Re-reading: Yay or Nay?
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A few days back, I finished re-reading Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before in preparation for reading its sequel: P.S. I Still Love You. I still got the same feels (*squee*) but of course, the excitement is a rung lower than when I first read it since I already knew the plot twists and how it would end. However, it allowed me to see the little things I've missed before (and it also helped me to finally pick a side between Peter K and Josh since after reading it for the first time, I was still confused on who to root for lol)
It is not an unknown fact that I have an extremely long TBR pile so I actually think it over several times whether to re-read a book or not. Eventually I do, if the "craving" to re-read is still there after a week or so. Sometimes, I re-read when I'm in a reading slump. Another thing I consider is the length of the book. I don't think I would read something over again if it's 500+ pages long (there are exceptions, of course)
Because it's my first ever discussion post (yay! *confetti*), I invited some of my favorite bloggers around the blogosphere to share their thoughts on whether re-reading is actually a good idea or a total waste of time.
It is not an unknown fact that I have an extremely long TBR pile so I actually think it over several times whether to re-read a book or not. Eventually I do, if the "craving" to re-read is still there after a week or so. Sometimes, I re-read when I'm in a reading slump. Another thing I consider is the length of the book. I don't think I would read something over again if it's 500+ pages long (there are exceptions, of course)
Because it's my first ever discussion post (yay! *confetti*), I invited some of my favorite bloggers around the blogosphere to share their thoughts on whether re-reading is actually a good idea or a total waste of time.
CARMEL from Carmel and Kyla
(follow her on twitter @oo_carmel_oo)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Yes!!! Some stories are needed to be read, devoured, and loved over and over again. They are just damn too beautiful.
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Yes!!! Short answer: Because of the feels. Long answer: I guess because I can identify to one or two of the characters. There's also a sense of realness to these characters. They're not just something you read; you can actually feel they that they exist and that they're actual people.
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> For YA: hands down to DROWNING INSTINCT by Ilsa J. Bick. I have read it way too many times and after each read, I love it even more. For non-YA: any book by Tarryn Fisher. She is a genius. Every thing she writes is just sooo eerily real.
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>When reading for the first time, I get overwhelmed by a book's beauty. There are books that I love even more when I re-read them. When I read them again, it validates why I love reading. Such a fulfilling feeling.
(follow her on twitter @oo_carmel_oo)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Yes!!! Some stories are needed to be read, devoured, and loved over and over again. They are just damn too beautiful.
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Yes!!! Short answer: Because of the feels. Long answer: I guess because I can identify to one or two of the characters. There's also a sense of realness to these characters. They're not just something you read; you can actually feel they that they exist and that they're actual people.
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> For YA: hands down to DROWNING INSTINCT by Ilsa J. Bick. I have read it way too many times and after each read, I love it even more. For non-YA: any book by Tarryn Fisher. She is a genius. Every thing she writes is just sooo eerily real.
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>When reading for the first time, I get overwhelmed by a book's beauty. There are books that I love even more when I re-read them. When I read them again, it validates why I love reading. Such a fulfilling feeling.
MY THOUGHTS: "They're not just something you read; you can actually feel that they exist and that they're actual people" THIS. Sometimes, I just feel like book characters call out to me, demanding that I re-read their stories over again!
JM from Novels on Trial
(follow him on twitter @Jm_Tuazon_)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> I'm really not comfortable saying this, but I don't favor for rereading books since for me it takes up some time that can be aloted to explore a new one... Well, I do re-read my favorite book's parts but never the whole book
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> I don't re-read books surprisingly because I always rant about a book from time to time but I never really do re-read books... I don't know with myself! I can't afford myself to re-read a book even when the adaptation in film or TV is coming up. I haven't experience rereading at least yet.
Do you think you'll try re-reading books some time in the future?
> Yes, I do find myself in the future rereading some books, although that's iffy in the present... Which is a bummer, by the way, since most of the bookworms I know re-reads except for me... But when the time comes, I'll find time of course!
MY THOUGHTS: I rarely re-read books when an adaptation is coming up too. I guess I take pride in saying that I've read the book (and that I'm aware of the title) even before it hits the cinemas or the television and that I don't need to re-read it anymore.
MIGHTA from The Bookish Bookkeeper
(follow her on twitter @MightaZerie)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Nope, not really in favor. Because why re-read when there are like other like thousand more books on your TBR, right?
