As we age, we see things differently. Living adds nuance and texture to our perception and our understanding. When we were younger, we appreciated subtlety less and the obvious more. We did not have enough life experience, insight or maturity to appreciate what was happening beneath the surface. As a result, some things we encountered in our youth now seem much changed. But the truth is they have stayed the same; it is we who have changed.
This truth applies to books we read in our youth. Have you ever reread a book, especially a book that you liked a lot or made a great impact on you when you were in school? Rereading is an enlightening experience. Most likely your reaction the second time around is different. But what has changed? The book hasn’t; it has the same characters and plot. But we, our older selves, are different. Changed by life and time, we react differently.
