I think I’ve told everyone before how much of a big re-reader I am. There are reasons why I opt to reread instead of picking up new books/manga to read. I even said that I also now consider the re-reading value of the titles I read when deciding how to rate the books (or manga, sometimes). Because sometimes when I exhaust myself with reading new titles (mediocre ones, unfortunately, it happens a lot), I always rely on my favorites to, let’s say, revitalize my waning interest. It sometimes amazes me how much I can read this story over and over again. Like for instant, Skip Beat! by Yoshiki Nakamura; I’ve read it more than I can count on my fingers—of both hands! No, seriously, I read it far too much that a question lingered while I tried ransacking my thoughts—how much can I reread it?

So how much is too much? Can I get tired of rereading the same story? I read it far too much to have even memorized some of the dialogue, and yet when the going gets tough (like slump, that’s the toughest, y’all), I cling to my faves like a lifeline. It’s simultaneously amazing and strange to be so fixated on that story. It’s kinda powerful to have that connection to it that you don’t mind reliving it again and again. ????

Although granted, I don’t reread books in succession. After many months, maybe I’ll go and reread it. I don’t read it after I, well, re-read it. It takes a while before I pick it up and think, “Maybe it’s the right time to read it again.” Even though I have 1236926993095323 books/manga in my stash, ready for some lovin’, I still gravitate like a moth to a flame toward my favorites. Somehow, it’s startling how immersed I am in this certain story. Mind you, my favorites aren’t exactly the Nobel Prize in Literature kinds of stories. But man, do I love them. I am fiercely in love with them.

That being said, not all faves are worth rereading. I also have the contrasting thought that nothing beats reading the book the first time. I mean, reading a story for the first time: all the emotions—excitement, getting to know the characters, diving into the unknown. The thrill of just plunging into a story you have no idea how will go (well, except the predictable). ???? And that for me is a great deal in itself, and that’s why I never cease to look for new reads. Yet, rereading is something I’ve always been passionate about.

If reading for the first time is like meeting a new lover, I guess rereading is like getting to know more about the person. There is something to be said about unearthing new things beyond the first impression. At least that’s how I think of it. Both new & reread are good. But a question remains after all my incessant ramblings above: how much more can I read of the same story? Based on my personality, I stick to what I love the most, indefinitely. But really, how much is too much rereading? One, two, three… 50? Is there really a story you will never get sick of, no matter what? Maybe. Maybe not.

How about you? How much do you think you can read the same book/story? Share your thoughts with me!