Do you read a good book more than once?

Can you fully appreciate a good book with just one reading?

Sure, why not?

I do. I remember it, and tell people about it, and sometimes write a review just because I liked it so much. But I don't very often reread whole books.

I'm just anxious to find another.

Carol

Absolutely. I never did when I was younger, but there are now books I've read a half-dozen times.

Lin,
when I read a book the second time, I see things I missed the first time. A good book is something to treasure. There are books that one reading was a stretch and there were some I didn't finish.

A book that people enjoy and want to read it more than once, is a great compliment to the author. Dick Stodghill's book is an example of someone we knew who had much to share. I think non-fiction and historical fiction books are worth a second read.

I agree on non-fiction and especially history.

In fact, Abe, after talking to the man who wrote the book on the bombing in Beirut, we went back and read parts of your book.

I underline in non-fiction but then I have to keep the books!!!

Carol

I love reading my favorite novels over. It takes at least a second reading to just slow down and savor what makes it so readable.

Ann

I have read some books many, many times over. Usually works of reference, philosophy, science, religion or political theory. As an adult I have re-read literature that I read as a child and have been able to recall my childhood impressions through the books.

Usually not, and in fact, I often get rid of the book when done. Loads of books are just clutter to me.

I do keep reference and how-to books, and a few novels. I keep all my Mario Puzo books, although I'll never re-read them.

Yes, I do. I will be reading your book again. It was very good

I have read The Day of the Triffids many time and will most likely read it again in the future. It was the book that grabbed my imagination and started me reading. Till then when I was about twelve or thirteen books were a chore that came with school. Since discovering that book words have been like a magic window that lets you see other places, times and worlds.

Interesting comments. My wife and I are avid readers. The books in our library show signs of wear simply because they are read more than once.
Books that are of little interest are eventually discarded. Books from authors I met via the forum I hang onto for the sentimental value, and some of those I have read more than once.
There are good authors that have yet to be recognized. A NY Times best-seller does not always mean it is a great book. It often means it had great promotion and timed sales to give it that ranking.

Dear Abe,
I read books more than once. I keep the one's that have touched something in me when I read them. Some are classic stuff that I have almost to memory. Tale of Two Cities, Cry, The Beloved Country, Wind In the Willows, on and on.

The Winds of War trilogy, I have read several time. I read some books because the writer put the words just so. I could feel the writers thoughts. Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn.

When I stop to think about the power of these words on my life, I wish I could write just something that was that good and that could be remembered by someone.

Genius stuff.

Love,
Betty

3/21/2010

Yes, many times I re-read books and
have kept them for years. I love books on
gardening, I'm always looking for information.
Many times when I'm in a nursery I'll turn to
someone looking at a plant and give them the
info on it, if I know that plant is poisonous, I'll
tell that person if they have pets or children
don't buy it...

Cheers..Joe