What do you do after reading a particularly good book?

I often:

• Leave a 5-star review on Goodreads

• Write about it on LinkedIn

• Mail copies to a few people I think would enjoy it

But the greatest tribute you can pay a book?

Re-reading it.

When you do, you’re saying:

• Yes, this will take significant time.

• Yes, I could be investing that time in a new book.

• But this one is so rich with insight, it’s worth reading a second time.

I don’t do this with many books. As a Type 3 high-achiever type, I’m always hungry to conquer the next one.

But there are a small handful of books I’ve read again—and each time, I’ve been better for it. I’ve listed them below, along with the principle each reinforces for me:

• Ragamuffin Gospel - God’s grace can neither be earned nor lost.

• Atomic Habits - Tiny habits, repeated consistently, drive remarkable change.

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - Ruthlessly eliminate hurry to live fully.

• The Great Divorce - God gives us all of us what we ultimately desire.

• Essentialism - Less but better: do only what truly matters.

Reflecting on my list of re-reads, two clear purposes emerge:

1. Reminding myself what matters most

2. Making sure my life is organized around those things

A few reflection questions for you:

1. Have you re-read a book before?

2. If so, which one and why?

3. What’s your next book worth re-reading?

Thoughts from fellow travelers

Your responses to the Dismissiveness newsletter were anything but dismissive! Thank you for all of the kind and thoughtful emails. The main theme seemed to be, “This is absolutely true and it applies to all types of relationships.” I wouldn’t disagree.

Carry on fellow travelers, we’ll talk soon.