Is it possible to forget everything after reading a book and then re-read it as if for the first time? If so, how can this be achieved?
Rediscovering Your Favorite Books
Though we can’t forget everything we read, we can certainly rediscover our favorite books, especially after some time has passed. The individual who read the book for the first time may no longer be the same as the present-day reader. Over the years, our experiences, perspectives, and emotions change, leading us to perceive books in a new light. I, for one, enjoy re-reading books I loved in the past, only to realize that the impression of the book at that time was different from what it signifies today. Sometimes, I fall back in love with a book that I had previously passed over, prompting me to understand the growth that has occurred within me.
Examples of Rediscovering Classic Books
Books I read during the 1950s and 1960s, which were stored in sealed plastic bags over 40 years ago, recently resurfaced. Upon re-assessing these science fiction pocket books, I noticed the fonts were in the 8-point range, which explains why my eyesight deteriorated during my youth. Fortunately, I found Kindle versions of both complete series at a fraction of the cost of a physical book, making it easier to revisit these classics.
Childhood Reading Habits: A Pattern of Classic and Fantasy
As a child, up until around the age of 23, I read a staggering four books a week, frequently consuming one book in a single sitting on Saturday afternoons when my family was out shopping. My reading selections were primarily from school reading lists, featuring classics and science fiction or fantasy-based works, with a few historical romances and thrillers for good measure. These were adaptations of films I had watched on television, further adding to my love for these genres.
How Long-Term Illness Affects Reading
Four years ago, I experienced a near-fatal illness that nearly led to my funeral. During my critical care, two of my adult children organized my funerary arrangements while I was in a coma in the ICU, with the doctors running out of options. God finally brought me back to life, and I am slowly recovering. However, my memory has not fully returned to its former state, and I often find myself needing to reread chapters to recall where I am in a book.
Despite the challenges, my ability to remember the main storylines of books I read as a child and the subsequent daydreaming of these tales has been a significant source of strength. Being a voracious reader as a child and continuing to read as an adult has undoubtedly helped in keeping me motivated during this recovery period. As I regain my strength and learn to walk again, the stories and adventures from my youth continue to inspire me and provide a much-needed escape.