I noticed in a discussion that I participated in earlier, that some people will only read a book one time.
I had a friend like that years ago; he said there was no sense to read the book more than once, because you know how it will end.
I told him that, by using his logic, it would make no sense to watch a movie twice, because you know how it ends.
He agreed.
I then said, by further extrapolation of his statement, that it would not make sense to listen to any song more than once, because you already know how it will end.
He said "That's not the same".
When I asked him WHY it wasn't the same, he couldn't answer the question...he just kept saying "Because it is different".
doh
Myself, I will read a favorite book...or watch a favorite movie, or listen to a favorite song...many times, because I enjoy the story.
Reading an old, favorite book to me is like visiting with an old friend...you know what their opinions are, and can pretty much know the answer they will give to any question you ask them...but you are comfortable being with them
I am very comfortable curling up with a familiar story.
So, what say you, my fellow myLotters? Do you read a book once, and then discard it, or do you return to stories you enjoyed for another visit?
[question posted by The_Lamb_Lies_Down]
responses and comments:
if i liked the book,i'll keep and re-read it often. i've had one since 10 years old i go over every so often. actually,i had to buy a new copy and retire the old because the signatures holding the pages in have seen better days lol [scarlet_woman]
pern is a good series-i read that when i was in junior high and loved it. [scarlet_woman]
Hi The_Lamb_Lies_Down, I am not big into reading unless I find a book that really intrigues me, then I'll not let it down till I've read it. One book in particular springs to mind, it's A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer....I have read that I think three times, a few years apart though, so although I remembered the storyline, I hadn't remembered the fine details. So, pretty much like yourself with a favourite movie or songs, I could read/watch or listen to over and over.....with a break in between. There have been books I enjoyed but only read once and didn't have a desire to read them again as they didn't hit me on such a personal level as the ones I have read more than once. Fiona. [fmpisces]
Oh, I would say the majority of books I read, I will only read once; but things like "Stranger In A Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein (which is my favorite book) I read quite often. [The_Lamb_Lies_Down]
There are very few books I will read more than once, usually the classics or books that had certain scenes that I didn't quite understand the first time around. And of course, nonfiction I will usually read more than once. As far as Movies go, there are very few that I will NOT watch more than once. [ramos7881]
I'll watch a good movie many times..just like I'll listen to the same songs non-stop..because I like them so much. As for books, I usually just read them once and out they go to someone else or back to the library. I do, however, have a select few I bought and are so entrancing that I'll re-read them again later on. Oftentimes, you end up watching/listening/reading the same movie/song/book again only to discover you may have missed something the first time or your mind takes it from another viewpoint. [blackbriar]
You right, if i like a movie, or a book i will rehappyad it or watch it many times, just because i like, and i can know real value in this book or movie because i read or watch in different moments or ages of my life, and i find new sense in books or movies...but in special in books. I am one who adore to read books, and my parents let me, when i was very young to read a lot, of course only what was good for my age..but i have a memory about my favorite book. My favorite book is and was and i am sure that will be, because i am to old to change my prefferences, is Pride and prejudice, by Jane Austen, and i reading this book so many times, in different ages, different situations in my life; to 15, i really don t understand to much from this book, but i like it. to 25, was a different meaning in this book, to 40, and here i ll stop because maybe i will read it again to 60, maybe, i find there other meaning. So, your friend ar not right, what we like in books, we will try to find again and again, just because we read it in other ages, in other situation.. (this is first answer) [icesmile]
Watching movie and reading books are not similar. As audio visuals are more remembered so film are easily keep in mind. And movies are not the perfect medium of knowledge. Movies are basically entertaining. Movies can be views again but not all. Some particular movies can watch again and again. Books are different. And we get many new ideas and meaning after reading again and again. Some meaning from books can't be gather in a single reading. And besides light matter books other books have to read again and again. He who said that he just read books once must have excellent brain. Many legendary stories novel from different classic writer I have red again and again. And will read again later. [sexyangela]
If I can watch a movie more than once why not read a book twice? I have read some novels twice, they are mostly from Reader's Digest condensed book from my father's collection. I enjoyed reading it twice specially when I'm doing nothing and feeling bored. [maria1081]
Until now I'm still looking for old Reader's Digest Condense books in bookstores. Some of them were on sale. A lot of good story were written in the old days. [maria1081]
I cant make myself read a book twice. I have tried though, I just know everything that is going on and it kind of ruins it for me. I like reading but one of the things that has to happen for me to read a book is it has to draw me in and keep me interested... which it doesn't do once I have already read it. I do like watching my fav. movies more than once though... I guess its different in the sense that you dont have to read... IDK. p.s. I keep my fav. books that I went and bought brand new. I figure one day I will forget it and might can read it all over again... maybe. Besides that I want to have a nice collection of books. [Ambitiouslyleiah]
i pay them another visit... time and again. happy when i do something i enjoy, i do it again, definitely. it's like relishing great moments. whether it's reading a book, watching a movie, playing a game or listening to music. there were great stories i have read several times. i never grew tired of them. especially the awe-inspiring ones... those with lessons to be learned... and those that kinda touched something deeper in me. i have watched my favorite movies over and over again and i even bought dvd copies of some of them so that i can watch it again not only in cable. i have made compilations of favorite songs so i can play them anytime. so i think enjoyable stuff... we need to do more than once. and that includes a favorite book. happy [mylesnarvaez]
The friend analogy occurred to me before I got there in your discussion. I do find that books, music, both are old friends that comfort me and lift me up and can be accessed any time. They do not ever let me down. I have way too many books, and my family speaks the language of books: "Have you read this one?" or "this is my favorite right now." I also once had a person tell me that they did not understand why we should keep on learning all of our lives, that made no sense to me. [GardenGerty]
i do that all the time, i read books over and over again.. there are times that i just like to read some passages of the book. get reacquainted with the characters, reading my favorite books makes me wanna read them often..when you read them again there are books that gives you another view that you were not able to process before and give you light on things you might have missed out when reading it the first time.. [mcdreamy25]
I used to read and re-read books, but that was long ago (15 - 20 years to be precise). Nowadays, I simply cannot sit continuously with a book. :( [vandana7]
confused...i have stacks and boxes of books that i go back and reread. sometimes you catch something you missed the first time or have a different response to the story because you're in a different frame of mind. right now, i'm re-reading an Agatha Christie that i read a couple years ago. [skyhss]
I read the book over and over because the lyrics and enjoy the content of these stories. For watching movies and also reading the story, so I know the background of the story to end, but unfortunately the book has been removed because it was too long and dusty. Comparisons of the book and depicted in the movie does not look like that much of the cut scenes. [May2k8]
