...the reader who plucks a book from her shelf only once is as deprived as the listener who, after attending a single performance of a Beethoven symphony, never hears it again.
The quote from Anne Fadiman's "Rereadings: Seventeen Writers Revisit Books They Love" emphasizes the importance of revisiting literature. It suggests that a fleeting encounter with a book, similar to attending only one performance of a Beethoven symphony, can lead to a sense of deprivation. Both activities, whether reading or listening, hold much more meaning when experienced multiple times.
This perspective highlights the value of deep engagement with texts, arguing that a single reading does not fully capture the richness of a book. Just as symphonies reveal new layers with each listening, books also offer fresh insights upon rereading, enriching the reader's understanding and emotional connection.