scijessreads

Question of the moment: do you reread books? I have found, that like rewatching a favorite TV show, I also tend to reread books (both those that I loved and those that I liked, even if not my favorite).

When I think about why, the answer for both TV shows and books is the same – sometimes I want a known commodity. I want familiarity and no surprises. This need often comes after reading/watching something new that requires a lot of focus and commitment. Afterward, especially if there is a high emotional investment, I want mindless amusement. Like a palate cleanser.

Being a mood reader, sometimes picking a new book can be a difficult task. Which one will actually fit my mood that day? This is probably why I also tend to have multiple books going at once (to keep me from getting bored or aggravated with only one). And when a new one isn’t hitting the mark, I revert back to a faithful friend that I know will have a satisfying ending. There is an entire collection in my Kindle labeled “comfort reads.” These are the ones that will always work, no matter my mood.

Some books also act like friends, and even if I know how it ends, getting back together with the “gang” is a way to reconnect to either a story or time in my life that I enjoyed. It makes me happy, and in the end, that is why I read. It makes me happy, gives me a chance to explore new worlds and imagine fantastical situations and get a break from reality. And let’s face it, reality sucks these days.