As a child, I was an avid reader. I was the kid who could always be found with a book in hand, exploring new worlds, and discovering exciting adventures within the pages of well-worn paperbacks. However, what truly set me apart was my penchant for rereading those beloved tales, over and over again. Back then, I found comfort in revisiting familiar stories, like a cosy blanket on a rainy day. It was my way of seeking solace and reliving the magic of these cherished narratives. But as I’ve grown older, I find myself struggling to reread, and I believe it’s due to the constant barrage of demands on our attention in this digital age.
During my childhood, I had only a handful of books to call my own. These were treasured possessions that I held close to my heart. When I picked up a familiar book, it was like reconnecting with an old friend. The characters, the settings, and the twists and turns of the plot were all as comforting as the embrace of a loved one. Rereading was my way of returning to a place where I felt safe and understood.
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape of our attention has dramatically shifted. With the rise of social media, smartphones, and the constant influx of information, our focus is being pulled in a thousand different directions. It’s not just for those with diagnosed attention disorders like ADHD; it’s a challenge that many of us face. The world around us demands our attention, making it increasingly difficult to sit down and revisit old books. It’s not that I’ve lost my love for those stories; rather, it’s that the craving for something new and unexpected has become insatiable.
Rereading a book is like meeting an old friend, but in a world teeming with new acquaintances, it’s hard to resist the temptation. The pursuit of the novel and the unknown has a powerful allure. We want to see fresh perspectives, experience new adventures, and get lost in untrodden territories. The ease of access to a plethora of new books, articles, and content only exacerbates this desire for the novel. It’s not so much that we’ve lost the ability to focus; it’s that we’re spoiled for choice, and the unknown beckons.
So, where does this leave the reader who was once the champion of rereads? It’s important to acknowledge that we live in an age of abundance, where attention is a valuable currency. We don’t have to choose between rereading and embracing the new; we can find a balance. Rereading can still be a cherished pastime, a way to rediscover the comforting embrace of old friends, but it may no longer be the default. Instead, it becomes a choice, a conscious act of revisiting something cherished.
As I navigate the complex landscape of my evolving reading habits, I’m reminded of the gift of choice that this digital age provides. I may struggle to reread as I once did, but it’s not a loss; it’s an adaptation to the changing times. The love of books, of stories, and of the written word remains steadfast. What’s different is that the pages I turn are now interspersed with the swipes of my digital screen, each holding a new adventure, a fresh perspective, and a chance to get lost in the unexpected.
Rereading will always have a place in my heart, a place I can return to when I seek comfort. But, in embracing the challenges of the digital age, I’ve discovered a new love for the unexplored, a thrilling journey through the realms of the novel and the unknown.
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About Nemo
A lover of kittens and all things sparkly, Nemo has a degree in English Literature and specialises in reviewing contemporary, paranormal, mystery/thriller, historical, sci-fi and fantasy Young Adult fiction. She is especially drawn to novels about princesses, strong female friendships, magical powers, and assassins.
