To be bookish in the modern age is a beautiful phenomenon. Never before have we had such easy access to so many books in such a wide range of formats. Gone are the days when books were only available to a select few. These days the avid bookworm has a Kindle stuffed with reads, an audible account brimming with titles to listen to, and bookshelves ready to burst with all the tomes waiting to be read. Whether you’re a physical reader or prefer eReading or audio it doesn’t matter. We all love books. But there’s one thing that many find it very tough to understand, even when they’re avid readers themselves; why reread? Why do some of us spend so much time rereading books we’ve already read, when we have TBR piles that are completely out of control?
Sure, you may just have a favourite book or series you like to enjoy repeatedly. But, there can be a little more to it than that. The art of rereading is a shared practice that unites many individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum. Whether navigating the unique challenges of ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent experiences, many find solace and self-care in the embrace of familiar stories. I am one such rereader, regularly seeking a familiar book that is a known quantity and choosing to reread than pick up a new book from my TBR. The extent to which I’m reading new material is actually a barometer of sorts, a glimpse of how much I’m currently struggling with anxiety or depression.
If I’m tearing through new books I’m feeling well balanced mentally. But if I’m struggling to do anything but reread familiar favourites, it usually means something is mentally amiss with me. As with many things in the neurodivergent world, rereading is a spectrum, at one end you’re rereading one single book over and over again, at the other you never reread at all. What lies between those two points can take any form.
But what is the universal significance of rereading? Why do we do it, and what is it about individuals of diverse neurocognitive backgrounds that makes them return to cherished books when faced despite an overflowing TBR pile?
Embracing the Familiar: A Sanctuary for Many
In the vast landscape of literature, the act of rereading becomes a sanctuary, a refuge that transcends the boundaries of neurodivergent experiences. It’s a shared ritual among bookworms, providing a haven for those seeking solace and comfort in the embrace of the familiar. The allure of returning to well-loved books is not confined to a specific neurocognitive profile; it’s a universal calling that echoes across diverse minds.
The sanctuary of rereading extends its comforting arms to readers navigating the intricacies of neurodivergent experiences. Within the pages of a cherished book, individuals find a space that understands, a refuge that requires no explanation. Regardless of whether you’re on the autism spectrum, grappling with ADHD, or traversing the multifaceted landscape of neurodiversity, the act of revisiting familiar stories becomes a gentle anchor in the turbulent sea of life.
Neurodiversity and Predictability
For many neurodiverse individuals, predictability is not just a preference but a lifeline. The well-trodden paths of familiar narratives offer a sense of order, a grounding force amid the unpredictable currents of daily existence. Whether it’s the comforting rhythm of prose or the predictable journey of beloved characters, the act of rereading becomes a reliable anchor that helps stabilise the often turbulent seas of neurodivergent experiences.
In the gentle repetition of turning pages and the familiar cadence of sentences, there lies a reassurance that transcends the boundaries of neurocognitive diversity. The comfort found in the known unfolds as a shared experience, weaving a common thread that unites bookworms on various neurodivergent spectrums. It is in this sanctuary of the familiar that the true beauty of rereading becomes apparent—a collective refuge for minds seeking understanding, acceptance, and the simple joy of returning to stories that feel like home.
Why ReRead? A Spectrum of Sensory Satisfaction
While the act of rereading often finds its roots in the ADHD experience, it resonates far beyond this particular neurodivergent condition. To truly understand the depth and breadth of the rereading phenomenon, we must expand our discussion to include the diverse range of neurodivergent conditions, emphasising the sensory satisfaction it offers to individuals across the neurocognitive spectrum.
The sensory journey that rereading provides is a multifaceted experience, one that resonates with individuals possessing varying sensory processing preferences. For those on the autism spectrum and beyond, the sensory harmony found in familiar prose is particularly meaningful.
For some, it’s the tactile sensation of turning well-worn pages, the physicality of the book itself, that provides a soothing and grounding experience. The weight and texture of the book, the sensation of each page, and the smell of familiar ink and paper all contribute to a multisensory journey that transcends the boundaries of neurodivergent experiences.
In the realm of audiobooks, the gentle cadence of a familiar narrator’s voice can be like a comforting lullaby, creating a harmonious sensory environment. The auditory aspect of rereading offers a unique dimension of comfort, where the words and voices become old friends, guiding the listener through a world they know intimately.
