I’m not one for re-reading books. As a rule I just don’t do it. And I’m not sure I should; there are loads and loads of books I’ve not read and want to, and so little time.
But recently, this past week, I’ve re-read a few. I don’t know why, it’s not been a conscious decision. Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling out of sorts and a bit sorry for myself; maybe it’s because I’ve been busy with writing jobs that haven’t involved any actual writing; maybe it’s training for the writing I’m going to be doing; or maybe it’s serendipity. Don’t know. But the point is, I have. I re-read Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, and a load of Aimee Bender and Etgar Keret stories. And it’s been a wonderful and warming experience. And not just seeing things with fresh eyes, noticing things that’d slipped by me on first readings. More it’s reminded me WHY I loved them the first time round; why I love stories.
So, in the spirit of inclusion and sharing (and hoping for recommendations): what books would you re-read, and why?
I always mean to re-read my old favourites but then there's always something new and tempting on the pile – just calling to be read next.
I have re-read a couple of books – Deric Longden's autobiographical I'm a Stranger Here Myself, and Enough to Make a Cat Laugh. They are so full of anecdotes they still manage to raise a laugh.I wouldn't re-read fiction, though. Once you get to the denoument at the end, it's not usually worth going back to the beginning because you know what's going to happen.- NaomiM
Yup, I know what you mean, Lane. And I shall have a look for those, Naomi (not that a read many biographies).I see your point re knowing what happens – which might be why I don't re-read that much; but sometimes it's the journey that's the thing to be appreciated.Nik
Interesting post, Nik. Personally I think the very best writers can sometimes find a formula that prompts you to re-read, because as the final pieces fall into place you realise that they resonant throughout the whole story and that can make you want to go back to the beginning and read again – from the perpective of knowing what you now know. Does that make sense?
That makes total sense, Sarah, thank you; I think that's what I was probably thinking all along!Nik
Lovely post Nik.I will link to it ini a while… but wanted to say how good the timing is. having struggled with Cormack McCarthy's The Road a year ago, I took it to tackle again on a long plane journey recently. I also took plenty of others… so if I was still non-responsive, I could ditch it. leave in the seat pocket…and I couldnt put it down. It is wonderful. I hadnt been so immersed for ages. makes me wonder if there are times that are right, and times that are wrong for some books.They need work. But my golly, this one paid off.