The Magic of Rereading

The first time I read the Inkworld books, I remember this quote striking me so deeply. Ever since I began reading at 4 years old, I found myself in a world of words more often than not. I think periods of my life are almost defined by the books I read over and over during them. Books shaped me. They were a blessed escape from real life, a comfort, and a companion. To this day, reading the words “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit” makes me feel as if someone’s wrapped a warm blanket around me and handed me a cup of hot chocolate.

First, it was the Little House books. I yearned for a time long past, for a way of life so archaic yet so charming. Despite all the hardships of the farm, they all seemed genuinely content and happy to have each other’s company. Their rural adventures sounded delightful to a younger me and I wished to have a house in the country. I read nearly every spin-off book, and the main series multiple times. What wouldn’t I have given to attend that spelling bee competition, or help knit gifts for Christmas, or listen to Pa’s fiddle?

Next, I delved into fantasy, starting when I read the Narnia series at age seven. I would read many fantasy stories over the next decade, most set in societies reminiscent of medieval Europe. Suddenly, I wanted to learn archery and ride horses everywhere. I loved swords and castles and dragons like there was no tomorrow and I found medieval attire majestic. I longed for adventures, pacing back and forth along my yard and conjuring up spirits from the wind to battle with sticks I convinced myself were weapons.

My tween years were dominated by Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. I imagined myself a demigod, a Hogwarts student. I began to empathize with the characters and understand them on a deeper level. Hermione’s mistakes of being condescending made me realize my own shortcomings there. Artemis Fowl resonated with me; his nonchalant indifference to others showed me how such was more a fault than a benefit. Anne of Green Gables fascinated me - I admired how wonderfully herself Anne was and I strove to be genuine despite my shy nature.

More recently, I have been drawn to satire and humor foremost. This started when I read the Ranger’s Apprentice series - I found Halt’s blunt and brutal comments to be just to my liking. Looking at life in a different, funny way is what keeps me coming back to reading. The Bartimaeus books kept me amused and remained a favorite for many months. Discworld has easily become my current favorite series because of its comical tone and clever, relentless backhand commentary on everything imaginable. I realize as I enjoy my life more I feel less of a need to desperately escape and hide between pages. Regardless, I hope to rekindle my love of reading soon and revisit those books I so loved - and find the younger me that is still tucked away in them.