As an avid reader and book collector who also happens to be a strong proponent of the KonMari method, my bookshelves are replete with books that sparked so much joy for me upon the first reading that I held onto them for future reference. Yet despite my good intentions over the years, rereading books did not happen very often. With so many new releases and an unending supply of backlist options, I maybe reread a favorite title a few times a year. Eventually, I came to the same conclusion that many readers do at some point: I will never be able to read all the books. I just can’t! Life is too short to consume every work that interests me. If I wanted to reread my favorite books, there was no better time than the present. Thus, the #MyYearofRereading Project was born as 2019 began, and I’m so happy to report that I successfully reread 50 books from my collection, and plan to continue this project into the new decade.
I began the #MyYearofRereading Project by creating some rules for myself. My main goal with this project is to reread the books I own in physical form on my bookshelves. The three guidelines I gave myself are as follows:
- If I read the book in 2018, I don’t need to reread it in 2019. However, I can if I choose to do so.
- If I don’t feel any desire to reread a book, I will declutter that book. Why was I holding onto it in the first place?
- I am not limited to rereading. If I want to read a new-to-me book during the year, I can do so. This will be especially useful when I am attempting to finish a series I’ve already started.
These three rules worked quite effectively for me. As it turns out, the only book from 2018 that I reread in 2019 was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. In terms of decluttering my bookshelves, I only let go of a handful of books. For instance, I finally came to terms with the fact that I am not going to continue on with the Game of Thrones series, and there were a few other titles I chucked when I realized if I truly wanted to read them again, I could just check them out from the library.
The #MyYearofRereading Project in Numbers
Let’s take a closer look at my reading in 2019. In total, I read 68 books, which is the most I’ve ever read in one year, at least in my adult life. Part of that has to do with a lengthened commute, but I do think rereading attributed to the quantity as well.
I am excited to report that over 75% of my reading in 2019 was rereading. Exactly 50 books were rereads from my physical bookshelf, but I also reread two Ebooks, which don’t officially count for the #MyYearofRereading Project since I do not own them in physical form.
One of my biggest takeaways from the #MyYearofRereading Project comes from my reading of new-to-me books. Of the 16 books that I read for the first time in 2019, only seven of them were from my own personal collection, otherwise called my “TBR” or To Be Read Pile. Funnily enough, six of the seven books I read from my TBR were part of a series in some way (either a direct sequel or a spin-off novel). This shows me that, when it comes to reading new-to-me books, I should be utilizing my library more. It seems I am more interested in reading books I don’t own than the ones sitting unread at home!
Since one of my rules mentioned finishing book series, I wanted to take a look at that category as well. Interestingly enough, I only completed two series that I had previously started. However, I ended up rereading three series from start to finish. One of my ongoing struggles as a reader is completing series, and I do find that I am most successful when I read the books back-to-back. Rereading can help me complete a series, but I am a bit more likely to return to a favorite series, than complete a new one. If you have any tips on completing book series, please share in the comments!
The #MyYearofRereading Project Results
As 2019 draws to a close, I am so happy that I gave myself the excuse to reread all year long. I know many readers who find rereading to be a waste of time. The argument is often that there is nothing more to gain from a story if it has already been consumed once. You will not be surprised to find that I wholeheartedly disagree. I learn something new every single time I reread a book, even if I’ve read it several times. For example, one of my most reread books is If I Were a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block. I first read this book as a child, and each time I pick it up I am amazed at how much I previously missed. This is due to maturity, and learning more about the world around me. But, it is also due to getting to know the characters more with each reading. Additionally, each reread provides me with the opportunity to look at the plot from a new angle. Thus, I find rereading to be quite valuable and enjoyable at the same time.
My Reading Plans for 2020
When I began the #MyYearofRereading Project, I intended for it to only last for 2019. I hoped the project would encourage me to reread on a more consistent basis, but I fully expected I would walk into 2020 with the goal of clearing out my TBR shelf, and only rereading once in a while. However, I loved this project so much that I plan on continuing the #MyYearofRereading Project for the foreseeable future! I do want to read more new-to-me books in 2020, but I will be continuing my journey in rereading. There are still dozens of books on my shelves that I have yet to reread, and I look forward to the day where my personal book collection contains only those books that I have read at least twice.