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> No. I don't reread an entire book. Yes, I may reread some few of my favorite chapters and scenes from my favorite books and series but that's far as I could go on rereading because if I do or like I reread an entire book from cover to cover I would feel like I should be reading another book instead and besides "Life is too short to reread books."
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>I don't think there's not much difference because if I reread my favorite scenes, I feel all the feels just like I felt them for the first time.
Do you think you'll try re-reading books some time in the future?
> No, I'm not really planning on rereading anything in the near future but when I get old like after some years or I'm old I'll probably reread them.
(follow her on twitter @MightaZerie)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Nope, not really in favor. Because why re-read when there are like other like thousand more books on your TBR, right?
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> No. I don't reread an entire book. Yes, I may reread some few of my favorite chapters and scenes from my favorite books and series but that's far as I could go on rereading because if I do or like I reread an entire book from cover to cover I would feel like I should be reading another book instead and besides "Life is too short to reread books."
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>I don't think there's not much difference because if I reread my favorite scenes, I feel all the feels just like I felt them for the first time.
Do you think you'll try re-reading books some time in the future?
> No, I'm not really planning on rereading anything in the near future but when I get old like after some years or I'm old I'll probably reread them.
MY THOUGHTS: "Why re-read when there are like other like thousand more books on your TBR, right?" This is the thing that makes me hesitant to re-read sometimes. I really need to catch up with my TBR that oftentimes, the idea of re-reading doesn't look too appealing. Oh and I like the idea of still reading lots 'til I'm like seventy years old or so haha! :)
AIMEE from Deadly Darlings
(follow her on twitter @AimeeReads)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> I am definitely in favor of rereading books! There are lots of reasons why I approve of them, like: a.) You get to know your favorite characters again, b.) You can easily return to a world you've missed, and c.) It's a great way to get out of reading slumps!
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> While I approve of rereading, I don't necessarily do it myself. I love rereading my favorite scenes from books (which I talked about here, in fact), but I sadly don't have enough time to reread entire books! And I'll admit: sometimes I'm scared that I won't love a favorite book as much as I did the first time I read it.
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>When I'm rereading my favorite scenes (they're mostly the swoony ones, mind you!), I definitely get more feels than I did when I read it the first time. I guess it's because I already know the characters on a deeper level. But when I'm forced to reread books for required reading in school, I end up hating the book because I despise required reading--I don't like feeling like I HAVE to read something.
Do you think you'll try re-reading books some time in the future?
> Maybe! There are a few books I want to reread sometime in the future, particularly Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. :)
MY THOUGHTS: I'm scared of not liking a book as much as I did the first time I read it, too (though I don't think I've re-read something before that I didn't like as much as my first reading. Still, the fear is always, always present.)
Oh and now that you've mentioned it, I think Percy and the gang are now telling me to re-visit them. But the actual whole series-PJO and HOO- are 10 books long *sighs* too much time required.
Oh and now that you've mentioned it, I think Percy and the gang are now telling me to re-visit them. But the actual whole series-PJO and HOO- are 10 books long *sighs* too much time required.
DIANNE from Oops! I Read A Book Again
(follow her on twitter @oopsireadagain)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Yes! I love re-reading books and it's one of my most time-consuming hobbies. I also love re-watching films so I guess I just like reliving things/moments I loved.
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> I've re-read these books so many times I can't even remember how many: Plus One by Elizabeth Fama, Lovely Vicious trilogy by Sara Wolf, To All the Boys I've Loved Before + P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater, among others. I really love re-reading!
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>Differences in the reading experience, hmm. For books like The Raven Cycle series, I discover new things and realize new connections as Maggie did a fine job in making everything interconnected. It rewards those who re-read. For the other books I've mentioned which I re-read mostly because ALL THE FEELS ALL THE SHIPPY FEELS, I think I even come to appreciate and love the characters even more.
(follow her on twitter @oopsireadagain)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Yes! I love re-reading books and it's one of my most time-consuming hobbies. I also love re-watching films so I guess I just like reliving things/moments I loved.
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> I've re-read these books so many times I can't even remember how many: Plus One by Elizabeth Fama, Lovely Vicious trilogy by Sara Wolf, To All the Boys I've Loved Before + P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater, among others. I really love re-reading!
