Personal Bibles

Someone posted this, and it made me think about the books I read over and over again vs. the books I only read once but still want to own.

I only have a few books that I reread over and over again, but one of those books — or, really, a trilogy of books — is The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I am in a constant state of rereading or relistening (because I bought the audiobooks, too) to the books because it’s an enjoyable experience. Like getting a massage. What back is satiated with getting one massage ever? None. Rereading the story is a pleasurable experience because I enjoy my time with the words.

But it’s also somewhat a personal bible, a way to understand hope and desire and relationships differently with each reread. I don’t just learn something new about the characters with each reread. I learn something different about myself. How I understand my time on earth or how to mourn or get through a difficult situation. The books have… well… not to be dramatic. The books have saved me.

I remember when I first heard about them, I drove to several stores the same night to pick up paper copies. Josh was at home with the twins, who were babies at the time, and I kept thinking with each store that I should go back. But then I would get behind the wheel and drive to another bookstore farther away until I owned all three books and could come home.

So, no, it’s not worth rereading every book, but choosing a handful that define who you are can be life-changing.

Do you have a personal bible, too, and what is it?