Reading a book sixty or more years after first reading it

[Actionjick]

Recently reread Have Space Suit-Will Travel. I've just started Starship Troopers, again. Both are by Heinlein and both I've read since before I was a teenager. I have read both at least twenty times. At least.

Yet in both books I am discovering new things. Or perhaps the same things but with a different lens. Today it was the word scrofulous in Starship Troopers. Ship's Sergeant Zim speaking to the new recruits. Of all the times I have read this book it never occurred to me to look this up until today. I can't understand why because I like words.

If anyone has had a similar experience I would like to hear about it. Doesn't have to be sixty years.

 

[Sparafucil3]

For me, a couple of books / series come to mind. I have read Lord of the Rings more times than I care to admit. I just finished my most recent reading over Christmas. But by far, the most impactful two books I have ever read (and continue to read when I can think of nothing else) is Ender's Game and it's companion novel Ender's Shadow. My best guess on Ender's Game is more than 20 times. Ender's Shadow probably a little less than that.

 

[Vinnie]

I too reread The Lord of the Rings last year. You do approach it differently.

I read Stranger in a Strange Land fir the first time. What a chore that was. A good idea weighed under but some teenage aged fantasy of free love constrained by religion.

 

[hongkongwargamer]

The Chronicles of Narnia - read again a year ago. Still rocks!

 

[fenyan]

Reading good books is a pleasure I really should take up again.

 

[Actionjick]

Middle aged coworker asked me what I was going to do tonight. I said read. He doesn't like reading. When I said I was reading a book I had already read he was amazed that people would reread a book.
I've done it since I learned how to read. Old habits die hard. I find it rather Zen like.

Starship Troopers btw.

 

[Actionjick]

I too reread The Lord of the Rings last year. You do approach it differently.

I read Stranger in a Strange Land fir the first time. What a chore that was. A good idea weighed under but some teenage aged fantasy of free love constrained by religion.

I read Stranger back in the '60s. Don't remember much but " grok ". It didn't grab me and I never reread it. Was there something about two judges running around naked whipping each other with towels?

Read LOTR and The Hobbit at least a dozen times since '68 or so. I thought the movies, while visually very nice, eff'd up some key elements of the story.

An example. One of many.

Merry and Pippin did not accidentally end up on the quest. They planned to accompany Frodo from the beginning. A senseless change that diminished the relationship between Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Stupid and totally unnecessary.

 

[Sparafucil3]

Read LOTR and The Hobbit at least a dozen times since '68 or so. I thought the movies, while visually very nice, eff'd up some key elements of the story.

An example. One of many.

Merry and Pippin did not accidentally end up on the quest. They planned to accompany Frodo from the beginning. A senseless change that diminished the relationship between Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Stupid and totally unnecessary.

I will never forgive the movies for robbing Faramir of his nobility. I could accept the rest for the purpose of story telling, but that was a bridge too far.

 

[Actionjick]

I will never forgive the movies for robbing Faramir of his nobility. I could accept the rest for the purpose of story telling, but that was a bridge too far.

Did the producers even read the books?

 

[Actionjick]

If you want to get laid go to college.

If you want an education go to the library.

Zappa

I also reread nonfiction. None from sixty years ago though.

 

[Michael R]

I can’t remember re-reading any fiction books, but I have re-read some military history books. Chickenhawk and Company Commander, I read three times. In general, I prefer not to spend time doing something I already did because life is too short.

 

[Zakopious]

I re-read Lord of the Rings several times over the last 50 years.

 

[johnl]

LotR - 10+
The Amber series by Roger Zelazny. Just started my 6th read with "Nine Princes in Amber".

 

[Actionjick]

LotR - 10+
The Amber series by Roger Zelazny. Just started my 6th read with "Nine Princes in Amber".

I've read Lord Of Light by him at least twenty times. Obviously good stuff.

 

[Actionjick]

Just read an article that said people who reread a book are essentially trying to relive those days when they first read the book. This may be true for some but not for me. I find a zen like peace with the familiarity of reading a book, or watching a video, that I have read or seen many times.

 

[Actionjick]

I will never forgive the movies for robbing Faramir of his nobility. I could accept the rest for the purpose of story telling, but that was a bridge too far.

I've thought about reading LOTR again but honestly the movies just ruined it for me.

 

[Actionjick]

I can’t remember re-reading any fiction books, but I have re-read some military history books. Chickenhawk and Company Commander, I read three times. In general, I prefer not to spend time doing something I already did because life is too short.

I can respect that sentiment especially as it applies to the non essentials of life. It's much the same as not wanting to play the same scenario multiple times. Whatever strikes your fancy in ASL is a good thing. The same with literature. Enjoy!!