Weekly topic for discussion - Do your ratings ever change when you reread books?

[Jonetta]

I don't have the opportunity to do much rereading these days (Mount TBR calling loudly) but I often see posts from others who change their ratings after reading a book the second time. Some are lowered because the book didn't stand up to the passage of time (too dated) and others are raised as they realized later the impact of maybe that first book in a beloved series.

So, what's your experience in rereading? What causes you to lower or raise a rating?

[Heather L]

Most of my rereads have been classics read either when little or in HS, and my opinions of some books did change with a second reading.

For example, I remember loving Little Women as a kid, but found it too preachy as an adult and downgraded it. On the other hand, I hated The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn the first time I had to read it, but liked it much more four years later. Of course, in the latter example, it helped not having a teacher who thought Huck Finn was God. Unfortunately, that is not an exaggeration. It was the first book we read that year in HS, and the book to which everything else was compared. That sort of teaching totally skews one's views.

[Jonetta]

I'd completely forgotten the classics! There are a few I'd like to reread and see if my experience would improve.

Sad thing that your teacher forced Huck Finn down your throat. I'm sure it tainted your outlook.

[Jennifer]

I rarely lower a rating of a book. If I'm re-reading I enjoyed it enough for a second go-round and want to experience it all over again.
Or, perhaps (like Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time) I read a series too young and couldn't keep up with all the politics, and want to try again focusing more on a story I found frustrating.
Ratings go up or ratings stay the same but rarely do they go down.

[Jonetta]

That's interesting, Jennifer. Sometimes maturing as a reader helps you have a deeper appreciation for themes and messages after a re-read.

[Jennifer]

True. I still can't figure out Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series to save my life, though.

[Jonetta]

Never heard of it.

[Jennifer]

@Jonetta, I would recommend the series if I ever finish it. It's easily a dozen books and every few years I try to convince myself I'll finish it. One day. Not today.