5 Reasons Why You Should Re-read Your Favorite Book
And why I’m going to read Harry Potter—again
I read the entire Harry Potter series every year. I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. From my old, well-worn copies to the fancy boxed set my husband gifted me a few years back, there is something truly enchanting in opening the latch (‘cause the box has a latch—I said it was fancy, didn’t I?), and pulling out Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (yes, that’s what it’s called. Sorry, Americans) yet again.
You might wonder, why read the same seven books every year when there are so many new books to read, so many fresh and tantalizing titles calling out from the shelves, waiting for their chance to be read?
Isn’t re-reading a waste of time?
I think it comes down to your reasons for reading. I came across a Medium article arguing that unless you actively study and apply what you read, it's all just wasted time. According to the article, books should be seen as valuable resources for extracting practical self-improvement tips and nothing more.
I’m not as utilitarian as that. Even if you can't recall a single detail from the last book you read, the act of reading itself changes you, even in subtle ways. History books broaden your perspective, memoirs let you step into another person's shoes, philosophy makes you ponder, and fiction deepens your empathy and love for language.
I believe reading does not have to serve any pragmatic purpose other than the byproducts of reading itself.
But why re-read?
New Perspectives:
Heraclitus said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” Reading the same book at different points in your life gives you a fresh perspective each time. What gripped you as a teenager might strike a different chord when you're older and wiser. It's like going to a familiar place with fresh eyes; every read-through enriches our understanding of both the story and ourselves.
Nostalgia and Comfort
Re-reading familiar books feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It's like when kids ask for their favorite bedtime story again and again (and again). Knowing what's coming lets you fully relax and enjoy every moment. Like comfort food or a favorite outfit, it is the familiarity and reliving of that first time’s amazement that keeps drawing us back for more.
Literary Appreciation
Re-reading books helps you appreciate storytelling more deeply. Each time you revisit a book, whether classic or childhood favorite, you discover new details in how the story unfolds, appreciate the author's language and characters, and gain a deeper understanding of their craft. For writers especially, re-reading can be invaluable.
You’ll Catch Things You Missed the First Time Around
Whenever I return to a book, I pick up on things I missed the first time. I find new pages to mark and stumble upon quotes that resonate differently, and it often sparks new thoughts and ideas for me. It's surprising how much escapes notice on the first read or listen. I find details I’ve missed in Harry Potter each time I read the books—and I’ve read them so many times!
The Impact of the Information Lasts
Reading something multiple times is not just about enjoyment! Like singing a song until it's stuck in your head, each time you revisit a book or article, you reinforce what you've learned. This repetition helps the information sink in deeper, making it easier to remember and apply later.
So while I sometimes feel guilty for revisiting my favorite books instead of diving into the unread stack glaring at me, nothing beats pulling out an old, beloved friend from the shelf and flipping to the familiar first page.
Are you a re-reader? What is the book/series that you find yourself coming back to?
Have an amazing week, and keep reading,
Arty
What did you read over Shabbos?
A selection of shared Shabbos reads
There’s nothing crazy about rereading! It’s the same as rewatching our favorite shows and movies. Or going to our favorite coffee shop. At some point it becomes less about the content and more about feeling. And boy do we need somethings to make us feel good in this insane world!!!
I agree with everything you wrote here! I've never been able to understand those who need an explanation for why they should reread their favorite books because, to me, it's obvious. But now I have an article that spells it out, so thanks!