HI! I love reading books, but till now I haven't read a book twice. I want to, but still can't find the book, that I want to read. Well, I have found it in ebook format, but it is not good for the eyes to read an ebook! I still continue searching for it, but still can't find it, because it is an old book and no one publish it anymore! Hope someday will find it! [nautilus33]
So which book is it? [savak03]
There's a few books I read twice mainly because I didn't remember reading it till I get to a certain point and then go "Oh yeah now I remember reading it" but I keep goingif I don't remember the ending. [missybear]
Hello, Lamb. As with so many things. I must agree with you on that. I have several 'old friends.' All of Jane Austen's books, Ian McEwan and Graham Swift's novels, detective novels such as the 'Inspector Morse' series, to name but a few. You may remember the basic story, but you forget the literary devices the author uses to keep you hooked. I revisit my favourites every couple of years or so, and I'll contineu to do that until the day I die, as well as searching out new gems which could also become old friends. [Sandra1952]
Well, I am also in the same boat. I read a book (Not all) more than once. I have read some books even for 10 times. It is not a same thing to me. By reading 2nd / 3rd time, I have tried to discover a new dimension of the book. Some time I have tried to emphasize on the words. It also happened that I loved the story / book in the second read. Sometime, It also be happened that I had discovered a new area of the book / Story, or sometimes it will discover the characteristics / inner side of the author also. So, it is obvious I will read a book more than once, if possible. [raju1971]
Hi MYKL, I love to read the same book but only after a long period as then I'd have forgot how it ended, I have many books that I would never get rid of and just love reading, just like the old songs I love listening to over and over again. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
I have read shock doctrine twice since I didn't get my head around it the first time [Channy88]
I'm like you in that I will reread certain books because I want to revisit old friends. And I'll certainly rewatch favorite movies for the same reason. (One such movie I've watched many times is Ground Hog Day... ) [BarBaraPrz]
I read so many books and e-books as well. And it never ends, read again and again lots of time and always enjoy it the same way. [chaits_86]
Like your friend, I only read a novel once but not with other books like motivational books, Recipes etc...I have many books I have in my keeping so will need much time to finish those unread novels. [zandi458]
If I like a book quite a bit..Of course I'll read it again. It's a journey I guess you could say. It seems like every time I read a book for the second, third, maybe even fourth time - I learn something new about the storyline or characters. Of course, this only applies to books that really interest me! The rest.. I guess I probably discard. lol [maezee]
Yes I do, because the first time I read it, its just plain reading, and the more I repeat on reading it, I understand it more, and I discover the meaning behind every conflict. One of my previous professors taught me that hehe. You should read a book atleast thrice, in order to say that you really have read the book hehe. [kafueenu]
My bookcase is full of books that I have read, re-read and re-read some more. I have a couple that I go back to again and again, because they are comfortable and familiar. Its one of the ways that books, and movies, get a cult following. If we watched movies only once then DVDs would be obsolete, and I think its the same with books. I could never throw my favourite books out, they are too important to me. [vickstick74]
I not only read my "grown-up" books many times, but I am really enjoying re-visiting my childhood by reading books to my little one, especially the ones that were my favorites when I was little. We read together every day, so we obviously read certain books over and over again. There are some that she can almost recite word for word, because we have read them that many times. It is really cute. I do not have much time to read the "grown-up" books any more, because every time I sit down to read my little one expects that I am going to read to her, and she is way too young for the other books. I am looking forward to sharing those with her as she gets older, though, just as my mom and older siblings passed on their favorites to me and I passed them on to my oldest daughter. I know that my little one will probably add to the list, so I will enjoy exploring new worlds with her, too. If I like a movie, then I will definitely watch it over again. I have found that there are so many things that you miss the first time that you watch a movie, especially little things that might not make a lot of sense the first time around so you might overlook them but you later realize their significance once you know what happens in the story. There are some movies that I have watched several times, and each time I pick up on something new that I had not noticed before, especially in movies where is a lot of action or plot twists. I think that if a book or movie is done well, then you will want to go back to it again and again, because like you said - it is like visiting with an old friend. [purplealabaster]
from the way I have several old books absolutely falling apart from being read so much,you know how I feel about re reading books. some books have got so bad they've been replaced, and one of those we're on about the third copy. I agree, favourite books are like old friends. [Galena]
Hey Lamby: Of course I love to read a favorite book over and over. I used to have many many books but when I started to having to move around more and more I either sold a lot of my old favorites or gave them to friends and what not; The book collection I have now is just "nothing" basically, and its the same with a great movie too, Shoot I can watch it over and over and over and still get as much joy, fun or pleasure out of just like it was the first time (G)!! Some people just don't get it??? rolleyes [dreamweaverjan]
Some people don't like to read a whole lot, so they basically just want to read it once and then be done with it. I'm sure that applies to Lamb's friend, right? [callarse1]
Hello, well your friend is allowed to have his opinion. Perhaps he doesn't want to revisit the book or re-read it. Generally books take longer than listening to a song, or watching a movie. That's probably what he was saying about "that's not the same". Man, it really isn't, right? However it's always good to revisit them. Some of the self help books are good to re-read. I love doing that. It makes me realize a lot. Plus, it makes your brain activate the principals in the book. Re-reading a favorite book is best during vacation or some leisure activity. Thanks for discussing. Now for a little comedy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZCMfhUZ1s0 ENJOY Happy myLotting, have a wonderful day! [callarse1]
I haven't read a book since the popularity of the Internet, but if I'm going to invest in a book I find that it is not really a one-deal thing like dating a girl from MyLot. I usually go from first read, to book shelf filler, to table leg leveler and eventually it finds it's way to being bathroom literature, you know, sort of like having a wife from MyLot. [TheHappyNosePickler]
I don't read as much as I used to in the way of novels, but I did read some of them more than once. The vast majority of my books are more in the line of study books or daily living books or leadership books and I read them MANY times over. I do what many people greatly dislike. I fill the margins with my own notes. I underline, highlight, enter codes etc. Since they are MY books and will stay in my possession, I see nothing wrong with this, and it allows me to find something I am searching for quickly. [cloudwatcher]
Love this discussion. Very true. I like reading books more than once if I really liked the story...and sometimes it's not just the entertaining story, but the meaning or the theme that it carries, that makes me read it over and over. Why? I don't really know...because the meaning of the story is pretty easy to remember...it's just that the story itself makes the meaning more powerful. I don't really know what I'm trying to say here...lol. When I was a kid, I used to read the same books over and over and over again. I loved the pictures and I always felt that I could somewhat identify with the fictional characters. Beatrix Potter was one of my favorite authors growing up and she still is. I can still enjoy her charming little tales and the quirky morals that come with them. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte/ Currer Bell is another one of my favorite books. Bronte was criticized a lot by readers and literary critics when she wrote Jane Eyre, simply because people thought it was way too detailed and strayed from the point a lot, and especially for its main character's bold, strong sense of morality. But this to me is what makes an excellent story...to be able to picture exactly what the character sees and have a strong idea of what the character believes (whether you like it or not) and that's why I consider her to be a brilliant writer because she understood this. I'd gladly read her "over detailed" novel over and over again. It's a terrific story and regardless of whether you're male/female, young or old, you can really grasp and relate to the main character. All stories are worth a re-read or I would feel pretty worthless as a writer. [SpaghettiEqualsYUMM]
