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Discovering the Joy of Rereading

Retirement Reflections

Do you ever reread books? Although it’s not something I do often, I had two rereads this past month—with each novel offering a very different experience the second time around. I’ve shared those reflections below, along with a few other books I’ve read recently.

I’ve also recorded my rereads on Goodreads. Logging a second rating and review on Goodreads was a bit tricky for me at first. If you’re interested in doing the same, here’s a method that worked for me:

  • On Goodreads, find the book you’re reviewing for a second (or third, or fourth!) time.
  • Choose a different edition than the one you previously reviewed.
  • Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews—you’ll see your original edition listed there.
  • Click the right arrow button. It will display a section labelled ‘Review This Edition.’ Click the ‘Write a Review‘ button.
  • You’ll be taken to the review page for the new edition.
  • Under Bookshelves/tags, you can shelve the new edition however you like.
  • Ta-da! Same book, new review, fresh rating.

Book Club Pick, Reread, 3 Stars bumped up to 4
I listened to Small Things Like These last month during a phase of devouring shorter reads and audiobooks. Having loved Keegan’s Foster (a full five stars) and given the acclaim surrounding this novella, I expected to feel the same. Sadly, I didn’t. While I appreciated the story at the end, I felt like I had missed something along the way.

I would have left it there, but when my local book club chose it for discussion, I gave it another go—this time in paperback. And something shifted. What felt spare and elusive in audio took on quiet power in print. My original three stars became a solid four.

The story is rooted in the harrowing history of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. On my first listen, I think my emotional defences muted its impact. But on the second read, Keegan’s restraint—her silences, her precision—let the deeper truth seep in.

Still, the ending left me unsettled both times. I understood Bill’s decision and the courage behind it, but the ambiguity gnawed at me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the cost—for Sarah, for Bill’s daughters, for so many innocent people. Keegan offers no comfort, only the burden of a moral choice—and the haunting question of what comes after.

Book Club Pick, Reread, 3.5 Stars elevated to 4
I read The Wind in the Willows last month for my May’s Classic Book Club. While I liked it, I didn’t love it as much as I expected to. I kept looking for a more discernible plot. Plus, Toad’s endless whining, boasting, and impulsiveness started to grate on me (humour bypass, I know!). But after a recent reread—and watching the charming 1970 Anglia Colour production on YouTube—I appreciated the story more. It’s still not a 5-star read for me, but a solid 4.

The second time around, having already fallen down all those rabbit holes, I knew that Toad was inspired by Grahame’s young son, Alastair. Alastair had many health complications and was impulsive and boastful as a child. This helped to soften my view and drew me deeper into the adventures. Our book club podcast discussion of this novel was published today. You can have a listen here.

Book Club Pick, 4 Stars,
This is the next read for our Classic Book Club podcast (June) and will definitely be a reread for me. This title was recommended by Penguin’s Must Read Classics —and what a perfect recommendation it was. I laughed out loud throughout.

It’s hard to believe this classic was written long before anyone in our book club was born. The wit, humour, and style are absolutely timeless. If you haven’t read Wodehouse, this is a fabulous place to start—it definitely was for me. And if you would like to join us in this read, you can share your thoughts and comments on the podcast link above. Jo, Sue, Debbie and I would love to hear from you.

Big Library Reads, 4 Stars Hodges combines classical music and quantum physics to explore how we can change our relationship with the past, all wrapped in a candid, heartfelt memoir. That sounds like a lot for one short book, but it works well. This was Libby’s Big Reads pick for April/May 2025. However, you can still explore some of the posts and discussions here.

4 Stars
Sometimes, quite unexpectedly, the right book comes to you at precisely the right time. For me, this is that book. I had just been thinking about shared economies – what makes them work and what causes them to go off track – when I picked up this book, not knowing its contents. The Serviceberry explores my question brilliantly. It also provides much food for thought about our over-reliance on consumerism, over-abundance, and competitive markets, offering simple suggestions on how we can begin to bring back a more balanced, community-based approach. This is a small book with a great deal to say.

OMG. This. Book.
4.5 stars

Over to You!

