Ever think differently about a book second time around?

Saintly

Does your impression of a book ever change with a second reading? I'm not talking about whether you pick up on little nuances, or notice more specific details, I am wondering if your attitude ever changes completely? I recently re-read three books that I first read about six years ago and absolutely loved back in the day.

First was Crime and Punishment, which I enjoyed just as much this time around. Still love it. Second was The Secret History, which again remains a firm favourite. Both of these books are in my top ten. I then read The Beach again. Now, the first time I read this book, I was awestruck. I thought it was fantastically written with a new and irresistible plot, intriguing characters etc. I absolutely loved it, tried to convert everyone else into an avid fan, refused to see the movie etc. This time around, I was bored, uninterested, fed up with it. It read like a cheap grown up version of Lord of the Flies. Perhaps, it was the long bus journey I needed to kill, or just fresh eyes, either way, that book is dead to me now!! Anyone else experience a similiar divorce scenario with a former favourite book?

Saintly.

Valmont

to be honest, there are so many books I want to read that I don't usually read one twice unless it's short!

Heart of Darkness was waaaaayyyy better the second time around, I just seemed to miss the whole gist of it the first time. Although I still really enjoyed reading it both times.

You've scared me into not wanting to read any of my favourites a second time, in case I have a similar experience to yours with the Beach!