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Hi Reader,

have you ever read a book, loved it, and then… never thought about it again?

We’ve all been there. You finish an amazing nonfiction book, feeling inspired and full of new insights. But weeks (or months) later, you struggle to remember what you actually learned.

That’s where rereading comes in. Some books aren’t meant to be read just once—they’re meant to grow with you, offering new insights every time you revisit them.

But isn’t rereading a waste of time when there are so many new books out there? Not at all. In fact, rereading the right books can be far more valuable than reading a new one. Here’s why—and how—you should start making the most of your favorite books.

Why rereading books is more powerful than you think

Most of us think of books as “one-and-done.” We read them, feel inspired, and move on. But here’s the thing: the best nonfiction books are like tools—you get better at using them the more you revisit them.

Think of your favorite books as lifelong mentors. The first time you read them, they introduce you to big ideas. But with each reread, you:

📌 Notice things you missed. The first time is about discovery. The second (or third) helps you see the deeper layers.
📌 Understand the concepts more deeply. Some ideas take time to fully absorb.
📌 Reinforce key lessons. The more you engage with a book’s ideas, the more they stick.
📌 Apply the ideas better. Some books give you strategies that require repetition and experimentation.
📌 Gain new insights based on where you are in life. A book you read five years ago will hit differently today.

Books aren’t just entertainment—they’re tools for growth. And just like with any skill, repetition is key.

When should you reread a book?

Not all books deserve a second read, but some do—especially if:

You keep thinking about it. If a book’s ideas keep popping into your mind, that’s a sign it had a real impact. Rereading can help you go deeper.
​You read it at the wrong time. Sometimes, a book is too much when you first pick it up. A second read, when you’re ready, might unlock its true value.
​You struggled to absorb the ideas. If a book had too many takeaways, a reread can help you focus on what matters most.
​Your life has changed. Some books mean different things at different stages in life. What was inspiring five years ago might be actionable today.
​You want to apply the ideas. If a book has strategies or frameworks you want to implement, a second read makes them stick.

How to get more out of a reread

Rereading doesn’t have to mean starting from page one. Instead, try these approaches to make the most of it:

1. Start with your highlights and notes

Before diving back in, review your original takeaways. If you took notes or highlighted key passages, skim through them first. Ask yourself:

• What stood out to me last time?
• Do these insights still resonate, or do I see them differently now?
• Are there ideas I missed or didn’t fully grasp before?

This helps refresh your memory and sets the stage for deeper understanding.

2. Skim for what’s relevant right now

You don’t have to reread the whole book—just the sections that feel most useful. Focus on:

• Chapters that align with your current goals. If you’re building new habits, revisit Atomic Habits. If you’re growing a business, reread The Lean Startup.
• Concepts you struggled with last time. Some ideas need more than one pass to fully sink in.
• Sections you highlighted but didn’t apply. This is your chance to turn knowledge into action.

3. Turn Rereading into Action

Rereading isn’t just about refreshing your memory—it’s about deepening your understanding and applying what you learn. Here’s how:

• Rewrite your takeaways in your own words. Summarizing key points helps solidify them in your mind.
• Ask, “How can I apply this right now?” Choose one concept from your reread and take immediate action on it.
• Teach it to someone else. Explaining an idea forces you to clarify your thinking. Try discussing it with a friend, writing a blog post, or sharing insights on social media.
• Create a “living” book summary. Update your notes with fresh insights and new takeaways each time you reread.

Some books get better every time

We often chase the next book, but sometimes, the most valuable insights are waiting in books we’ve already read. Rereading helps you see familiar ideas in a new light, reinforce what you’ve learned, and—most importantly—actually apply the wisdom.

So here’s my challenge for you: Pick one book you’ve read before and give it another look. Even if you just skim your notes or reread a single chapter, you might find exactly what you need right now.

What’s a book you’d love to revisit? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear!

