Déjà Read

I start reading a book. It's exciting. It's new. Or is it?

Sometimes when I read a book, I discover that I've already read it. And no, this post is not about romance novels. When I start to recognize the book, I usually remember the whole story. But why don't I remember it when I buy or borrow the book that I already read?

I've read the book and forgot the whole thing. I don't know if I'm the only one doing this. What does it say about me and my reading? About the writer of the twice read book?

The latest one that I've discovered (around page 20-something) that I'd already read was Curtis Sittenfield's Man of My Dreams (Random House, 2006). I like Curtis Sittenfield. I liked the plot when I recalled it. Why did this book not make an impression the first time? Why did I forget?

(Photo: still photo from the film The Matrix. Le Grotaku Blog)