07-13-2010, 11:42 AM
Not three times, but definitely twice.
Since I started collecting Gothics (mostly paperbacks) several years ago, I've accumulated an entire bookcase's worth. I've gotten through about half the books so far, so I haven't intentionally repeated any -- but I have done so by accident. This happened because I liked the covers of the books in question and hadn't remembered I'd read them until about three-quarters of the way through. The moment when one suddenly realizes that events in the book are becoming not only predictable but hauntingly familiar is an annoying experience. (Let's call it "déjà lu" -- "already read"!)
I blame the formulaic nature of many Gothics (many of them are the same, let's face it, and rather forgettable) rather than early-onset dementia . . .
For others who might have experienced this, I suggest a system of marking books with a light pencil on the inside cover after reading them, to avoid frustration.
Since I started collecting Gothics (mostly paperbacks) several years ago, I've accumulated an entire bookcase's worth. I've gotten through about half the books so far, so I haven't intentionally repeated any -- but I have done so by accident. This happened because I liked the covers of the books in question and hadn't remembered I'd read them until about three-quarters of the way through. The moment when one suddenly realizes that events in the book are becoming not only predictable but hauntingly familiar is an annoying experience. (Let's call it "déjà lu" -- "already read"!)
I blame the formulaic nature of many Gothics (many of them are the same, let's face it, and rather forgettable) rather than early-onset dementia . . .
For others who might have experienced this, I suggest a system of marking books with a light pencil on the inside cover after reading them, to avoid frustration.