Well to answer that I'll tell you what I'm reading right now. It's a series of books; some call them historical drama; some say it's science fiction meets romance....whatever. The series is based on Scotland in the 1700's and is an amazing story. There are several large books in this series and the latest one I've read 4 times now and will start over with the first when done.... Books are like my friends; they always seem familiar but can teach me something new if I take the time to look....even if it's the umpteenth time I've read it. I would never give a book up just because I've read the story....you never know when you might read something new into the storyline you missed the last time you read it. And as I age; the stories come alive in a different way than they did years ago. With my life experiences I can see things a different way and therefore understand the storyline different as well. [hornswaggled]
I'm a huge reader but I don't re-read books often. I think I can count the number of books that I've read twice on one hand, and I only remember reading one book three times. I like getting lost in new stories and experiencing new characters and whatnot, but I completely agree with your logic and have argued it myself a few times. You watch or listen to something again because you enjoyed it the first time or you want to remind yourself of what happened. It's the exact same way with re-reading books. Now I'm thinking about re-reading some of my old favorites. Thanks for starting this discussion! I needed to actually re-read something for once... [allyoftherain]
Aside from spending time with my husband and family, there is nothing I love more than reading a good book. I own several that I have read more than a few times and while it is true that I know how the will end, I have also noticed that I am better able to appreciate the book the second time around. I guess it all depends on how you look at things, personally if I really enjoy a book, I think it is worth taking a second look at. Does your friend not have a favorite movie that he likes to watch a lot? If not then I am not sure why, I love watching a good movie and yes I will watch it more than once if I really like it. I hope that you continue reading all the books that you love and never let anyone tell you that you shouldn't do something just because it is something that they don't do themselves. Happy mylotting. [CRIVAS]
It is a very rare occasion for me to watch a movie more than once, it has to be a spectacular movie. As for books, I might read one more than once but only if I have forgotten through the years that I already read it. Since I generally read murder mysteries I see no point in reading them twice lol [fwidman]
I would have to say if it was a really good book that I enjoyed reading, then I definitely would read it more than once. I totally agree with you in when you saying it is like visiting with an old friend. I think that people who are just going to read a book once and then discard it, then why waste your money and just go to the library to where then you would be able to check out the book and when you are finished, just return it. I do also listen to Music more than once and watch movies more than once, especially the ones that I really enjoy. Rarely though will you find me reading a book again that I did not enjoy. I'd have to be really bored. [trisha27]
I once had this love story book and I found it very interesting .Right form the first time I read it it captured and it still does to this day.I read that book over and over again because I loved it and I never got bored because every time I read it ,it seemed fresh again.That book eventually got destroyed ,so sad. [ronnyb]
Yes, i love reading books more than once. As a matter of a fact ive read "Holes" 4 times. It might be easy reading and all , but its just a great book! [rhino5]
I have reread my favorite books for sure. There are just some books that you can come back to years later to read again and enjoy all over again. Its usually because of a certain character that you could relate to. I have seen my favorite movies many times over, and I have of course listen to my favorite songs over and over again. Then again there are many books and movies that you liked but will only read or see once, because it doesn't warrant a return to it. [lelin1123]
I do read my books more than once but only the books I really enjoy do I read many many times. I will read a book I did not get twice, just because I may have missed something. and If I read it once and did not really like it I simply give it away to someone else to enjoy. I just can not get rid of the books I love I hold on to them forever...lol and one book that I read over and iover everday is my bible I will never get rid of that one! [Bluntress]
Hi The_Lamb_Lies_Down, If i like a book, i don't discard it. I go back and re read it. But i sometimes skip chapters, i only read the highlights. The same with watching a favorite movie, i skip scenes. With music though, i listen to my favorite songs over and over and over. I don't seem to get tired of listening to my favorite songs at all. [Gareth126]
I tend to return to the stories that I enjoyed the first time around. I have such a horrible memory that I'm often pleasantly surprised to find new details that I had not previously absorbed. I suppose the reason why a song is different than a book or movie is due to the differing amount of time that one must invest in each activity. A great deal of songs are less than three minutes long and are often played in the background. Movies and reading often require multiple hours and undivided attention in order to really delve into the storyline. Music is also different in that each live performance of the song can be noticeably different from the original recording, while your favorite movies and books remain the same. [lindsiko]
Lol.. Your logic is quite true. It's not about the ending or the story. It's about the feel and rapture of the book/movie/song that pulls us back to it. No matter how many times we listen to our fav song or see our fav movie, we still go back to it. I have the habit of reading my books two times atleast, cos I'm sure the first time I miss out on some details. There have been times when I have read books to find out that what I infered from the first time is completely different from what I make out of it the second time. It's quite logical yes, and I like to read the same books more than once. Only if I like it of course. bournehappy [bournecaindelta]
Well, it depends on what kind of book. If that book is an interest for me, i will read it more than once, if not, then things turn the up side down. [jamiezhong]
Yes, I read my favorite books more than once. I always go back to the Parts I love, sometimes it still makes me cry or laugh out loud.. =) [Mebgem]
I reresd anything I enjoyed the first time. Sometimes I notice things that I hadn't noticed the first time. Plus, I'm just one of those people that enjoys re-reading stuff. [UpsideDownPineapple]
Hey Lamby! I definitely would have to agree with your logic! I have no problem reading a book that I have read again! Like you said it is like revisiting an old friend! And sometimes you miss something the first time that you might pick up on the second time around! It is the same with watching a movie that you have already seen! With music it is totally different! You can keep listening to a song over and over again and still keep listening to it! I can read a book only a few times or watch a movie only a few times before it is too much! But, when it comes to music, there is no limit to how many times I can listen to a song or album! Why? I don't exactly know, but my ears do and they're not talking!raspblink [Opal26]
I do not really enjoy reading but if I remember what happens in a story I would not read it again. [washingtonmark]
If i read the books i like,i'll read several times but i usually is read book after period of time interval,then read, i like this can tnen recall inside a lot of things~ [linyile]
