While many books are easily consumed in one sitting, there are a select few books worth reading again and again. As a reader who rarely re-reads books, find out 10 books worth reading again, in my opinion.
For those of you who have read my blog in the past, you’ll know that I rarely reread books. My insanely long to-read list is constantly putting pressure on me to read new books. Consequently, I usually don’t find the time to give books I’ve already read a second go-round.
Yet, some books are just so deliciously good that one read simply is not enough. Whether it is for stunningly beautiful plots, clever storylines or wonderful lessons, there are a few books worth reading again.
Today, I decided to limit my list to 10 books worth reading again. Not because these are the only books worth reading again. I’ve limited my list because I’m trying to get myself back into blogging after taking a long break. So dive right into my list, and be sure to comment at the end and let me know what books you think are worth reading again.
Bestsellers Worth the Hype
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
Let’s kick off this list of books worth reading again with one of my favorites. I’m not at all surprised it won a Pulitzer Prize; the writing is fabulous. Anthony Doerr masterfully interweaves the stories of Marie-Laurie, a blind French girl who flees from Paris to the coastal city of Saint-Malo with her uncle, and Werner, a German radio operator charged with rooting out the French resistance. While the plot is interesting in and of itself, the character development and storytelling will keep you glued to the page.
The Martian
Andy Weir
Astronaut Mark Watney wakes up to find himself marooned on the planet Mars, left for dead by the crew of the Ares 3 mission. Now, he must use all his ingenuity to overcome insurmountable odds for the chance to return home to Earth. I love how Weir uses real science and technology in this captivating book. To be honest, I almost didn’t read this book because of the strong language at the beginning of the book turned me off. I’d have to say it’s one of the best sci fi books out there, and one of the most thrilling books I’ve read in recent years – which is saying a lot considering how much I read. Definitely one of those books worth reading again.
Station Eleven
Emily St. John Mandel
Frankly, the complex themes in science fiction always make these books worth reading again. If you like science fiction books you can’t put down, then Station Eleven will be just right for you. Just so you know, it’s not the aliens and space ship variety of science fiction, but a story set in a dystopian future. Though it’s set after an apocalypse, it’s not really about the apocalypse, either. This captivating book grabs your attention, not for its plot twists but its themes. It’s hard to adequately describe to you its power and beauty. So you’ll just have to read it for yourself.
Clever Stories You Need to Read Twice
Code Name Verity
Elizabeth Wein
In this clever World War II book, you’ll feel immersed in a world of intrigue with the story British spy, Agent “Verity.” Captured when her plane crashes in occupied France, Verity is interrogated by the Gestapo in an attempt to learn of her mission. As she confesses under torture, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering what secrets she is willing to exchange for her life. How far is she willing to go for her mission? A brilliant and emotional read that you won’t want to miss.
The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton
On the 19th anniversary of their son’s murder, Lord and Lady Hardcastle throw a party with the same guests as that fateful day long ago. At 11 pm, Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered. In a Groundhog Day-esque fashion, Aidan Bishop must relive this day 8 times, but from the perspective of eight different witnesses. His task – identify Evelyn’s murderer, or do it all over again. Evelyn Hardcastle will throw you into a brilliant game of Clue as you see the same events from multiple layers. Just ignore the why this happening and jump right into the mystery come to life, with plenty of fun twists and turns along the way.
And Then There Were None
Agatha Christie
If you want a quick classic mystery book worth reading again, Agatha Christie is the way to go. You’ll have fun trying to figure out whodunit on an isolated island mansion where the suspects start dying off one by one. I’ll be impressed if you figure it out. I never do. A classic for a reason, this novel is surprisingly short, leaving you plenty of time to also enjoy rereading another favorite … or fitting in a few more new books.
Favorite Books Worth Reading Again
The Harry Potter Series
J. K. Rowling
A modern classic, J. K. Rowling’s masterpiece about the boy wizard Harry Potter brings the ultimate theme of literature – the battle of good versus evil – to life with vivid imagery and fantastic imagination. You get so caught up in Rowling’s fantasy world that the books are hard to put down. Honestly, this is the book series I have reread more than any other; it just gets better every time you read it.
Cloud Atlas
David Mitchell
If you’re looking for unique books worth reading again, try David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas. Told as six different interconnecting short stories, Mitchell seriously shows off his writing prowess in this original novel. You start with the journal of an explorer in 1850, then jump from a 1930s Belgian composer to a 1970s investigative journalist, present-day England, dystopian Korea, and post-apocalyptic Hawaii. Before you can catch your breath, the stories slingshot back in reverse order, revealing an overarching narrative that’s more than the sum of its parts.
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
All of Khaled Hosseini’s books are worth reading again, but The Kite Runner is his debut novel. The unforgettable story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, it beautifully describes love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption. Be warned that the novel is violent and graphic at times, so understand that while moving, the story is dark and disturbing. It’s that contrast between the worst of human nature and the best that truly brings out a remarkable tale that will stay with you for a long time.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
The story of the charming March sisters’ New England life during the Civil War is a timeless tale that steals your heart. As you fall in love with headstrong Jo, sweet Beth, kind Meg, and impetuous Amy, you’ll feel drawn into all the concerns of their life. If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy this wonderful classic, be sure to read it before watching the new theatrical version. And if you have read it before, well there are no better classic books worth reading again, in my opinion.
What would you include on your list of books worth reading again?
