I suppose I am a details person, that's just me, I like to see the details and understand and learn the content. I did this with my PPL too. Went through each of the books because I felt there may be major gaps in knowledge if I didn't 'understand' the theory and material.
I was the exact same, but unfortunately learning the content and passing the exams are different ball games.
My ATPLs were years ago, and I still dug the manuals out this evening to read up on some Met stuff!