A question for book lovers everywhere: are you a re-reader or a one-timer?
As the term implies, re-readers will read the same book again, maybe even several times. One-timers will finish a book, then move along to the next one.
Re-readers enjoy peeling away layers, like an onion. Each time they read the book they gain new insights and connect with the story or information in a different way. Reading a book again may help a reader absorb the material on a deeper level. Or they may simply enjoy the characters or plot so much they want to re-enter that world and spend more time there.
Re-readers also may want to revisit a book they read years ago – the passage of time and life lived can make a book seem different the next time around. Or they skimmed through a book previously, and now want to take more time with it. Reading a favorite book again can be like putting on a soft, warm robe and remembering a different time in life than the one you’re presently in.
One-timers enjoy the accomplishment of reading a new book. Their analytical minds glean the key messages and themes, and they may reflect on how the book is similar or different than others they’ve read. They may silently rate the book and decide if they will recommend it to others. Then they’re back on the hunt for the next book to conquer. They may be continuously seeking fresh approaches and unique perspectives from new literary voices.
One-timers may be on a mission to read as many books as possible in their lifetime. They may have a list of all the books they plan to read, and add to it as they find interesting new titles. As one one-timer stated,”The world is too large, and life is too short. A book re-read steals time away from a new book I have yet to discover.”