absolutely.i think no one have the ability that once they have read the book, they would n't forget it.a good book worth us reading many times untill we could remember it without the book.they are in our heart.lol [zhouxi]
as far as i can remember, i didn't do this. whenever i finish one book then it is finished and then buried somewhere. and i have a hobby when reading is that i read toughly and told myself i will read carefully the second but there will never be the "second". when i read in middle, i have a strong feeling to read the results first. and if i don't like the results then normally i just stop reading or continuing but skip a lot pages or focus on one charactor and ignore others. but for paragraphs or some sentences which i think is quite good i will repeat again and again and try to remember and sometimes even write down. [cassay60]
I don't see anything wrong with reading a book, watching a movie or listening to a song many times just as long as you like that book, movie or song. I agree with you, The_Lamb_Lies_Down, that doing the above-mentioned things is worth doing it and of course it does make sense. [joetag]
Hello lamb, like you, I usually savor a book more than once - any kind of books for that matter. In fact, when I read fiction books, I almost always have this habit of regression - going backwards to several pages or even chapters in an attempt to understand the plot better, which will probably help me to better comprehend the various motives behind each character. This sorts of make the story come alive, because this is what others called "active participation". For non-fiction books, like self-improvement books, I have to read any one chapter, in fact the entire book, more than once, in order to truly grasp what the author is trying to deliver. So, my books tend to have longer lifespans. [myzire72]
i'm same with your friend. I can listen one song more than once, and used to read book and watch moive only one time. But occasionlly i will read again. [tina2025]
Your friend really had a flaw in his logic. lol I like rereading books. I find that I appreciate books more when I reread them than when I just read them once because I can follow the story more easily when it's already the second time. I like refreshing my memory about things that I've read, especially when a long time has already passed since I last read a book. [angelajoy]
the genre of books that i love to read are predominantly from the finances... when i read a book for the first time, i usually dont get most parts.... so i have a habit of reading them after regular intervals, since it helps me to understand the things better..... my personal favorite is Rich dad Poor dad.... and i have read this one 4-5 times..... i think i would read a book more than once only if i did not get it completely in the first time.... otherwise i usually do not read the books again.... [jain_ashish]
I feel sorry for the person that will not re-read a book that they have enjoyed. I have always re-read my books many timew. I am a collecter of books . I LOVE books, i will have one day in my home a real Librayr. i have been collecting books now for about 15 years seriously, and have over 5000 books of all kinds.. I love to read anything i can get my hands on..I buy alot of my books from seconf hand stores, or yard sales, ovvasionally i will purchase a book new if i really like it & have the fund to do so...Lori [dumblnddzzy]
For me, I don't really read books more than once, unless if I find the story twists and plots manages to captivate me in such a way that it is worth another read (even though how I know it will end rolleyes). Examples of books that managed to captivate me that I read it again include the Harry Potter series, Lord of The Rings trilogy and a couple of other novels written by a handful of other writers. Same thing applies to movies. For songs, I guess the reason why we listen to songs again and again is because the lyrics and melody of songs can "speak" to us each time we listen to it and sometimes we can relate to the song in a certain situations (happy, upbeat, sad, moody etc). [gerald_lian]
There is no way that i could only read my favourite book only once. A book becomes a fav because you read it more than once and that makes you remember it above all the other books that you have read. Same goes for movies and music too. [russeka]
Oh yes, I agree with you 100% on this. I will often reread a book that I've already read maybe several times before just because I enjoy the story. Like you said, it's like visiting an old friend. I've very rarely disposed of a book and since I've been buying them since 1970, you can understand why my house looks like a library annex! - With cats!! [jwfarrimond]
I will often read books more than once... Not only because they have great stories that stand up to being read over and over again, but sometimes because I have genuinely forgotten how they end! Stephen Fry writes in a way that I can read repeatedly just because of the style of his language, his turns of phrase are worth reading for their own sake, let alone for the stroy [i_am_moosie]
Hi there Lamby. We are the same. I kept on repeating on the book if I like it very, very much. In fact, twice is not enough for me, so maybe I will keep on repeating and repeating it until I get tired and bored with the story. Yes, you will actually know the ending of the story but then there are also highlights while reading the book. [joannaleed]
I've not been reading for quite some time now, I should start soon. I miss reading, but sometimes, there is not enough time to read but that's no excuse certainly. LOL. I find reading magazines can be fun, but the knowledge derived from books; totally different. [zed_k4]
I have read many books more than once and I was surprised at what I picked up on the second and sometimes third reading. I will watch movies more than once if I like them. It's the asmosphere they produce that causes me to do this - escaping into the world of the story-teller. happy - Derek [derek_a]
I like to re-read my books. I don't discard them at all. I collect books and when I'm bored, I like to pick one and read it again. Reading is one of my favorite activities. It doesn't matter if I have already read the book. I like to re-read and I agree, it feels like visiting an old friend. :-) [arystine]
hi the book i really like are so much but there is a story or novel that i like to return to it if i can find it on the bookstores.It is Beach music and its autor is Pat Conroy.So i read this book two or three years ago and it stay in my mind like a human drama on our thinking and acting rolesin the life. [elly1384]
it could have been me who said the things you said. there is so much Magic in reading a story or watching a movie again. i guess i do it because there are lessons in all of them and it is just amazing that you are reminded of them whenever you would read that same book again or watch that same movie. sometimes we pick out missed lessons along the way... [Ritchelle]
Hi Lamb! Me too! I also read books more than once :) You're right, books are like friends. They may wander far away but it's always great to visit them back or when you run into them in the streets or the malls or at reunions, etc. And the thrill and excitement are always there, even if I've read the book before, I always still feel excited of what would happen next. The book doesn't get old, even their paper :) [veronizm]
I definitely read a book I enjoy more than once! There's a book in particular that I reckon I've read at LEAST 20 times and that's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" By Richard Bach. Yes I of course know how the story goes and all, but I relate to the book really well and it's still an escape for me every time I read it. Same goes for certain movies and there are a few that I'll watch many times over and over too. [James72]
THERE YA ARE!!!happy I was looking through the responses thinking "Man, there's so many, how am I gonna respond to everyone?" but I HAD to respond to you, my friend. Glad you dropped in for a few...Hopefully, we might see ya around every so often...a bunch of people miss yer wicked humor. [The_Lamb_Lies_Down]
The depths of your thinking processes never cease to amaze me, lamb. You are so totally impressive at times! I don't often re-read a book I've read, but I'm not opposed to it. It's just how I am with them. When I do re-read one, it's often because I've forgotten that I read it the first time (so there is a substantial gap of time passed) and while re-reading it will come upon things I didn't notice the first time through. [jerzgirl]
