I am a re-reader. My father has mocked me for this my whole life. He believes it is a waste of time. I believe I know better and that he is missing out.
Books change with every read, particularly over time – some improve, some fade into insignificance.
Emma used to be my favourite Jane Austen heroine, but the last time I read it I wanted to hit her over the head with a broom. I wonder how I could have become so attached to her in the first place? I am undecided as to who will replace her.
For other books, my knowledge of the ending will always make me hesitant to begin them again. I appreciate them as a whole, and keep them out of respect, but I look at them with distrust – will you, book, kindle that same admiration, now that you have been so undone by your close?
I say this as I glance up at my illustrated special edition of Life of Pi, that I had to purchase (there were tigers!), but have yet to re-read. I know that it is exceptionally brilliant, but can I handle the disappointment a second time?…
This page is about these books – the ones I keep, read from time to time, and go to when the details become fuzzy or I am in no mood to give consequence to a novel that may be less satisfying. It will be a work in progress. The reviews here will be brief, more like a sales pitch. If you like what you hear, hunt them down. You will not be disappointed.
Here are the books that I cannot part with when I move house. Here are the books I cannot donate to charity – unless I have duplicates. Some, I have packed and re-packed and shipped across state lines. The others, I have tried to store in, and had to rescue from the garage, always prematurely.
If anything here takes your fancy, makes it to, or features on your own trophy shelf, by all means chime in.
Walworth sentiments 
I am a firm believer in re-reading books! You may find your tastes have changed or that you have a new perspective. I recently re-read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer after spending two weeks in the Everest region. I disliked the book when I first read it in high school, but the book took on a visceral significance to me after seeing this remote region, understanding the issues in the book and seeing the graves of some of the fallen climbers.
Actually, you just inspired me to write a post about just that! Thanks 🙂
I’m so pleased Jenny! This page is still a work in progress… I will get to it very soon, but I have been on quite a rampage with new reads as of late 🙂 The first post here will be about the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (still my favourite book). It’s been sitting as a draft for several months now.