"Il est bon de ne jamais s'autoriser un nouveau livre avant d'en avoir lu un ancien entre les deux."

Imagine you’re always chasing after the latest buzz in the literary world, devouring new releases one after another. At some point, you might start feeling a little like a hamster on a wheel—constantly moving but not necessarily getting anywhere solid. The core idea here is that there's immense value in revisiting older books between your forays into contemporary literature. It’s about striking a balance and enriching your understanding by connecting past and present insights.

Why might someone suggest this? Well, think about C.S. Lewis, the guy who gave us the magical world of Narnia. He didn’t just dream up Aslan out of thin air; he was steeped in classical literature and ancient mythology. He knew that the wisdom of old books could provide depth and context to new ones. He wanted readers to get off that metaphorical hamster wheel and find their footing in the rich soil of literary history.

Picture this: You just finished Sally Rooney’s latest novel. It’s fresh, it’s modern, it’s buzzing all over your social media. Instead of jumping right into the next trending book, what if you picked up Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"? Not only would you enjoy a timeless love story, but you’d also see how themes of social class, relationships, and personal growth are tackled across different eras. You'd get a richer, layered understanding of similar themes Rooney might be exploring in a modern setting. Plus, it's kind of like having a conversation between two brilliant minds across centuries—how cool is that?

Now, in terms of advice, you don’t have to stick to a rigid rule. Just make a habit of alternating between new and old. Next time you’re about to hit that “Buy Now” button on a new release, pause. Ask yourself: When was the last time I read a classic, or even just an older book I've been meaning to get to? If it’s been a while, go for that oldie but goodie first. You might find that the new book is even more enjoyable afterward because you have a broader frame of reference.

Let’s make this real. Imagine you’ve just finished a thriller that everyone’s talking about. You’re hyped, and you’re ready for more. But then you remember this little piece of advice and decide to pick up “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie instead. You’re not just reading another great thriller; you’re diving into the granddaddy of mystery novels. You start to see how Christie’s work laid the groundwork for many of the suspenseful tricks and character archetypes you'd find in modern thrillers. Suddenly, the new book you read before has more layers, and the next new book will too. You’re building this mental library of connections.

In a way, it’s like seasoning a cast-iron skillet. The more layers of flavor you build up over time, the richer your cooking becomes. Your reading life works the same way. So, next time you’re in a bookstore or scrolling through your e-reader options, remember to give those older books a chance to add their seasoning. Happy reading!