LOL! Your poor friend! Sounds like you gave him something to think about! It makes me wonder though, did he ever give it a shot, or does he still think it's pointless to read a book or watch a movie more than once? As for me, so long as I liked the book, I'll visit it again and again. Same goes for movies and music as well. What can I say? It can be a lot of fun! So what if we already know how it ends. So long as we enjoy it that is all that really matters. lol Happy mylotting! [sacmom]
I like the way that you brought this topic up. Very good. I can see the logic to the way that you interpreted the reasoning behind the revisiting each form. I can say that I have not yet read a book twice. I think that partially there are so many books to read that I just want to keep going to read as much as I possible can. There are more movies but they can be watched faster than I can read a book. However I don't prefer to watch movies more than once myself. I will if it a really good movie. As far as the song. Music has a different effect on me, more so than either of the two. It just floats into my head and spirit, I consume it different. Now with the differences that I gather with the story and the movie, The book I read is interpreted at my picture I paint and my imagination. When I watch a movie the picture is there and I pick up different things if I see it again. I am not certain if I read a book over this would happen. [ladygator]
I don't re-read a book that I've just read, but if it's a book I love and I haven't read it for a while then I'm very happy to read it again. I agree with what you say about it being like visiting an old friend. It's something comforting to do, as you already know that you love it. Occasionally I even read childhood books again, and I still get that magical feeling I got when I used to read them as a child. I'm going to start reading them to my daughter soon. I think she'll appreciate them too - and it means I get to read them again too!! [liquorice]
Your reasoning with your friend on the subject would be my take,too..So are people who'd never read a book more than once avid lending Library members who don't have a bookshelf collection of favourite reads or authors they'd keep around to read when they don't have something New? Do they buy books,read them once,then sell them,or store them away that they never see the light of day again? And now You've got me wondering..does someone with a photographic memory ever read a book twice?! lol [ShepherdSpy]
I sort of agree. If the book is super good then I will read it a few times. It kind of is different with music though, because you aren't listening to it for the soul purpose of finding out how it ends. You just find listening to it enjoyable, so you listen to it until your ipod runs out of baterries. [Crashnibbles]
I read books more than once. I have read Sophie Kinsella's Can You Keep A Secret three times, and I had just read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the second time. They were read for different reasons. I like Sophie Kinsella's books, especially the one I had mentioned earlier, because they were light and easy to read. And it was always good to re-read those parts that made me chuckled again. I read Harry Potter Book 7 twice and I was surprised to find myself coming across some plots that I had overlooked in my first reading. I think reading books more than once is more like watching movies a few times, instead of listening to the same music. A song is too short for comparison. As for watching movies, or reading books, we love to have the same thrill of emotions. They are good with playing with our moods and that is why we are willing to go through the same rides, again and again, if they are pleasing and entertaining. [starlight70]
When it is a really good book I will read it again. Sometimes I will read something that I missed the first time. Even though I know how it ends, I love the journey that gets me there. Reading for me is like watching a movie in my head, and I will watch a moive a hundred times if I love it... :o) [Djbrat]
I frequently find myself revisiting familiar places in books I have read. My favorite author is Ann McCaffrey who writes a great sci fi/fantasy about a planet called Pern. I have re read those books many times. I do notice that even though I know how the story ends I often forget how the characters got to that point exactly so re reading it does not bore me. Actually it's like visiting with old friends. [savak03]
it depends on how much i like the story and how recently i read it. there are some books that i have read several times and would be happy to read again, but there are others that i could only read once. [NatashaBird]
its so normal for me to enjoy one book or movie two or more times,especially the classic ,great books and movies which i like .But meanwhile its also normal for me to give up reading books or movies when i find its boring ,and the content is vulgar.i recommend some great and classic movies to you :avatar,titanic,alien,saving prirate ryan,in pursuit of happines,and so on.but its fo few books in english language i read .can you recommend some great books to me ?my friends [devin9110]
Hi lamb,I do watch movies and read some books more than once but not that often. Like, I'll wait years in between books and movies to do the repeat. Even at that, they have to be really really good. I read the "flowers in the attic" series twice and then passed them on. I read Helter Skelter 3 or 4 times and got something different in it each time. Gone with the wind and Alice in Wonderland are classic keepers. I've read them several times over the years.I read a lot and most books I do just pass on.I do agree with your friend on the music. It is different. Music alters your mood and can help you get into whatever you are doing whether it is cleaning, romance, work etc. Books and movies...well...you can't be doing other things while devoting your attention on those things. Those things take you away from everything else....an escape sort of where as music can be an escape but it usually enhances the atmosphere. It is more social. Hard to explain but i'm sure you get what I'm trying to say here. rolleyes [sid556]
My friend! Reading books, watching movies, listening to music, visiting a place twice or more times which are favourite are never boring. I've read books, watched movies, listening songs, visiting places which are my favourite several times. Evety time I've done the above things, I've enjoyed them. Thank you for your discussion. [faridmadeabillion]
If I like the book, I always read more than once because every time will give me more understanding and different perspective. I never discard my books, specially comics :) [Juszie]
I love to read some books more times, it's a wonderful experience especially when there is a gap of several years between readings. You may see the book with other eyes and understand it better. This way the pleasure you felt first time will be greater. Well, this is the case of those books I really loved a lot. [LadyDD]
If it is a book I love, I will certainly read it more than once! I, of course, like so many others completely fell in love with the Twilight saga books. I have read those twice. The Celestine Prophecy is another favorite and I think I read that book like 5 times. For the books that are able to transport you some place else as it was for me reading the Twilight books, I had to re-read them just to escape to that la la land that I loved so much. [tlondon1014]
i will read a book more than one depending, on how good it was in the first place. i've got a good collection of books, and it's cheaper to re-read than get new reading material. if i'm not keen on the book i won't read it again. [weasel81]
I keep all my books, but I dont tend to read them again. Usually because there is always something else for me to start reading. I do love to read though. I try to get through a book quickly, but with the current jump in my online work I tend to not get them done as fast as I wanted. [nrn2003]
Yes, i love reading my books over and over again. The second or third time, is like you are discovering something that you maght have missed the first time. And it is as if the story only gets better. Nothing can beat a good book even the second time. [saphrina]
I read reread reread a favorite book and never discard them...like you I treat my book as a friend, a companion, and a favorite book as a favorite friend...You know or anticipate the answers to some of your questions from him right but still you keep on asking ...Like one being so excited with something and you talk about the same thing over and over again, yeah I do this always. My books, my favorite ones are inspirational and motivational books and thus, they always serve as my mentor and my guide which I always keep within my reach and read and reread a lot...other people may not understand why other people loves reading so much...more than watching movies or going out with friends, but I do...regards...nice topic [alicegarin]
