Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Forums

I've been re-reading some old favorite books lately - both in and out of genre.  I've got enormous stacks of new books to read on my desk but I keep reaching for those books that I know will deliver.  It's a comfort thing I suppose.  Life has been kicking me in the kintamas lately and I just want something trusted to lean back on and what's a better distraction than a good book?  I've got plenty of frustrations right now and I just don't want to risk another one with an unknown book.

Of course these re-reads means I'm way behind on my reading challenges.  Which is what I expected from the beginning really because most of my reading time is spent working on WWEnd but I never thought it would get this bad.  So it got me thinking.  What if I made a new challenge that focuses on re-reads that I might actually complete?  I could use a win, even if I have to generate one artificially.

I was all set to make it a private challenge but as I was filling out the form it occurred to me that other folks might like a reason to re-visit some old favorites too.  It's often hard to justify a re-read when those new books are staring at you from the stacks.  Perhaps this challenge can be the excuse they need to indulge in some nostalgic comfort reading?  So I went ahead and made it public and I'm interested to see how many people will join in.

I'm also interested to hear what you all think about re-reading.  Do you ever re-read?  Does it make you feel guilty or like you're wasting time?  Or do you dive into your old faves from time to time just for the pleasure of it?

I picked the Casablanca theme because that's a movie I've watched many many times and will probably watch again this weekend.  Do you see any difference in re-watching a movie and re-reading a book other than the time commitment?

(And yes, I know Rick never actually says "Play it again, Sam." but that's the way it's remembered and quoted and it sounds better.)