Rereading a beloved book can be a daunting experience, filled with the fear that it may not resonate the same way as it once did. There's always a possibility that our tastes have changed, leading to disappointment if the reading experience does not live up to our cherished memories. This uncertainty can make revisiting old favorites a cautious endeavor.

Sigrid Nunez's reflections in "The Friend" highlight this common struggle. As time passes, the fear of unearthing disillusionment grows, making one approach past literary loves with a degree of hesitance. This disheartening realization often overshadows the excitement that comes with revisiting stories once adored.