I've noticed that with everything going on in the world, I've had a hard time focusing on new books/TV shows/movies that I typically would love. I took to Twitter and was shocked to see people already talking about that. It's not just me!
But I was even more shocked to see an article floating around that basically said when people are stressed out, they tend to go for something they've already read or watched because they already know how it ends, therefore the stakes are a bit lower (article is linked here). They go for old favorites because it's comforting (and I definitely love a good comfort read). It's like a warm blanket.
I have three books on my ereader that I can think of off-hand that I should be devouring. And yet...I keep going back to old faves. Then I feel guilty that I'm spending my precious reading time with something I've already read. I should be reading something new and shiny!
But...my faves are shiny too. I figure since they make me happy, isn't the the important part? I read because it makes me happy. I have a friend however who never re-reads anything. Once the book has been read, that's that. (no judgement! Just different ways of reading!)
Comment to enter our August giveaway
So how about you? Are you a fan of the re-read? Or do you read the book once and move on? There's no right or wrong answer here, it's all about you and what sparks joy for you. For me? I want that warm blanket of a comfort read.
If you want something happy, comforting, and light, check out our Last Chance Beach box set!
14 happy beach reads and summer romances all for $.99!
My story is Dreams of the Past. In it, Jenny needs some rest, Scott needs some relaxation...but will they get what they want when they both wind up booking the same beach cottage?
And don't forget there's a free companion book called Cocktails on Last Chance Beach
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ReplyDeleteI'm rereading a lot these days. It's like comfort food, and if it works, I'm going with it! Great post, Laura.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! :)
DeleteI have kept my favorite books but rarely reread them totally. I have scenes I love and will find those and feel the thrill or tears all over again. Always on the search for another story to add to my keepers list. Thanks,Laura for making me think about those books in my bookcase. Might have to pull out a few.
ReplyDeleteyou know, that's a good point! I sometimes will re-read favorite scenes instead of the whole book!
DeleteSome of my favorite books I have reread many times. I'm not doing it now because, as you said, I don't want to waste time when there are so many new books I haven't read yet.
ReplyDeleteWe need more hours in the day! lol
DeleteI keep my faves, but the re-read is never the same as the first read, and the joy that book brought the first time. Great question!
ReplyDeleteThere's something special about reading a book for the first time.
DeleteI’m doing both! Rereading and reading new. I’m devouring the short stories in Last ChanceBeach for now. I love the length of each story!
ReplyDeleteI do too! They're perfect for my attention span these days!
DeleteI can't reread a book once I've read it. I can rarely watch a movie I've seen or a TV show I've seen, with a few exceptions. If I'm flipping through the channels and see Dirty Dancing playing, I'll pause and watch part of it.
ReplyDeleteoh Dirty Dancing. Sigh I could probably quote that one! LOL
DeleteI definitely am not a re-reader. Like Hannah, once Im done I'm done. This is especially true of painful movies. Two I just cant watch again are Born on the 4th of July and A Star is Born. Once is enough.
ReplyDeleteI feel that way about movies like Titanic, and Black Hawk Down. My re-watches are usually fun and upbeat, or adventurous like Indiana Jones.
DeleteI can't rewatch painful movies but those I love I can watch again and again. I reread my favorite books but also enjoy new reads. I really enjoyed LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summers End.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving that I can read each story in a short amount of time! My brain likes the breaks :)
DeleteI am a re-reader! The books I love get re-read over and over and over! It's like visiting an old friend each time.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteI am loving all of these comments! It's so neat to see different ways of reading
ReplyDeleteI have books that I re-read. Comfort reads +
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Comfort reads are the best! Feel free to share some :)
DeleteI always am surprised that I notice something new that I didn't the first time when I re-read or re-watch books and movies. It's more fun than what most think.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think sometimes I'm turning pages in such a hurry to find out what happens, that I get to slowly savor it the next time round and I catch things I missed!
DeleteGreat question, Laura. I read favorites when I'm tired in every way possible and just want to be comforted. It's like visiting an old friend who makes you feel good. Then there are the favorites I read because they inspire me or teach me something about writing.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel I find something new to love with each read of the book!
Deletedon't really re-read
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com