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George Slade's avatar

One thing I love about re-reading is just diving in anywhere in the book. Not necessarily reading cover to cover, though that's fun too in certain instances. But rediscovering the surprise of certain phrases, ideas, characters, and plot turns. I don't reread Moby Dick cover to cover, but I love a random idiom or chapter, a quick drink with Stubb or a pipe with Queequeg, a detailed description of the oil cask in a whale's skull.

Certain books have to be read more than once. Think about children and books. How many times did I read Goodnight Moon to my daughters? How many Christmas Days heard me read A Child's Christmas in Wales to all assembled?

I also like re-seeing certain films. Is that a waste of time?

I think in terms of excellence not quantity. I fear stinting on excellence.

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Emily Foucart's avatar

FOMO has made us shallow. Let's go back to stillness and depth.

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