Forum menu
I don't normally re-read books.
But I'm soon to go on cycle tour so have ordered a copy of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to read in the light of Mr Pirsig departing on his eternal tinker. Read it maybe 20 years ago?
If I particularly enjoyed a book then yes, I'll reread. Often more than once. Why not?
The only book I've read twice was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Mostly because I thought much of the deeper aspects of it had passed me by on the first reading, which they had.
Same here - I've read it a few times, as parts of it made my brain hurt first and second time around. Amazing book.
It also tickles me that the copy I have was passed onto me whilst in Thailand in the '90s, and had obviously been through quite a few hands over the years. It has guest house stamps in from Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, etc. Comments in the margins by at least 5 or 6 people.
I've lent it out multiple times over the years, always happy if I didn't get it back, but it always seems to return!
I've re-read all of the Iain M. Banks sci-fi books at least once, and some of them 3 or 4 times.
I've actually bought books, only to realise at some point, that I've already read it 🙁 - I've done this 2 or 3 times!
I am trying to keep only the books I'd re-read which I do when something points me in it's direction. For example Flann O'Brien's Third Policeman, as it came up in a pole of 10 best novels about a bike. I read it so long ago I couldn't remember it being about bikes, but I'm really pleased I read it again. The only problem with my system is I cannot remember the books I've read that weren't worth re-reading, forget I've read it and but it from the charity shop again. Buying the same book 3 times is my record..........
Re-reading a favourite book is like seeing an old friend. Often, I notice a subtlety that has escaped me before.
I've actually bought books, only to realise at some point, that I've already read it
I'll buy physical books I find dirt cheap in charity shops when I've already read them on my kindle, I may never read them again but I like having them around.