From Hogwarts to Self-Discovery: The Joy and Snag of Revisiting Books

When bad news hits, my survival kit includes chocolate, my trusty blanket, and a battered copy of Harry Potter. As I recently dove into its pages for solace, I was surpirsed to stumbled upon notes from past versions of myself—scribbles that were like emotional time capsules.

Flipping through the pages, I watched my handwritten notes flutter by. Different colored pens highlighted colorful timestamps of previous emotional moments in my life—most of them bad ones. Suddenly, reaching for my favorite comfort book was a bit uncomfortable.

I began to wonder, was this self-soothing behavior actually good for me? The urge to revisit familiar stories like Harry Potter is deeply ingrained in many of us, tapping into a powerful mix of nostalgia and escapism. Nostalgia, as defined by the American Psychological Association, involves a longing to return to an earlier period or moment in one’s life—a period often remembered through rose-colored glasses.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in the allure of re-reading. Many of us have books that are interwoven with specific moments of our lives, acting as windows into our past experiences and emotions. These literary artifacts can evoke a potent blend of emotions tied to personal history and identity.

Reflecting on these moments of retreat into my literary comfort zone, I realize they offer more than just temporary relief. They serve as portals to my past, reminding me of who I was during those emotionally charged times. However, this introspection also raises questions about the effects of dwelling in the past. Could excessive nostalgia hinder personal growth, trapping us in idealized memories rather than pushing us forward?

Melanie Green, a researcher who studies the concept of “transportation” in literature, which emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of re-reading beloved books: “Re-reading allows individuals to mentally transport themselves to a familiar and comforting world, offering an escape from boredom or stress”.

For instance, the Harry Potter series, which I devoured during my university years, not only entertained me but also provided a communal bond with friends during highly anticipated book releases. However, I should note that there is a time and a place for recreational reading; and it’s not during one’s fourth-year abnormal psychology class.

One day, I found myself suddenly called upon to comment on a research paper. Hastily standing up, I inadvertently dropped my Potter book that I had discreetly stashed behind my textbook. The class erupted into laughter as if catching a teenager with a naughty magazine hidden in their schoolbooks. Even my professor couldn’t suppress a smirk, using the moment to humorously discuss the pitfalls of escapism.

It seems the line between healthy and unhealthy escapism hinges on how these activities, such as diving into a book, affect our ability to show up in our lives in a balanced way. Healthy escapism offers a brief break, facilitating relaxation and revitalization, whereas unhealthy escapism occurs when the escape becomes a primary coping mechanism, leading to neglect of personal, professional, and social relationships and responsibilities.

As such, it’s important to recognize that nostalgia isn’t always a straightforward journey down memory lane. Initially considered a psychological problem, nostalgia was associated with feelings of isolation and a longing for a better past. Yet, contemporary research suggests that nostalgia can also serve as a coping mechanism, offering comfort and a sense of continuity in the face of life’s uncertainties.

A shift in perception comes with experience and aging. Personally, I’ve found myself revisiting many books, especially in areas like spirituality, philosophy, and introspection. These reads have illuminated new aspects of myself, like discovering I still have the same taste in books as my younger self—though hopefully with a bit more depth. Re-reading these favorites has been like reconnecting with an old friend who always has a surprising new story to tell. They challenge me to rethink perspectives and rediscover meaning in different stages of my life.

As I attempt to navigate adulthood with a well-worn copy of Harry Potter in hand like a comfort blanket, I’m reminded that the magic of re-reading lies not just in the stories themselves, but in the ways they grow and change with us. It’s like finding hidden treasure in your own bookshelf—a pleasant reminder that some things, like a good book and perhaps a bit of chocolate, never go out of style.

An avid book reader and proud library card holder, Angela is new to the world of e-Readers. She has a background in education, emergency response, fitness, loves to be in nature, traveling and exploring. With an honours science degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed work to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.