When I was a child, my grandmother had a hidden laundry chute in her home. If you went into the bathroom on the main floor and poked your head into an old brown cabinet, you’d find a large black hole at the bottom. The chute allowed her to toss laundry into the hole, sending it straight down to the basement laundry room.
That secret chute was just one of many wonders in her small home. Now, as an adult, I find myself longing to wander through those familiar halls once more. With the knowledge and perspective I’ve gained over the years, I know I’d discover so much more in that house. But with my grandparents having passed several years ago and the home now sold, those moments of exploration are left to memory.
This got me thinking about the books I read. Many of them, like my grandmother’s house, are filled with hidden nooks and crannies—places I’d gain so much from if I explored them again. When we read a book for the first time, we’re inexperienced, trying to grasp the storyline and characters. But once we’ve finished, we know the lay of the land. We’re familiar with the hidden chutes and intriguing shadows. We remember how the rooms smell and how the old couches feel when you lay on them just right.
That’s why revisiting books is so valuable. Instead of struggling to understand what’s happening and why, we can approach the material from an experienced perspective. With that familiarity, we can free up mental space to absorb deeper insights and appreciate the work on a whole new level.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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