Not as a general rule. I usually do not. But I have a couple of times in my life. I remembered reading a book as a teenager and loving it and I decided to read it again as an adult. There are a couple of classics that I would like to re-read because I have forgotten most of the story like Catcher in the Rye for instance. I plan to eventually re-read that one. [ladym33]
I have a collection of favorite books that I have accumlated through the years and I usually re-read them every year. Yes, you do know the story and how it will end but for me the point is how the author crafts his plot, makes you love or hate characters, and chooses each word to evoke some sort of emotion in you. [LaurenInLA]
Hello Lamb, I know of many people who like you, will read a favorite book over and over, same for movies and music of course. I dont enjoy reading the same book more than once for the simple reason that there are SO many good books to read out there, that I feel as if Id be sort of wasting time reading the same book. Its the same for movies. Now, as far as music goes, mmmm music has to do with instant gratification. You put on some music with a good beat and right away, you're in a good mood. Play a sad song and you'll be feeling blue. The emotions are directly connected to the song you're listening to. This is how it is for me, but maybe not for others. Maybe thats why your friend couldnt quite explain why it wasnt the same for music. [MagicalBubbles]
If I enjoyed a book, I would read it again. I usually wait a few years and by the time I read it again I forget a lot of it. Even though I usually know how it will end there will still be a lot of suprises because of things I've forgotten The same with movies, if I like it I'll watch it over and over. [cerebellum]
I am not totally against reading books more than once, but I definitely do enjoy reading something totally new more than something that I am familiar with. There are so many books that I want to read and I always have a pile that I am working through, so I really do not ever get around to reading books more than once. The same goes for movies. Most of the DVD's that we own I have only seen once, but my wife has watched most of them many times over. She is a very fast reader too, so she has read every book in our two bookcases several times over. She is always reading the same books that she has read many times. I do not discard my books after reading them as I do intend to read them again perhaps one day, but at this point in time their are only a few that I have read more than once. The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings series are ones that I have read several times over the years. [RawBill1]
Very interesting... Normally I find myself reading a book once... To me, a song is much different from a book... A song, for me, expresses a feeling... It's shorter and more to the point... A story is often repetitive and to me, it doesn't invoke any emotional feelings... So after I read it once, the suspense is over and the story no longer has an affect on me... I can listen to a song and relate to it... Written words have no effect on me... While spoken words do... That's the way I feel... [rbfalife]
I have read 5 times THE LORD OF THE RINGS(all the books).The first one was in my mother language and the other 4 was in English. I found that book so amazing and little difficult to understand everything with the first time. And it is important for me to read the book in the original language. Tolkien's books have beautiful vocabulary. The story is great but you all know that. [Rose_Wolf]
My problem, is sometimes if it's a favorite, I can't stop myself from reading or, listening to it or watching it many times over so close together. I've watched movies over and over again the same day because I liked it so much... I don't think your friend and I would get along. [SomeCowgirl]
I love reading. And I have read books that I have several times. A few of them I have read three or four times over the years. [GalacticWorrior]
Yup, my friend. I read books more than once. I repeatedly read all my books since I was in college. I always review them for not to forget on what I have learned before... [aerous]
Ah well if the book is worth reading then it is worth reading twice or more. I find if I do not know the ending I will often read it faster to try and find out. When I know the ending then I read the book more carefully, taking my time and finding lots of things I missed the first time. For me it is the ultimate test of a good book that I can read it more than once. The same goes for films. The characters become good friends I enjoy spending time with rather than just a story. I enjoy series books this way as well, I like to follow characters through many stories. So I agree with you totally, they are like old friends that you can spend time with. There are some books I read only once and some I discard without finishing but the mark of a loved book is one I read many times. [sharra1]
I usually don't read or watch more than once but have been known to blast a favourite song ten times in a row. If I do read or watch more that once I find you pick up on things you missed out on the first tiime round so it is worth doing. But in another way of thinking there is only so much time in life so it's good to read and watc things you haven't seen to expand your mind and possibly your favourites list some more. [puppynut]
It seems that i only read one time, even more, if i bought some books i will forget to read it since i know it is mine, i can read them anytime i want, so finally it is totally new for me.... but if i rent a book from a friend, i will read very quickly ,it sad that i haven't enough time to read twice... So,frankly speaking, i only read book for one time. [acer5540]
I usually don't reread books. If I do it's not until years later. [LaurenR]
Hi fellow lots, Well, sometimes it all depends on what books you're reading. Some people read books and they don't really register into their mind. Others read and focus what they read or have an objective in reading a book - that is, once they have read a book, they immediately registered and understood what they read. To me, it all depends on your motive at that time when reading a book. So anyone of you there agrees as to what I meant here? [pob558]
Like you, I enjoy revisiting a story and the characters I have come to know. I can watch a good movie repeatedly, even right after it has concluded. I agree it is like visiting a friend or friends. I think of it much like a family reunion. I get absorbed in the story and the characters of a good book and miss my favorite characters. Just as in life experiences as they are repeated teach us things we may have missed the first time around, I find when I read a book or watch a movie a second or more times that I observe something new every time and gain a greater understanding of the characters and why they act certain ways. The author's views and complexities are revealed more as well. But mostly, I just enjoy the warm feelings and experiences revisiting the time, setting and characters give me each time I revisit. [paintswithwords]
In my opition,some good books are worth reading many times.Every time you read the book you'll find something new.My favourite books are the series of Happy Potter and I have read these for many times.But I haven't remembered all the details.Movies are the same.Have you ever watched the film"Leon The Professional"?It's really a good movie.Also worth to watich more than once. As time goes by,momeries'll fade out.It's interesting to read a book many years after the first time.Something of the book I didn't figure out when I was very young and I'll understand years later. [saritchun]
Hi lamb, I'm sorry but I would have to be on the same boat as your friend, although your "extrapolations" still might render me speechless in the end. The difference is, I don't re read books or rewatch movies because I know how it will end but because I couldn't seem to take the same suspense all over again. Although if someone happens to replay a tape and I was there in the same place and time, I would end up rewatching that movie. BUt like intentionally replaying a movie or a rereading a book? I choose not to. I would rather spend my time on something new. That way, I don't feel so stuck. Besides, the second time around makes it less appealing. It's different with songs, though. I don't see the logic why but it feels good listening to a favorite song over and over until I grow tired listenng to it. But I undrestand that it's different for some people. Some people don't read or watch movie at all!lol [Theresaaiza]
Yeah, definitely. I enjoy rereading books that I really like. But much more often, I just read books once, coz' I don't like them that much. [banban]