  • What are your thoughts on rereading books?
  • What’s been on your bookshelf lately?
  • Did you have any 5-star reads?

    Reminder that my cohosts and I would love to join you for our upcoming book club podcasts. More information here.

Cohosts: Sue, Jo, Debbie and me.
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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

111 thoughts on “Discovering the Joy of Rereading”

    1. Hi, Carol – As I mentioned, I have not typically been a re-reader but my recent rereads have changed my thinking on this. Rereading lifelong favourites makes great sense.
      Full disclosure on ‘No Two Persons’ — my review is a quote from this novel. It definitely was a compelling read and I highly recommend it (but the OMG may be a bit deceiving). ❤

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  2. I don’t reread books. I can see the benefit as content reads differently at different stages of life. I’ve been bingeing Kate Quinn of late. She does a good job of combining history with fiction in The Rose Code, a story of decoders in WWll, often female & often unrecognized. Then it was The Diamond Eye, the story of Russian sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko who forged a friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. I’m currently reading The Briar Club. I read Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew, on Canada Reads 2023 long list & a finalist in 2025. Lily comes to terms with her Asian immigrant mother who abandoned the family decades before Lily gives birth to her own child. It’s championed as a story of first generation Canadians but the mother/daughter relationship when Lily gave birth to her own daughter resonated more with me. And that’s what’s been on my bookshelf. Donna, I look at the subtitle of your blog & wonder “What do you wish you knew before you retired?”

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    1. Hi, Mona – I love discovering what you are currently reading. I have read a few Kate Quinn books and enjoyed them – but sadly, no 5-star reads for me — at least not yet. ‘Dandelion’ sounds compelling. I like the brief description that you gave here.
      What do I wish I knew before I retired? All of it! How full my retirement would be. Every single post I write it one more layer of a very full retirement for which I am incredibly grateful. ❤

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  3. I sometimes reread good books that it’s been a while since I’ve read, or factual books on information I need to know or is very interested in. Currently I am reading Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados and Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics by Chelsea Henderson.

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    1. Hi, Thomas – Thank you so much for commenting. Your current reads cover a fascinating range. I completely agree—rereading factual books can feel like deepening a conversation with the author. “The Inside Story of Climate Politics” sounds especially compelling.

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      1. Yes the author is a moderate Republican, or former Republican, who has spent a life time doing climate change advocacy (as a volunteer) in various administrations and various congress. She is explaining why this topic has become so politically divisive, and how the politics on the topic slowly took a negative turn to where we are today. She is starting With Lyndon B. Johnson and going up to now.

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  5. I have never deliberately reread a book. But I have accidently read a book twice and when I went to do the review I found that I had read it a few years prior. That always throws me for a loop…but interestingly I generally still feel pretty much the same about it on the second read. What’s really weird is I usually have no inkling that I read it before.

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  6. I’ve placed a reservation for No Two Persons, and am yet to read any Claire Keegan, but really must! Thanks for suggesting the Woosters – I loved it.

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    1. Hi, Jo – I’m glad that you reserved ‘No Two Persons.’ I thought of you often during my read of it. So I am not misleading, please reread my comment to Carol about this book.
      So glad you loved the Woosters. I look forward to our discussion!

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  7. Hi Donna – I’m not usually a re-reader, but I’ve spent the last year or so re-reading most of Nora Roberts’ catalogue + her JD Robb series. I skipped all her really early stuff and started with her post 2000 books (less Mills and Boon-ish!) It has felt like sitting with an old friend – and the bonus is that my memory of plot lines is so limited that I never remember who dunnit – so win/win for me. 🙂

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      1. You might enjoy “Chasing Fire” about firefighters who jump into wild fires from light planes. A romance and a murder or two in the background, but lots of interesting stuff that I can’t imagine doing.

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  8. Rereading for me has been an ‘age thing’ 🙂 ! I did not ‘waste my time’ on such in my younger years but, these days, curiosity is returning > what did I find in a book way back when 🙂 ? Methinks ‘Wind in the Willows’ was one of the first books I tried to read as a post WWII refugee girl learning English – how would I find it now? Smile – should find that out – don’t think it would be a time-wasting exercise!!! And that Bauermeister volume you have shown looks interesting . . . !

