Do you ever feel like you are looking through your wish list of books you “want” to read, but you don’t want to read any of them? That’s okay, because why read a new book when you already know what you really want to read?Â
I’ve been through this several times and always went back to one of my favorite books, Pride and Prejudice. There’s something so comforting about rereading a book that you already know. It feels like home to me, with familiar characters, a plot you can quote when reading or discussing it, and an ending you know is coming, regardless of how good or bad it’s going to be.Â
For me, rereading Pride and Prejudice isn’t just about the story; it’s about the feeling it gives me. It’s dramatic, romantic, and still somehow relatable even after 211 years. Every time I open it, it feels like I’m diving into the book, watching everything unfold, as if I’m there.Â
When I was younger, I loved the confidence and independence that Elizabeth Bennet showed. I admired how Mr. Darcy, initially shy and awkward, eventually revealed his softer side to Elizabeth. The humorous side characters and Jane Austen’s take on society. Everything was so captivating to me, and it made me feel a new emotion every time I reread it.Â
Also, rereading a favorite book can remind you how much you have grown; you can see the difference between when you first read it and the most recent time. You notice things you didn’t notice before, the captivating lines that hit a little differently, moments that feel more meaningful now that you relate a bit to them.
It’s like realizing things in the shows that you watched when you were younger. You only realized them because you grew up, watched it again, and noticed that tiny detail that now makes sense. Pride and Prejudice helped me grow over the years; every reread feels like a flashback from who I was then and who I am now.
And honestly, sometimes the idea of starting a new book seems exhausting. With school, work, and everything else going on, I don’t always have the mental energy to stay focused on a new book with new characters and a new plot. When life feels overwhelming, going back to a book you already know and love can feel like taking a step back for a moment and just relaxing. It’s reliable, comforting, and like catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.Â
So, the next time you’re scrolling through your reading list and nothing stands out, don’t feel guilty about picking up an old favorite. Reading isn’t about quantity, it’s about feeling. And sometimes, the best stories are the ones you already know.