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>Differences in the reading experience, hmm. For books like The Raven Cycle series, I discover new things and realize new connections as Maggie did a fine job in making everything interconnected. It rewards those who re-read. For the other books I've mentioned which I re-read mostly because ALL THE FEELS ALL THE SHIPPY FEELS, I think I even come to appreciate and love the characters even more.
MY THOUGHTS: Yes, I think one advantage of re-reading is that you realize connections between books especially if they are in a series. I particularly love the one between the Divergent Series which really showed Tris' character development. It's up to you guys to find out what it is!
(Hint: it's this "similar" sentence on the same pages of two of the books in the series. gettit?)
(Hint: it's this "similar" sentence on the same pages of two of the books in the series. gettit?)
INAH from The Bibliophile Confessions
(follow her on twitter @inahreads)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Yes! Re-reading books means reliving memories and experiences I got from reading books for the first time.
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> I do, especially my favorite books. Somehow rereading them helps me when I'm in a reading slump.
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> Harry Potter Series, The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters, The Fault in Our Stars. Mostly, I reread them before the movie adaptation comes out, so I will definitely be re-reading Paper Towns!!
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>The reading experience from the first time is very exciting and surreal because you're don't know what's going to happen. Re-reading books sort of rehashes those feelings but I have to admit, they're a bit toned down because you already know the ending of the book. I think it's just nice to experience those feelings all over again.
MY THOUGHTS: I definitely agree with you on the difference between first reading and re-reading! Sure, we know how it'll end but the feelings along the way is soooo worth re-experiencing!
JESSELLE from The Lifelong Bookworm
(follow her on twitter @jessellev)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Yes, I am! Re-reading books give you a chance to relive the stories you loved.
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Sometimes! Reason is the same as the answer in number one. :)
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt and Open Road Summer by Emery Lord,
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>Reading a book the first time is like meeting a new friend--exciting and unpredictable. While, the second time is just like catching up with that friend because you already know what happens. But the great thing about it is that you reminisce amazing memories. :)
(follow her on twitter @jessellev)
Are you in favor of re-reading books? Why or why not?
> Yes, I am! Re-reading books give you a chance to relive the stories you loved.
Do YOU re-read books? Why or why not?
> Sometimes! Reason is the same as the answer in number one. :)
What are some of the books you've re-read?
> Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt and Open Road Summer by Emery Lord,
What are the differences in the reading experience when reading a book for the first time and re-reading it?
>Reading a book the first time is like meeting a new friend--exciting and unpredictable. While, the second time is just like catching up with that friend because you already know what happens. But the great thing about it is that you reminisce amazing memories. :)
MY THOUGHTS: "Reading a book for the first time is like meeting a new friend--exciting and unpredictable. While, the second time is just like catching up with that friend..." I couldn't agree more! BOOKS = FRIENDS! :)
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Once again, I would like to thank all these fab bloggers- Carmel, JM, Mighta, Aimee, Dianne (thanks for the tips!), Inah, Jesselle- who took their time to help out with my first ever discussion post! Do check out their awesomesauce blogs for more bookish finds!What about you guys? Do you like re-reading in general? Entire books or just some favorite scenes? Any suggestions on what to discuss next? Want me to guest a blogger you love or participate yourself?
I'd love to hear from you! Do comment below :)
Eep! Too late to join the party, but yay! on your first discussion post, Ailla! :D I myself rarely re-read because of my humongous TBR pile. But I love revisiting my favorite books, even just a few parts. Vampire Academy and PJO series are just some of the books I've re-read. Also, Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. :) Interesting post, Ailla! :D
ReplyDeleteJulie @ Books and Insomnia
Hey Julie!
DeleteOoh, The Lost Symbol is on my TBR. Is it good? Oh, nevermind that. You've re-read it so it must be awesome haha! And PJO! Yes, I'm planning on re-reading that one too :D
Thanks for dropping by, Julie! On my next discussion post maybe you can hop in? ;)
I may be a little biased because Dan Brown is one of my fave authors, but yeah, The Lost Symbol is seriously awesome. Although I liked Angels and Demons more. :) PJO is one series I'd probably never get tired of re-reading. :)
DeleteOf course, Ailla! I'm always happy to help, lovely! ^__^