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Reasons for Rereading Books

Brian Kezer

· Rereading Books
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Brian Kezer obtained an MA in Computer Science from George Washington University. Since then, has worked as a program analyst and an operations analyst, coordinating projects for numerous stakeholders. In his spare time, Brian Kezer enjoys a variety of hobbies, from music to sports to reading.

For the hobbyist reader, there is a lot of excitement in discovering new reaches of the imagination that come with each new book. However, rereading old stories has a charm of its own as well. To begin with, a second or third read allows the reader to further grasp a book's complexity. It builds on the understanding that came from the first experience of the text. This is particularly advantageous if the book is a layered literary piece or an academic work; multiple readings can help a reader make connections that they may not have made the first time around.

Rereading also helps a reader better understand themselves through perspective changes reflected in how they experience the same story over time. Returning to the same book at different ages can be a reminder of how the reader used to think. The passages that used to strike a chord may not be as resonant when read in later life. Lines that were once ignored could be the ones that get more attention during a reread. Finally, perhaps the best reason for rereading a book is to relive a memorable experience. It allows one to go back on a great adventure, relive an old romance or work through a bittersweet sadness once again.