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    1. Hi, Eha – Your comments are always so reach and full, and such great teasers, that they always make me want to sit with you and discuss so much more.
      I like how you mentioned that our views on rereading (and so many other things) can change significantly as we age. We really are given the chance to see the world through a different lense.

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  9. For some reason I only got about half through ‘Good Omens’ by Pratchett and Gaiman. My daughter loved it and insisted I try it again. So I am half through it again…

    I’ve reread most of Louise Penny’s books. I will probably reread Jasper Ffordes Thursday Next series again.

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting. I have only ever read one Louise Penny book (All the Devils are Here). I enjoyed it, but for some unknown reason have never (yet) read another of her books. I haven’t read ‘Good Omens’ but I love how your daughter encouraged you to do a reread!

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  10. I don’t reread very often, but when a book warrants it, I do love a good reread! Thanks for sharing how to put a reread into GoodReads. I haven’t done that before but I would like to, and now I know how. 🙂 “Uncommon Measure” sounds very intriguing to me!

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  11. I do reread books from time to time and really enjoy re-entering the world the author has created. Thanks once again for some great recommendations, my friend – I’m adding them to my Holds in Libby!

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  12. Hi Donna, I also Arlette-read books. They have to have really captivated me to get a re-read. Books I have re-read are Stephen King’s The Stand, The Shining, Carrie, IT and Salem’s Lot, Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Gone with the Wind. These were all books I read when I was 10 and 11 and I re-read them a few years ago. All were equally fantastic the second time around. I like the personification in Gone with the Wind. It is quite beautiful. I am currently reading Pachinko and it is eye opening. You could never condone racism after reading this book 🙏🌞

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  13. Hi Donna, I often reread books. There are some that I turn to when I just want comfort. It doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece but something that just fits my mood. Maeve Binchy books are my comfort ones. Then there are others like Trinity and Redemption by Edward Rutherford that just capture me each time I read them. I think we should always make time to reread our favourites because we find something new each time we read them. xx

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    2. Hi, Sue – Through these comments, I’m discovering more and more well-known authors whom I haven’t yet read. That’s one of the many benefits of ‘What’s On Your Bookshelf.”
      Sadly, I also haven’t read Maeve Binchy, Edward Rutherford, or Leon Uris. I will definitely add these others to my TBR pile. Thank you for sharing them!

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  14. I haven’t read any of these books, but No Two Persons is going on my list. I definitely reread books that I love. Especially if I have listened to the audiobook and love it, I feel the need to read the words on the page to soak them up. I’ve known to do three reads of a few books.

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  16. I have so many unread books that I don’t often reread, although sometimes I am prompted to do so by comments others make. A recent example was Barbara Pym’s ‘Excellent Women’ prompted by Marina of M.L Kappa. I was a member of a reading group once. This got me back to ‘To the Lighthouse’. Mind you, sometimes I forget I have read one long ago. The Wind in the Willows was a favourite in childhood. Thank you for this engaging post, Donna.

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  18. I just finished Julie Clark’s ‘The Ghostwriter’ and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s, ‘Carrie Soto is Back’. Taylor also wrote ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ (which I highly recommend) and Daisy Jones and the Six (a bestseller and Netflix Series).

    The Ghostwriter was an engaging mystery – a famous author employs his estranged daughter to ghostwrite his memoir. In the process, she untangles an unsolved murder, one she’d always suspected her father of committing. Quick read, good story. (4)

    Carrie Soto is a great read for tennis fans, but I also recommend it for those who don’t know the game. Throughout the story, the author shares meticulous details regarding the training, mental preparation, and sacrifices necessary to become an elite athlete, all woven into the framework of a ‘strong woman’ coming fully into herself. (4.5)

    Congratulations on the podcast. I subscribed. I loved the Scent Keeper, and will most likely read ‘No Two Persons’ from your list.

