My friends have always known me as the girl who’ll read anything — cereal boxes, bottles of ketchup, warning labels on medicine — if there are words on it, I’ll read it. You might be thinking, “Why would I want reading recommendations from this lady who literally reads everything she sees?” Well, by seeing words in their various formats, I have stumbled across many truly amazing books. Some are so great, that I find myself reading them — over and over and over.
“Why?” some people have asked. “You know what happens. Isn’t it boring?” And my answer is always the same, “Never. Rereading a book is one of my favorite things to do on this earth.” And here’s why …
I grew up in a family of rereaders. My mom hasn’t stopped reading Harry Potter or the Hunger Games since she was introduced to them years ago. But the Lord of the Rings makes it on her reading list year after year.
Rereading allows you to connect with the characters on a deeper, and sometimes, different level. You leave the book feeling like you’ve spent time with friends who completely got you and had your back fighting the loathsome and detestable enemies — rather than just one-dimensional names on a page.
You’re allowed to change your mind about your first impressions of a book. Maybe you loved it the first time around. Or maybe you hated it and swore to never read it again. Giving it a second chance can change all those impressions. You might read a book several times and feel differently about it every time you read it. I admit it’s happened to me and the world didn’t end.
Scenes and dialogue you loved before get even better, even sweeter, even more exciting when you’re familiar with them. When rereading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, I’m overjoyed each time Harry finds out he’s a wizard. I actually feel his excitement and his relief to know he won’t have to live his life with the Dursleys. I tear up just thinking about it.
Rereading is comforting. It’s like covering up with your favorite fuzzy blanket or having a long, overdue conversation with your best friend. There’s nothing better.
Now that I’ve shared the joys of rereading, here are some of my favorite titles. All of these have been read multiple times and come highly recommended. If you have a favorite book you reread, tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #reread and tag @lexcolibrary or stop by your local branch and talk to a staff member. Oh, don’t get me started on how much I rewatch things. Friends, anyone?
