How often do you forget things?
As a reader, I feel like I have this weird ability to remember strange points in books, while simultaneously forgetting tons of information. And that all seems to change from book to book.
I almost never remember character names, but if you tell me a title and author, I can remember how I felt about that book. I can probably even tell you a generic sweep of the outline of the book.
I’m always fascinated by how people react differently to the same book. I joined a few buddy reads last year, and when we would get together and discuss the book, there was always an assortment of thoughts. Books impact us based on where we are in life, our own experiences, and how we view the world. That could explain why I’m such a mood reader and will spend months reading about redemption because I’m at a place in my life where I need that reminder that God is right there.
Books have always been a go-to for me, whether it was middle-grade books about horses as a kid or Christian romance as an adult. Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to second chances (not because I’m in need of one romantically but because I love the story behind learning to forgive).
You’ve probably heard the old adage, “Forgive and forget.” along with, “I’ll forgive you, but I’ll never forget what you did.”
Forgiving is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, and I find the redemption and second chance stories showing me how to move forward in many ways.
I guess forgetting is almost as hard as forgiving in certain situations.
But I didn’t intend for this post to ramble into that territory, so back to the fun part.
Have you ever forgotten that you’ve already read a story? What about forgetting that you own a book? I’ll be honest, my to-be-read stack is so massive that I’ve bought multiple copies of the same book, then found them later. I keep telling my husband it’s a good problem to have…I’m not sure he believes me.
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha's genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
I have forgotten that I’ve read a certain story. When I start to get a book, I try to remember to check Amazon and Bookfunnel to see if I might already have the book. A lot of the time, I remember the book by the cover. If the author changes the cover, then I have a problem sometimes.
Hi Tabitha!I often read stories in boxed sets, then repurchase when the story is released individually and as I begin reading I remember the story. As a retiree 70+ years old, who reads 150 books a year it is difficult to remember all the books I have read in the decade since I retired. Glad Amazon and Goodreads keeps track. I agree with Bonnie, I also often remember books by their covers, plus about a dozen authors names and the names of series. Enjoy your summer. Best wishes.
Oh, yes, I can relate! I only buy ebooks from Amazon, so at least it tells me I already have the book!! Of course, there are some I have both the ebook copy and a paperback, but that’s not the norm. I remember once I was at a Christian book store and read the back of a book, and I was sure I remembered something like it, but the cover was totally different. I finally found somewhere in super small print, that it was a re-print and had a new cover and title!! Once I saw the old title, I knew I had the exact book at home!! That was a traditionally published book, and I admit I was a tad ticked that they “hid” that info in a spot I normally wouldn’t have looked at. I’ve found that “most” authors will give us readers a better heads up when they re-do books, though!
I agree it is a good problem to have. I learned early on that there is a huge difference between forgiving and forgetting. Mom helped me with the forgiveness part, but I had to be the one to forget. It really is harder than it sounds. I have found that if I really want to forget, I need to remind myself “is it really worth remembering? and hanging onto it?” Really no it isnt because I have so much better thing to see, do, experience. And if I dont forget, I cant do the above to the fullest potential. Now before you look at me twice here, some things I do struggle to forget. Put I also know that by putting it into prayer and letting God know why I want to forget, helps immensely
I think something important about second chances is that you have to choose not only to forgive but to trust again and forget the previous offense so as not to bring it up during a fight, for example.
If you are not willing to do so, it is better to just forgive and let go of the offense but not try to be with that person again. I believe that any of these procedures is fine: on the one hand, when we are born again, God forgets our sins and gives us a wonderful second chance, but the consequences for our past acts and repentance are there and when we sin again, the guilt and the consequences occur. You just have to be consistent.
I personally love second chance stories where the hero did something bad and then has to try to win the heroine back over, especially when she resists! there is something attractive about a man who admits his mistakes and wants you back.
Good morning , and yes to both questions. Have a great week.
I always find it amusing when I go to download a book and my kindle says: “Hold up, you already have this one!”
I’ve definitely tried to purchase a book I already have – I read a description or review somewhere, think this sounds great, click through to Amazon, and it reminds me I already have it lol.
I might or might not remember a book title, author or blurb, but once I start reading I will recognize a story I’ve read before. Sometimes I’ll go ahead and reread it.
I do keep a list of books I’ve read and reviewed, that I am faithful to keep updated.
I mostly read ebooks and get them from only a few places. Most of those keep track of my purchases.
I am with you on buying multiple things because I forgot I already had it–books, ebooks, albums (remember them?), CDs. Guess when I like something, I really like something. 😅😊
Yes, I do it too. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Yes, I most often purchase books again when I get them from a library sale ir garage sale. Thankfully, they are only $1. Then I pass them on to friends or put in The a Church Library. Of course Amazon tells you if you have purchased them before. But that can be a plus to purchase again if my first copy was a pdf from the author for review.
I have been trying to remember to check Goodreads when I purchase books, but I’m not great about keeping my lists updated. Changing covers can get me too.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started a book and then suddenly realized I’ve read it before. It can get confusing after a few years for sure. That is a lot of books!
I’m in the process of retitling and recovering one of my old series, and that’s something I’m trying to make obvious for readers is that they might have gotten it before under the old title.
I bought one book 4 times! The second was cos I didn’t think I had it. The third and forth was it was updated with a new cover but no indication it was a previously released book. (yes the cover changed 3 times in a few years).
I have also read a book thinking this seems familiar but figured it was a different book only to realise yes I did read it.
Oh and on forgetting after I finish a book mostly I can’t tell you eye colour, hair colour (unless it stands out or the author keeps mentioning it). I have even read books thinking the character was the total opposite in colouring etc to what they actually are. but thats where readers can use there own imagination. (I don’t like seeing who a character is based on) (recently an author mentioned an actor the hero looked like I went right to his current shows where he is probably in his 70’s and a lot heavier than his hey days not what the author would have meant).