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    1. Hi, Suzanne – I have had ‘Seven Husbands’ recommended to me several times, but for some reason I have never gotten around to reading it. I have no idea why. The Ghostwriter sounds very compelling. I love your description – with no spoilers! ❤

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  19. I rarely reread a book. Maybe because there are so many that need a good reading and my time is limited but I have reread some of Michener’s work. I love generational stories.

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  20. You know I’m going to love anything by P.G. Wodehouse. I use a quote from one of his novels in my blog’s sidebar ‘Please Note’ area. It is explains my approach to life.

    The last book I re-read was The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It only came out last fall, but I wanted to visit it again to make sure its message stays with me.

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  23. The problem with Wodehouse is that he writes more or less all time the same.
    I experienced it with a German classic, the Joseph’s novel (Mann’s opus magnus). After reading I would have giving this novel three stars, after hearing a full five stars.
    Happy weekend
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  24. I seldom re-read as I have so many books I want to read for the first time. But I see the value in it. I do re-read my all time favourite, Anne of Green Gables every now and then and never tire of it. I always find something new or something I hadn’t noticed. I listened to Wind in The Willows for the first time ever in the spring. It is delightful, although at times disjointed. But I realize he wrote them as tales for his sickly son. By putting in Toad, with all his flaws, he is showing how annoying those traits are. I loved how he described home and what it means. I have no idea why I waited so long to read this book. Loved all your reviews, Donna. Thanks.

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    1. Thanks, Darlene – I first read Anne of Green Gables with my Classics Book Club, so I was quite late in coming to it, but quite enjoyed it. I like our description of Wind in the Willows. Putting it in context in that way makes great sense.

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  25. I do reread old favourites such as Jane Austen, LM Montgomery. CS Lewis’s Narnia books have dropped off that list but I still possess a full set and might get back to them. Certain books I have read at different stages of life and taken something completely different from them (Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles). I notice a few people mentioning Barbara Pym whose books I read decades ago and whom I’m now tempted to go back to.

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    1. Hi, Anabel – Your comment has made me feel much better. So many others have mentioned great books/authors I have not yet read. But I have read and loved Jane Austen, LM Montgomery, CS Lewis and du Maurier. I haven’t yet read French Lieutenant’s Woman or Barbara Pym so those are going on the TBR pile!

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  26. We have hundreds (literally!) of books we admire shelved in our library room, all retained in case we want to re-read them. I guess most will never be opened again, but it’s good to know that our favourites are on hand “just in case”. But just looking at them on the shelves is strangely comforting, transporting me back to the time in my life when that title, that author or that genre was particularly important to me.

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting. We have three large separate bookshelves of books that we have read and loved over the years. Will we reread any of them? Maybe not. But I do share with others when they are looking for something to read – and I think I have something that they might like. And as you say, it is quite comforting just seeing them on the shelves and knowing they are on hand.

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  27. I’ve added The Serviceberry and No Two People to my TBR list. It’s interesting that Small Things Like These was more appealing the second time around. I suspect some books don’t lend themselves to audio as well as others. And the narrator can make such a difference.

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    1. Thanks. Olivia – I agree that some books do work better on audio than others, and the narrator definitely makes a huge difference. I’m glad that you added ‘The Serviceberry’ and ‘No Two Persons’ to your TBR list. I think you will enjoy both. Disclaimer – my review of ‘No Two Persons’ is actually a quote from within that novel.

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  28. I am the world’s worst blog follower and reader. I stopped by and read your post, then started down the proverbial rabbit hole of looking up the Magdalene Laundries, which I knew very little about. And then each of the books you mentioned, too. And I forgot to leave a comment. But I am back to thank you for your recommendations. I tried to read Wind in the Willows with you gals but couldn’t get beyond the first chapter. I agree, Toad was quite the complainer. What little I read pulled me down rather than uplifting me. So I returned the digital copy to the library.

    Just finished Long Way Down last night. Remember, I am a very slow reader. Tell me what you think happens in the end, please. I went to bed not certain about the ending and woke up having decided that if Will gets off the elevator, he too has fallen prey to the cyclical nature of family violence/gang violence. Thank you for recommending it. I thought of the many gang-banging students I have loved in my career and wondered where they all wound up.