Moreover, the visual aspect of revisiting familiar book covers, illustrations, or e-book layouts can be a source of visual comfort, offering a familiar and pleasing aesthetic that complements the sensory experience.
For individuals with diverse sensory processing preferences, rereading becomes a customizable sensory journey, where each word, sound, and sensation contributes to a unique and deeply comforting tapestry. The act of revisiting cherished books extends its sensory embrace, accommodating the varied needs and sensory landscapes of the neurodiverse community.
Coping with the Overflowing TBR Pile
The towering TBR pile is a challenge that bookworms of all neurodivergent backgrounds can relate to. The seemingly endless list of unread books can become an imposing source of anxiety and stress. The weight of unexplored stories, coupled with the pressure to keep up with the latest releases, can be particularly overwhelming for neurodiverse individuals.
The act of maintaining a TBR pile and the internal struggle it may induce is a shared experience that transcends the boundaries of neurodiversity. Many find themselves torn between the excitement of discovering new worlds and the comforting embrace of revisiting old favorites. This struggle serves as a reminder that the intersection of literature and neurodiversity is a complex and multifaceted terrain.
Guilt-Free Self-Care
In the face of this shared challenge, rereading emerges as a guilt-free self-care strategy that accommodates the diverse needs and preferences within the neurodiverse community. It offers a way to navigate the delicate balance between the pursuit of new literary adventures and the comforting embrace of the known.
Rereading provides a haven for individuals who, at times, may need the familiarity and predictability of a beloved book to help manage the demands of neurodivergent life. It acts as a form of self-soothing, a reliable coping mechanism that can be activated whenever the TBR pile becomes too daunting.
In a world where the pressure to constantly consume new content can be overwhelming, it’s crucial to recognize that self-care is a deeply personal journey. For neurodiverse individuals, this journey may involve revisiting familiar stories as a means of emotional regulation and mental well-being. Rereading becomes an act of self-compassion, allowing bookworms to tailor their reading experiences to their unique needs and preferences.
As we navigate the complexities of neurodiversity and the world of books, we are reminded that the act of rereading is not just about stories; it’s about finding comfort, healing, and connection within the pages of literature. In the next section, we will delve into the emotional landscape of rereading and its significance in understanding and managing neurodiverse experiences.
Unpacking Emotional Landmarks Across Neurodiversity
The act of rereading goes beyond the realm of simple comfort; it delves deep into the emotional landscape of neurodiverse individuals. This emotional journey encompasses a wide spectrum of experiences, and it is essential to recognize and address the nuanced emotions that neurodivergent bookworms may encounter.
For many neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, and various neurocognitive profiles, emotions can be a complex territory to navigate. Rereading provides a safe and familiar space where these emotional nuances can be explored without judgment. It acts as a mirror, reflecting the emotional complexities and vulnerabilities that may be difficult to express in other contexts.
A Common Thread
What’s remarkable is that, despite the diversity of neurodiverse experiences, there exists a common thread—a universal source of strength that rereading offers to individuals across the neurocognitive spectrum. The emotional landmarks embedded in well-loved books become beacons of hope and understanding for neurodiverse bookworms.
For some, revisiting a story that explores themes of resilience and perseverance can serve as a reminder of their own inner strength. Characters who triumph over adversity become symbolic representations of personal growth and resilience. In the pages of these books, neurodiverse individuals find reassurance that they, too, can overcome challenges and flourish.
Moreover, rereading allows for a deep emotional connection with characters who experience emotions and struggles similar to their own. The empathy and resonance that arise from these connections foster a sense of belonging and validation. It becomes a powerful affirmation that neurodiversity is not a solitary journey but a shared human experience.
In the world of literature, neurodiverse individuals discover that they are not alone in their emotional landscapes. Through the act of rereading, they forge a profound connection with the characters and narratives that understand and reflect their unique experiences. It’s within these emotional landmarks that neurodiverse bookworms find the strength to face their own challenges, pursue self-discovery, and embark on the journey of self-care.
So, Why ReRead Books When You Have New Ones Waiting?
The practice of rereading transcends the boundaries of neurodiversity, offering solace, sensory satisfaction, and emotional connection. It’s a testament to the power of literature to heal, nurture, and unite diverse minds on a shared journey of self-care and self-discovery. The next time you pick up a well-loved book from your shelf, know that you are part of a community of neurodiverse bookworms who find strength, solace, and understanding within the pages of cherished stories.
