An article in today’s Independent reported that Oxfam and Barnado’s intend to open dedicated book stores to benefit from booming sales in second-hand titles. A survey by Oxfam showed:
30% of people had more than 500 books in their homes.
18% of people frequently re-read books.
35% of people rarely or never picked up a book for a second time.

I used to read a novel and then put it on the bookshelf to collect dust. My thinking: I have so many books that I have not yet read, that to re-read an old favourite would be a waste of my precious free time.
However, this year I have returned to a number of books that I have enjoyed over the years. They are not the same books at all. Suppose I read the same book twice, with a pause of ten years in between. Then everything that I have experienced in the intervening years causes me to approach the book afresh, offering new understanding and enjoyment.
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.

So, I recommend re-reading old favourites - and those that are unreadable to you may be just what Oxfam and Barnado’s shoppers are looking for.