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    1. Hi, Leslie- This is such an engaging and thought-provoking comment. I couldn’t wait to reply! This comment proves what I already know about you. You are definitely not “the world’s worst blog follower and reader” — actually, you are the exact opposite of that. I’m sorry that you did not enjoy the beginning of ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ But, I greatly appreciate you sharing your point of view. Toad and some of the other complaining could definitely be grating.

      Great question about Long Way Down. Reynolds intentionally leaves the ending unresolved — Will standing in silence, his gun heavy, the choice looming. I believe that the uncertainty is the point. It forces the reader to confront the story’s central dilemma.

      The ghostly visitors and the weight of their stories suggest that Will is starting to question what he set out to do. While we don’t know Will’s final decision, we do know he’s at a crossroads and he now has insight that he has never had before.

      Very powerful book!

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  29. Funny you should write about rereading books… I am currently rereading This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. I read it first, of course, when I was invited to join your local book club, and now I am reading it again for my local book club. I love it even more the second time around.

    Another book I have reread several times is What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson. It helped me process my mother’s passing 20+ years ago and I’ve reread it a couple of time again for other losses of loved ones.

    I’ve wanted to reread Alice in Wonderland but there are so many books out there to read for the first time. 🙂

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    1. Hi, Janis – What a great comment. PB (local book club member) also reread ‘This is Happiness’ with her other book club and, like you, liked the book even more the second time around. Our next meeting for this group is July 3, at Deb’s place again, to discuss Remains of the Day. That gives you almost two weeks to get here – and of course you are very welcome to join us again. You are an honorary member!

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  30. There are not too many novels I would reread, Donna! If they are good ones, I would have remembered most of the details. I reread some for the appreciation of the writing, the same way I appreciate the poetry. I do reread some how-to or informational books. I like the way you reread the two books and changed your ratings.

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    1. Hi, Miriam – Great minds think alike again! In the past, I have seldom reread novels because, like you, I usually remember much of what I’ve read — especially if I really enjoyed it. But the rereads I did lately did show me that new details and insights can be discovered on a second reading – at least that happened for me. I will definitely keep this in mind for the future. ❤

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  31. I’ve not tried audio books yet, Donna. I don’t like wearing an earbud and I think I’d probably be too distracted from the task and burn the ironing… or dinner! I haven’t read Claire Keegan’s book so you have me a little intrigued. The Wind in the Willows is such a childhood familiar that I wouldn’t want to reread and find it wanting now. The Wodehouse, on the other hand, might be a good experience. I almost picked out a book from my shelves to reread yesterday, but then I was passing the charity bookshop and another handful came home with me. Happy reading! xx

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    1. Hi, Jo – I now have a very vivid image of you burning the ironing. Speaking of which, I am very impressed that you still iron clothes. I honestly can’t remember the last time I did this (long, long ago). I can relate to the experience of planning to read one book, and instead a few new books come home with you. Enjoy them!

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      1. I don’t do much because things dry outside in the sun, but I tend to stockpile them and then it’s a chore. I don’t like sportswear and some of our t-shirts and shorts require a light press. And pillowcases! xx

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  32. The only book I’ve ever read twice was The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and that was in my Junior High School years. Even today, it remains one of my favorites. As said, I don’t reread, but I get engrossed in a genre–right now I’m head deep in WWII history. Great topic this week–your readers are such interesting (and well-read) people. Have a great week! Joe

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    1. Hi, Miriam – I agree that movies are very different. I don’t watch tv, and I watch movies less and less (I honestly cannot remember the last movie I watched). But when I do watch a movie, I often like to watch one that I have already seen. It’s like revisiting an old friend…and I always discover something new!

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  34. Life is so busy I rarely have the time to read, let alone re-read… that said, I enjoyed reading my teenagers Young Adult books when I could – they were quick and easy and very thrilling! Fab post, thanks, Linda xx

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    1. Hi, Linda – Thank you for reading and commenting. I agree that reading books that we have read when we were younger can transport us back to the past. I still have several shelves of books that my son read as I child, and as a teenager. I now share them with my grandchildren!

