On Rereading Pynchon....

[Mark Kohut]

Rereading Books Good for Mental Health
Reading a book more than once can offer mental health benefits, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research under a title that we had to read several times, and not for mental health benefits: "The Temporal and Focal Dynamics of Volitional Reconsumption: A Phenomenological Investigation of Repeated Hedonic Experiences."

The Daily Mail reported that the study, based upon interviews with readers in the U.S. and New Zealand, found that the "first time people read--or watch--through, they are focused on events and stories. The second time through, the repeated experience reignites the emotions caused by the book or film, and allows people to savor those emotions at leisure. The 'second run' can offer profound emotional benefits."

"By doing it again, people get more out of it," said Cristel Antonia Russell of American University. "Even though people are already familiar with the stories or the places, re-consuming brings new or renewed appreciation of both the object of consumption and their self."
 
MK:
Misses the push to have uncomfortable second perspectives....