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I’m in a facebook group for a books podcast I listen to and they asked an interesting question the other day: “How often do you reread books?”
I wasn’t really sure how to answer the question. Growing up, I would have said, “yes, I definitely reread books.” A year ago: “probably not, there’s always new books to read!”
But now? Well lately, I’ve found myself craving some of my old favorites. Even though I’m still reading new books, I’ve started slipping others in. Since I’m normally reading 2 to 3 books at a time, it’s not as hard. I just substitute it in for an audiobook, or what I read before I go to sleep. It’s kind of nice actually, because I know that whatever I’m reading, there’s at least one good book in there that will definitely be a winner
I thought it would be fun then to share some of my books that are in that mix and maybe you can add them to your reread rotation.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (series) by Jenny Han
This series is like warm chocolate chip cookies. it’s so wonderful and makes you feel all warm and gooey on the inside. I’ve written about this series/author way too many times to count on here, but just trust me and go read the first one. You’ll fall in love with the main character, Lara Jean and quickly want to read the next one. Quick plot overview: Every time Lara Jean no longer wants to be in love with a boy, she writes him a love letter, puts it in an envelope, seals and addresses it, and puts it in her hatbox. It’s worked perfectly and helped her get over five boys including her sister’s boyfriend and the most popular boy in school. Except one day she discovers that all of the letters have been mailed out.
See, wouldn’t you want to read this?
Harry Potter Series, specifically book 7
Okay, so yes, this really applies to the entire Harry Potter series, but it’s the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that has a special place in my heart. Not because it’s my favorite book, that’s actually the third book. It’s actually because that was the only book that I had on audiobook for my entire grad school career. So when I went on road trips to drive from Pittsburgh to Milwaukee, that’s what I would listen to. Sorry, but singing to music got old after an hour and I had podcasts I listened to, but there weren’t as many of them. But that was the one that I had and I listened to it multiple times. Every time I would start it, i would try to pick up from right where I left off and it would be a nice remind of my last trip.
Little Women by Louise May Allcott
How could you not love Little Women?? Okay, I know how you could not love it, but that’s not the point. I grew up reading the book (we had this huge illustrated copy) and watching the movie (the original and one with Winona Ryder). Returning to this book feels like I’m crawling back into my childhood bed.
The Selection by Kiera Cass
This series. Oh man. I talked about it once a few years back and described it as The Hunger Games meets the Bachelor. I still stand by that description. This series is bonkers, but it sucks you in and gives you a much needed mental break. The Selection is another series where you’ll want to have all three books ready to go once you’ve started. Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Any book by Sarah Dessen, but specifically, The Truth About Forever
If I were to name my ride or die author, Sarah Dessen would be mine. You can read more about that here and see why I love her. Her favorite book for me to go back to would be The Truth About Forever. But the nice thing is that since all of her books take place around the same area, characters from her older books will pop up in later novels. It makes you feel like you’re seeing old friends.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I don’t think there’s any other book on this list quite like Station Eleven. I still love it though. It’s dystopic, but it has the same feeling of The Night Circus. I also love how even though it feels too real for comfort, it still leaves you with a feeling of hope at the end. That’s not a spoiler though, so don’t worry. If you haven’t read this one yet, I would definitely suggest checking it out on audio.
How about you, are you a rereader? Do you think you’ll become one?