Hi, I can't agree more, sometimes i also read a book one time, cos i had known the end, for i just concerned the end of the book, i don't care of the other things ,just like the sentences or phrasing, that's all, for music, we can get a feeling, you can imgine, in a word, i just want to say, for different aim, different way. Best regards.Xiaohui [xiaohui365]
Well actually it all depends on the person. I've seen many people who read their favorite book over and over again just as they love seeing their favorite movie more than once but over and over again too. I understand them. Nevertheless,I am not that type. I don't read the same book or watch the same movie twice. I get bored when doing it. Maybe I will do only if it has taken years and I've already forgotten the whole story.But I don't easily forget stories of the books I've read. But there is one exception though. There is one book that I read over and over again. It is the Bible. I read it every day and although I've already finished reading all its chapters I kept going back to it from day to day because each time I read every verse of it, I could feel the spirit of God speaking to me. The Bible is worth of every single moment so it is always my delight to spend my time reading it. [salonga]
i believe that most people must have read the textbooks more than once becasue of the exams. lol to me, if the book is wonderful, then i'll read it twice, maybe more. but if not, maybe i even cant finish it once. [yolanda19191]
I do have some books that I revisit about every other year if I do not have a new one to read....I will tell you my all time favorite is The Boxcar Children... I remember reading it for the first time in 4th grade.... I have read that books so many times I can tell you just about everything that happens..... Later on when I was in college I noticed they came out with others(well did not notice them before) but they sure was not as good as the first book and the only one I was interested in and passionate about.... I remember when my son was younger I even went to the library and got the book and read it for him.... He just loved it as much as I did ..... I believe if I went to the library I would read it again today..... You know how books seem so thick when you are younger and it seems like you will never get to the end.... About 6 years ago I read the book again and got through it in one setting. [hagirl]
I usually say a good book, a good song or a good movie invites to come back to it again and again. Even if you know the end, there's always something in between that will feel like you are hearing/seeing/reading for the very first time. This depends on what state you are in every time you pick up that book. [sisterbobo]
yah, I read books more than twice, especially if the book is really fascinating to read. There are books that focuses on people's emotions and these books are what I love to read. Reading them repeatedly makes me satisfied :D [jzumari]
as to me,if I love the book,I would read it again and again.because the more times i read it,the more i love it. I believe that one can't find the valuable thing for reading a book just once.so if you really love the book ,why not read it again,and find the intrinsic value of the book. [kalens]
I don't usually read a book twice unless I really like to book or I want to do a book review for fun.The books I read more than once are:Usborne Encyclopedia,Barry Trotter and the dead horse and Harry Potter series. [ChaozRiser]
your logic does make sense I dont know why it never occured to me before now that I could read my books over and over again some of them its been so long it will be like reading them for the first time all over again [wonttakelong]
Yes, I do...over time I may forget what I have read in a book and if it is something I know I liked reading I will keep it for future reading...Yes, To read again. I do enjoy reading. I have tons of books. [moondancer]
Yes, I tend to read a good book about 3 times back to back. Then if it is one of my favorite books I read it once a year or so. Sometimes, If i do not like the whole book but only certin parts, I'll just read those parts. Some classic I can read only once. Like catcher in the rye, i was forced to read that book in high school and can not find myself to be able to pick the book up again. It is a great book but when you are forced to read anything, you will not want to read it on your own. I love reading a great book and not picking it up again for a year or two, because then the story feels new again!!! [kiirah2008]
Yes I do. This is one reason I don't get a Nook or Kindle or any of those things - maybe someday but my books are 'old friends' and I love to hold an actual book. I usually only purchase a book that I plan to read and reread, but I do buy lots of books. I think there is a certain thrill to reading something for the first time because even if you read a synopsis, you don't know how things are going to go - but if it's a story you really love or treasure, knowing doesn't make it any less enjoyable after the fact. With movies, I only purchase things that stick in my mind that I want to rewatch. I have a collection of vhs that I bought in order to rewatch, but now I'm thinking I might try to find them on dvd just because the quality of vhs is so terrible I'm not sure I can watch them now without poking fun at the quality. I am laughing at you now because I would tell you the same thing - that it is NOT the same with a song, but I can't really explain why either. I guess because a song is not the same as a book or a movie - I'd compare one song to part of an album. A book is a whole story, or a whole 'section of life'. Same with a movie. In comparison, a song is one part of a collection an artist releases. There are many times where I just like one or two SONGS, so that's all I download. The cds I have (and I shamelessly have hundreds) were all cds where I liked at least 50% or more of the whole album, or I wouldn't have spent the money to buy them. Of course now I listen to all digital so my poor cds are dusting over in a cabinet lol. [mommyboo]
I have to admit, in the past, I have been that person. That person that said "Why read it twice if I know how it ends?" and yet, watched a movie a thousand times. But, now I realize where I was wrong. They are both a story. Some movies come from books, some books come from movies, anyway. Right? For me, I do have to say there are books that I only read once now even if I like it, but if I REALLY like it and think it's unique enough, I probably will read it more than once. I also realized that I read poems a lot more than once and realized how contradictory the whole idea of "you know how it ends" is. A song is the same thing. It tells a story as well. [cherishxbunny]
Too many books, not enough time. But if it's really, really good, sure I go back for a second read (or more). Not only is it like visiting a new friend, but you may pick up on something new that you missed the first time. I can't even tell you how many times I've read Lord of the Rings, and every time I go back, I pick up on some detail that I missed (or didn't remember)... [dawnald]
Oh heavens yes. I love to read books more than once and nine times out of ten I will have forgotten how it ended. Same with movies...if there are two movies on at the same time and I have seen one of them and enjoyed it, I prefer to watch that one again rather than the new one. There are exceptions of course but they don't occur often. Even if I own the DVD I will still watch a beloved movie again (and again) on TV. Guess what? I also listen to my CDs over and over too. wubw00t [MsTickle]
_i cant find no reason why i would not re-read my books... 0_o _its like reliving the glory of the pages. wow! _my favorite is the green mile by stephen king. gosh! _i always have fresh tears whenever i read it again and again...:-( [emokiddo]
I find that favorite books are not read just for the story, but for the language, the way thoughts are expressed. I love books that were written in a different period. You can glean a lot about the culture of the time by the dialogue. I have a favorite movie whose story is as familiar as my own life, but I love the way they speak. I love to listen to their way of expressing themselves, without all the expletives and jargon people seem to find necessary today. [sulynsi]
I should say, watching a movie for the hundreth time is also fun.... that's when you find the bad editing and flubs!! [sulynsi]
Like you, I will read a book multiple times, just like I will watch a movie or listen to a song multiple times. I have a few books that I have read over five times. Yeah, you do know how they end after reading them once, but I find that after a while, I will often forget a lot of the things that happen in the middle. It's refreshing to boost your memory and revisit books you haven't read in a while. I don't like reading the same book back to back, though. [Thunderll]
