I know this is four years old, but I very much disagree. I think rather than chronological order, one should always think what is the best entry point into the series. Eye of the World was meant to introduce to the characters, the world, the conflict, etc. The charm of New Spring is giving backstory to what you've already read. On a re-read, sure, read it first.
But it's for the same reason that The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe should be read first and not The Magician's Nephew. The first introduces us to the characters and world for the first time when even the name 'Aslan' is a mystery. Nephew provides backstory to the introduction.
I think rather than chronological order, one should always think what is the best entry point into the series. Eye of the World was meant to introduce to the characters, the world, the conflict, etc. The charm of New Spring is giving backstory to what you've already read. On a re-read, sure, read it first.
But it's for the same reason that The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe should be read first and not The Magician's Nephew. The first introduces us to the characters and world for the first time when even the name 'Aslan' is a mystery. Nephew provides backstory to the introduction.