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  36. Hi Donna, this was a great topic for a post. I must say I rarely reread a book but I can see the impact it’s had on you so may give it a go at some stage. Thanks also for the great reviews and ways to create a new review on Goodreads – I wouldn’t have known where to start on doing this. I love having your insights in our bookclub and always find I learn so much more after listening to our group! I’m off to look for No Two Persons as I loved the Scent keeper by this author. Looking forward to our next podcast chat on your book choice – The Code of the Woosters 🙂

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    1. Hi, Debbie – Thank you for your kind comment. I always look forward to your uplifting words. I agree, that we all learn a lot from each other in book club — and have great fun in the process. I can’t wait until our Woosters discussion!

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  37. I do reread some of my favorite books. A second reading offers a new perspective. Sometimes, we miss things the first time through. If we read the book again, there are these ‘aha’ moments. ( I also watch some favorite movies over and over again.)

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  38. I have reread some books (short stories, etc) and always notice different things. I really liked your review about how the audio version was not as good and then the book “took on quiet power in print” – and from the list, the book that interests me the most is the service berry – and the over consumerism angle – I might be checking that one out soon!

    Also, great idea to leave different reviews on Goodreads and those reviews really do make a difference for readers. When I have the time, I enjoy reading reviews there because I learn so much and see things that I missed – or even if we disagree with some of the reviewers – it can be a sculpting and seasoning experience.

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    1. Hi, Yvette – Thank you for this very insightful comment. I think that you would greatly enjoy The Serviceberry. It is quite short and to the point, and hits on many of your passion areas.
      I really enjoy Goodreads reviews as well. I am now in the fully engrained habit of leaving a review there for every book that I read, immediately after I read it. This has come in handy so many different times — book club discussions, what’s on your bookshelf posts, book recommendations, rereads, etc. So often my thoughts on a book shift a bit after the book has percolated with time, or after I have discussed it with friends. These ‘instant reviews’ remind me of my initial impressions. ❤

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  39. Claire Keegan is one of my favorite writers, and I loved Small Things Like These. The ending didn’t bother me at all. But, different readers, different takes.

    Speaking of which…Wind in the Willows is one of my least favorite children’s books. I hated the way all the other animals ganged up on Toad and bullied him. Yes, Toad was boastful but he didn’t deserve that.

    The Serviceberry is going on my TBR list. Overconsumption is something I grapple with all the time. Somehow, I always want more.

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    1. Hi, Laurie – Your comment here pinpointed exactly what I love about books and book discussions — no two persons ever read the same book. Although Wind in the Willows was not my favourite novel, especially first time around, I interpreted the other animals to be quite supportive of Toad.
      My read (and now recollection) is: Mole, Rat, and Badger are initially concerned about Toad’s obsession with motorcars and try to help him. They stage an intervention and try to lock him up to prevent him from further trouble. I guess that could be seen as overstepping the boundaries of friendship…but honestly, I would have totally given up on toad long before, which they never did.
      The stouts and weasels, on the other hand, were definite bullies — but they did suffer the consequences and ultimately learned from it. As you wisely stated – different readers, different perspectives. I love that! ❤

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  40. Hi Donna, I reread books sometimes. I recently read The Yellow Wallpaper and Foster (2 of the novellas that you previously reviewed) and greatly enjoyed them. Thank you for your June book reviews. I’ll add them to my TBR list.

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  42. Interesting to read your experience of re-reading. Sometimes you do appreciate the story more the second time round and deepen connection with characters, as you said. I am all up for re-reads, especially if it’s a book I enjoyed the first time round and re-reading it again, I know I will have a good read. When I can’t seem to find a book to read, re-reading is what I turn to. Or sometimes I might finish a book that I don’t like or it was a heavy read, I might then re-read a book I previously enjoyed to change up my reading experience. Susan Cain and Jonny Sun’s books are some that I have re-read more than a few times. Hope you are doing well, Donna 🙂

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