I also agree with reading a book more than once. There are instances wherein books and their stories might be forgotten, meaning that after many years from the time you finished reading it, you eventualy forget how it goes. I believe in remembering the start and end of the story, but of course, not all details within the flow of the story can be remembered. That's when re-reading it comes in. [maddie0820]
I can never bring myself to throw away a book. I love the act of recycling books with friends and family members. By the time you get it back, you are ready to read it again. Not to mention upon reading many books for a second even third time had brought with it the discovery of many new things that I never picked up on in the first read. Very often these aspects only become clear once you know the outcome of the story. [sjsum99]
If I was never going to read a book more than one time, then there would be no point at all to buy a book. Seriously though, I am a lot like you in the way that I will read the same book many times and I will watch the movies that I love repeatedly and I love to listen to favorite songs. I buy a lot of books and unless I simply don't like a book, I will return to the same book later. I'm a reader and I will read almost anything. [dorannmwin]
I always review some books and movie.Every time I review these stuff, I get different feeling. [Doreen_Wu]
If I like the book I 'll read it many times. Recently I read the twilight series, 5 times. Every time you read the book you will find something new.Some new meanings new interpretations etc. etc. Same is the case of movies and songs. [bibyajay]
Hiya Lamb, Well I suppose it makes sense in a way because a Song you can sing parts of it or all of it if you want to many times but a Book although you can remember the Story and all that you canīt really sing it can you? Just think if you tried to sing the original text say of "The Secret Garden" well you might send everybody to sleep in your efforts. My favourite Books were "The Secret Garden" but I didīnt personally own a copy of it so I had to keep going to the Library to get it and read it again and again. I had a copy of Jane Eyre and I practically know that Book word for word and I haveīnt read it for ages but I would not even try to turn it into a Song at least with the original Script Charlotte might come back and haunt me for doing such a thing just imagine how Charles Dickens might feel too. Nice to see you around. [lovinangelsinstead21]
Over the years I have gained quite a collection of books that I have enjoyed and they are also books that I have read more than once. If a book is by an author that I particularly like I usually keep the book and will read it again and again. I always find that when I re read a book I always come across bits that I cannot remember from before anyway. [gemini_rose]
I love to read and I have no problem reading an old favourite more than once. I find that, just like watching a movie, you find little details you may have missed the first time, not so much words you missed but the way you may have interpreted something. I found that sometimes when I read a book for the second time I appreciate it even more than the first time I read it. I agree that finishing a good book is like saying goodbye to an old friend and it is great to catch up again sometime. [paula27661]
And Paula! I have also noticed that I had not really registered one or two sentences earlier properly. [kalav56]
I love to read my favourite books again and again.Some of them can even be quoted by me[ some dialogues or descriptions].Whenever I am tired I would deliberately pick up a book that I have already read.It is simply for the enjoyment of the style and story.I cannot explain the pleasure this gives because it is beyond description. [kalav56]
I had read a book four times.Because the story is so intersting,i always think i have missed some part when i finish reading. Not all books will read again and again.But some book attract me so much [Zhanghuijiang]
Depending on the complexity of the literacture is how many tiems I read the book to grasp its full meaning.However some books don't uphold an interest to me and I will only read them once. [GJSchneider]
You know to me its not the same as listening to song. Song got its own special spirit moreover i hate reading. But i've not seen someone who hates songs. Have you? [Mikebuddy]
I personally have quite a few books that I keep and re-read on occasion. Certain series are just too good not to read again and again. Especially when dealing with a line of characters where you need to refresh your memory of previous storylines. Certain characters are just so memorable that you want to relive it over again. For instance, the Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward is one of my favorites. When a new book in the series comes out, I find myself thinking of the previous books and always want to go back to re-read them. [ChristinaWhite]
Absolutely I will read books more than once! And I find old favorites becoming even more favored. Every time I reread a book I notice something I didn't before, I see a different view, or take away something different. Life experiences also change the way a book is read. The older I get, the more things I go through, the more experiences I gain, the more mature I become, the more my interests and attitudes and views change, the more my reading or interpretation of a book changes. For this same reason I attempt to return to books I didn't enjoy or couldn't get through previously. I find even when I reread non-fiction or self-help books, things that stick out to me during the second reading are different from those that did during the first reading. (I'm notorious for marking up my books with red & blue pen, highlighters of different colors, notes, underlining, etc.) Maybe it's the long-time student in me, or maybe it's the teacher in me, or maybe I just love reading and learning. [drealee]
if the book is good, you can learn more and more reading it several times.. ok, if it is an adventure book, with action only, then there would be no sense to read it again. But if the book is with deeper meaning in it, you can discover new things in it, reading and re-reading. [Gavi0ta]
If I love the book I'll read it more than once . I'll reread anything by Brett Easton Ellis , especially Less Than Zero . I've probably read that book a million times , I think I've even read it back to back before . I'll also reread anything by Jude Deveraux because her love stories are just so so good , my fave is Legend . Another author/poet who's stuff I'll read over and over again is Jim Carroll . I've probably read The Basketball Diaries a million times sense I first got it when I was 13 . [Thiala]
Some books I only read once, other books I can read again and again and again. Some books I keep around purely for research, others are stories that i can read again and again and again. [danishcanadian]
I've read some books (Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass) so many times that I had to buy a new copy because mine was falling apart. I have re-read every book I own at least twice. [nonersays]
Depends on the book. I often read a book only once but there are also favorites that I've read at 3 to 4 times - especially the ones written by Anne Rice lol. [joyadalia]
I always read books more than once, if I come across a book that I didnt like or dont imagine myself reading more than once or passing on to my children to read, I will take it to a second hand store to donate or sell. I love reading my favorite stories over and over again. Sometimes I read something I didnt catch the first time. Thats always fun. [rmuxagirl]
I haven't read a book in a very long time but I do have the tendency to read favorite ones over again. [libby2009]
I like to listen a song or watch a film more than once. If I forget most detail of the book, I will read it again. I usually take notes when I find some words are important for me. [goodoldday]
It depends on how much I enjoyed reading the book the first time around, most of the time I prefer to read something new, however with the Harry Potter novels I could happily read them over and over and over again, and believe me I have done, especially before each film has been released so I can remind myself of the storyline so far. This probably the only exception to the rule, mainly because I am not an avid reader as I used to be so therefore less time to read means whenever I get the opportunity I'll go for something new to read, sadly the internet has gobbled up all the available free leisure time I had to read once. [wolfie34]