Are You a Re-Reader?

No book review this week because I’ve not read anything new lately. I’ve been reading, certainly (I really can’t fathom not having something to read started) but I’ve been rereading old favorites.

I love to re-read. But I’ve come to realize this is not a universal feeling. To me, rereading a book is like sitting down with an old friend and catching up. Sure, you have a good idea of what they’re going to talk about, but that’s what makes it so comfortable. And you can always find a tidbit here or there that’s new.

I love new books, too. Don’t get me wrong. But, keeping in the same books-as-friends analogy, a new book is like the person you’re meeting for the first time (or maybe someone you’ve met a few times in the case of a new book by an author you like – there’s a little history there in those cases). You never know if you’re really going to click – will you be friends for the long haul? Or will you just have a brief conversation that’s pleasant enough, but not one that you care to repeat? Or (worst of all), will you realize that there’s no chemistry there and have to decide when to walk away?

New books are work. And they’re full of uncertainty. Sometimes that’s a great thing. But lately I’ve been hankering for the familiar and have spent many pleasant hours once again visiting Ender and Bean and Hot Soup and Petra among others. (Really, if you’ve not read Ender’s Game and the more recent sequels, what are you waiting for?)

Do you reread?