at the margin notes I took when I was fifteen is both nostalgic and bittersweet. By re-reading books, you can make seasonal traditions out of them, making reading an event and something to look forward to.
Revisiting a book can also give you new perspectives on it; themes and references that you hadn’t previously caught can jump out. This is particularly important for us as university students. Our brains are still developing, and we mature and change a little with every passing year. Reading a book in our teens and coming back to it a few years later can be a completely different experience. By reading a book more than once, you allow different versions of yourself to form an opinion on it, to consider its main messages.
You shouldn’t just reread books you enjoy; it can be just as important to give a second chance to books you hadn’t previously liked. So much of our reading experience comes down to other factors, like where we are in our lives, our mindsets and our mood. A book that might not have clicked with you a year ago could be your favorite now; you have no way of knowing without rereading it.
I will always preach the power of rereading books. It’s a practice that brings enjoyment and comfort and allows you to gain a deeper understanding of a text and attain a certain level of familiarity. I recognize it might not be for everyone; some need to constantly consume new content. But rereading books, especially your favourite ones, could never be a waste of time.
“.read” by .brioso. is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.