Next week's book releases

The incredible untold story of four women who spun the web of deception that helped win World War II.​ ​​ Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII. Get your copy here

We're told productivity is all about single-minded focus, hard grind and big goals. Deviating from the linear path means failure. The problem: it's not true. In this transformative book, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff reveals the easier, proven method to achieve our ambitions: an experimental mindset. Ditching out-dated notions of chasing success, she demonstrates the joyful power of 'tiny experiments' in which goals are discovered, pursued and adapted on your own terms. Rooted in science and real-world success stories, Tiny Experiments is packed with tools to help you break free from limiting beliefs, harness the power of imperfection and apply your curiosity - to create a meaningful, productive life in an ever-changing world. Get your copy here

This year, as they have for millennia, many people around the world will set out on pilgrimages. But these are not only journeys of personal and spiritual devotion - they are also political acts, affirmations of identity and engagements with deep-rooted historical narratives. Kathryn Hurlock follows the trail of pilgrimage through nineteen sacred sites - from the temples of Jerusalem to the banks of the Ganges, by way of Iona, Lourdes, Amritsar and Buenos Aires - revealing the many ways in which this ancient practice has shaped our religions and our world. Get your copy here

Enter the mysterious world of sixteenth-century science, where astronomers and alchemists shared laboratories. In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus declared the earth revolved around the Sun, overturning centuries of scholastic presumption. A new age was coming into view – one guided by observation, technology and logic. But omens and elixirs did not disappear from the sixteenth-century laboratory. Charms and potions could still be found nestled between glistening brass instruments and leather-bound tomes. The line between the natural and supernatural remained porous, yet to be defined. Get your copy here

A leading historian of World War II sheds new light on the purposes and impact of the U.S. incendiary and atomic bombing of Japan’s cities in 1945. Drawing on his expertise on the war and its bombing campaigns, he delivers a precise recounting of these aerial attacks, and a balanced, informed assessment of how and why they occurred. Overy is astute on the Allied decision-making, and, notably, integrates the Japanese leadership as well. He ably navigates the dramatic endgame of the war, which featured factional infighting within the Japanese cabinet, a scramble by American officials to formulate an acceptable version of “unconditional surrender,” and the crucial role played by the emperor, Hirohito. The atomic bombing emerges as impactful but not decisive in this rich, multilayered history. Get your copy here

Bristling with vibrant characters, Taking Manhattan reveals the founding of New York to be an invention, the result of creative negotiations that would blend the multiethnic, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. But the birth of what might be termed the first modern city is also a story of the brutal dispossession of Native Americans and of the roots of American slavery. The book draws from newly translated materials and illuminates neglected histories—of religious refugees, Indigenous tribes, and free and enslaved Africans. Get your copy here

A radical work of history that re-centers the American story around El Paso, Texas, gateway between north and south, center of indigenous power and resistance, locus of European colonization of North America, centuries-long hub of immigration, and underappreciated modern blueprint for a changing United States. American history is almost always told from East to West. Yet a closer look at the past reveals the country’s start began not in the East, but in the West—at a Texan city situated in a natural shallow crossing of the Rio Grande River: El Paso. Get your copy here

The venture capital playbook is causing unique harms to society. And in World Eaters, Catherine Bracy offers a window into the pernicious aspects of VC and shows us how its bad practices are bleeding into all industries, undermining the labor and housing markets and posing unique dangers to the economy at large. VC’s creates a wide, powerful wake that impacts the average consumer just as much as it does investors and entrepreneurs. Get your copy here

Black holes, demystified: follow along the quest to understand the history and influence of one of space science’s most fascinating and confounding phenomena. Invisible to the naked eye and telescopes, black holes have mystified and entranced astronomers, scientists, and humanity for more than a century. The first image of a supermassive black hole was only unveiled in 2019, and new black holes are continually discovered. Supermassive illuminates what we know about black holes so far and what we have yet to uncover. ​ Get your copy here

What I've been reading

I took two weeks off from reading—a much-needed break! The only update I have today is that I DNFed The Puzzle Master after nearly 100 pages. It just didn’t get any better, and the puzzle theme started to annoy me.

Thanks for reading! I'll be back in your inbox next Sunday. Let me know what you'd like to see explored in future issues.

Talk soon,
Elena

Love reading nonfiction but have no one to discuss it with? I got you! Join my nonfiction book club on Fable and connect with like-minded readers. Let's dive into great books together—it's completely free!

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P.S.: Don't have time to read an entire book but still want to soak up the key insights? Head over to Gumroad for my expertly crafted book summaries that give you all the wisdom in a fraction of the time! Perfect for busy readers who crave knowledge on the go: