While randomly browsing for something interesting to read, I stumbled upon an article “Why we re-read a book”  by Aruna Sankaranarayanan in The Hindu that sparked a deeper reflection on why so many of us feel drawn to rereading books. As someone who also has this habit, I often find myself revisiting old favorites like Woman of Substance by Barbara Bradford, The Faraway Magic Tree series by Enid Blyton, and Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam. I also enjoy going back to the wisdom found in Brian Tracy’s and Stephen Covey’s works. Rereading offers far more than just the comfort of familiarity. It’s a chance to reconnect with characters, rediscover hidden insights, and reflect on how much we’ve grown since our last read. 

Here are my top 10 reasons why I reread a book:

• New Perspectives Every Time – Even though I’ve read a book before, each time I come back to it, I notice something new. My experiences and mindset have changed, so I’m seeing the story through a fresh lens.
• Personal Growth – Rereading allows me to reflect on how I’ve grown. What resonated with me years ago might not hold the same weight today, and that shows me how much I’ve evolved as a person.
• Rediscovering Characters – It’s like meeting old friends who have changed just a little bit. Familiar characters may surprise me, and I can appreciate their complexities in a way I might have missed before.
• Comfort in the Familiar – Sometimes, life feels chaotic, and returning to a well-loved book brings a sense of comfort and security. I know what’s going to happen, but that predictability is calming.
• Timeless Lessons – Certain books, like The Colour Purple, offer timeless lessons on relationships and community. No matter how many times I read them, these themes remain relevant to my life.
• Creative Inspiration – Like Ya-Chieh Hsu’s experience with Big Magic, rereading certain non-fiction books can spark creativity in my own work. Some chapters remind me to be brave and take risks.
• Revisiting Marked Passages – In non-fiction, I often mark significant portions. When I reread, I can focus on those areas that had an impact, giving me a quick refresher without rereading the entire book.
• Re-experiencing Emotional Journeys – Fiction allows me to relive emotional experiences. Even though I know the story, the emotional highs and lows can still tug at my heart in a powerful way.
• Deepened Understanding – Rereading makes me go deeper. What might have seemed like a simple plot point on the first read now reveals more nuanced themes, and I’m able to grasp more of the writer’s intent.
• The Surprise Factor – Even when I know how the story ends, a skilled writer can still surprise me. I might catch subtle hints or foreshadowing that I missed the first time around, which adds layers to the experience.

These are just a few reasons I find myself drawn to rereading, and each time, the journey feels both familiar and refreshingly new.