There’s a special kind of joy in discovering a new book—the rush of meeting new characters, the excitement of an unfolding plot, the sense of adventure as you dive into an unknown world. But if you’re anything like me, there are certain books you find yourself coming back to, over and over again. Even with an ever-growing TBR pile, some stories feel like home, and no matter how many times we’ve read them, we still find comfort in their pages.
But why do we do this? What is it about rereading that keeps pulling us back? Science—and personal experience—suggests there’s more to it than just nostalgia.
Rereading as a Comfort Zone: The Literary Equivalent of a Warm Hug
Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where everything just feels overwhelming? Work is stressful, life is chaotic, and all you want is something familiar and soothing? Or have you experienced a reading slump where you can’t seem to find anything interesting to read or suddenly just not in the mood to read anymore? That’s where rereading steps in.
Returning to a favorite book is like reuniting with an old friend—you already know the characters, the twists, and the resolution. There are no surprises, no anxieties about what happens next. Instead, there’s a sense of comfort in the familiarity of the words. It’s the same reason we rewatch our favorite movies or listen to a beloved song on repeat. It makes us feel safe, nostalgic, and reassured.
For me, Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is one of those books. No matter how many times I’ve read it, slipping back into that world feels like stepping into a warm, cozy space where I already know the rhythm of things. The same witty banter, the same heartwarming moments—it never gets old.
Rereading Unlocks New Layers of Meaning
One of the most fascinating things about rereading is how books seem to change over time. Of course, the words on the page stay the same, but we change—our perspectives shift, our experiences grow, and suddenly, we notice things we missed the first time around.
Have you ever picked up a book years after your first read and found an entirely new meaning in it? Maybe a side character you barely noticed before now feels deeply relatable, or a particular theme resonates in a way it never did before. This happens because we bring different life experiences to each reread.
I remember reading Left Behind by Tim Lahaye at a much younger age and was given a crash course on the prophesy in the book of revelations in the bible which I found complicated and boring at the time, so I never quite read it and was glad the book gave me the gist and got me interested in going to read it. However, when I reread it as an adult, having grown in my walk with God and spent more time studying scripture, I saw it through a completely different lens. I saw it as an important message to the world and I found myself appreciating the nuances I hadn’t grasped before.
Books, in a way, grow with us.
The Psychology Behind Rereading: Why Our Brains Love It
Science actually backs up our love for rereading. Studies have shown that our brains thrive on repetition—it strengthens memory, enhances understanding, and even deepens our emotional connection to a story. This is why children often beg to hear the same bedtime story night after night; familiarity brings joy and security.
From a neurological standpoint, rereading also activates the reward center in our brains. When we know what’s coming—whether it’s a perfectly crafted plot twist, a heartfelt reunion, or a favorite romantic moment—it builds anticipation, and the payoff is just as satisfying as the first time (sometimes even more so).
For many, rereading also acts as a form of self-reflection. The emotions we feel at different points in our lives can make a book feel like an emotional mirror, helping us process feelings, navigate change, or even rediscover parts of ourselves we may have forgotten.
Sometimes, We Just Want to Relive the Magic
Let’s be honest—some books are just too good to experience only once. The world-building, the relationships, the twists and turns—when a book makes a deep impact, we crave that feeling again.
This is why I would easily reread all Abby Jimenez books. It’s not just the stories themselves; it’s the emotions tied to the experience. It’s about revisiting a time when I stayed up way past bedtime, unable to put the book down.
Some books remind us of who we were when we first read them, and rereading them feels like traveling back in time to meet that version of ourselves again.
To Reread or Not to Reread? That’s the Question
Of course, not every reader loves rereading. Some argue that there are too many books in the world to go back to the same ones, while others feel like the magic of a book is in the not knowing what happens next.
But for those of us who do reread, it’s more than just repetition—it’s about comfort, discovery, nostalgia, and deepening our connection to stories that have shaped us.
So, do you love rereading? Are there books you go back to time and time again? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorite rereads and why they hold a special place in your heart!
Copyright © Biyai Garricks
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