In high school, I really liked The Scarlet Letter, but when I read it years later with a three-year-old...I had a whole new appreciation. There are so many books that on a re-read give an additional resonance or that make you realize that the writing was not as good as the plot (Mila 18 by Leon Uris; but what a plot--it certainly increased my interest in all things WWII and Nazi Germany). In some cases, I've loved a book more; in other cases, I've been disappointed that my re-read ruined my first opinion.
How about you?
I love that quote. And it's so true! Though there are some books I hesitate to revisit because I don't want my happy memory of them to change now that I'm an adult, you know?
ReplyDelete:) Yep, I do know. Ruining a good memory is a shame.
DeleteYes, I agree. Sometimes I've been disappointed when I reread a beloved book, but often times, it's just as good, if not better than the first time! I've made it a goal to reread one book each month this year. So far, so good. We'll see if I can continue for the next ten months. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's an admirable challenge. I don't re-read as often as I should or as widely, perhaps, as I should, as I tend to choose comfort books I've read many times.
DeleteRe-reading books is a great way to connect dots.
ReplyDeleteYes. In many ways, things we don't notice the first time, history we are unfamiliar with, social customs that change, experiences we gain as we age!
DeleteI enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time much more as a child than when I re-read it as an adult. Judy Blume's novels have held up very well even with the little obvious differences in technology and such. My perspective and who I identify with in her books has shifted given I'm a parent now and when I first read them I was a child.
ReplyDeleteIt is that perspective change that intrigues me. Although there were books I enjoyed as a child and adolescent, becoming an adult, working, marriage and children are all in the future of the young reader. We can enjoy those really good books on a second or third reading, with another view point. :)
DeleteI do think our perspectives change as the time goes due to age, influences and circumstances. I rarely reread books nowadays considering there are so many new books to explore, but I do think it's interesting to reread my favourites and see if my opinions do change after all this time. Maybe one day... ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't reread very often, either--as you say so many books to explore!
DeleteSuch a good topic for conversation but I'll say that I rarely re-read books mainly because of all the other books I have waiting to be read. However I am currently reading The Diary of Anne Frank which I read when I was a teen and it is so wonderful but I think I'm able to read a bit more the teen angst that I definitely wouldn't have noticed as a teen myself. And, of course I understand the history better and it just makes for a more rewarding reading experience.
ReplyDeleteFor books that have been important to us when young, I think rereading is a way to look at ourselves again--as well as the book in a new light.
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