2nd Time Around…question
I am an avid, voracious reader. I have been this way since I was a little girl. I practically live at the library! My reading has increased even more over the last 3 years since we did away with the television. I always try to make sure I get several books so that I don’t have a day lapse without a book. My reading is done in the evening after my familial “duties” are done and the kids are playing before bed. Once they are in bed I will read for a couple of hours.
When I was a kid people would always wonder when the day would come that they would see me walking around the neighborhood without a book in my hand. I am sure my love of reading comes from my mother. When I was as young as 5 I remember her always reading. I read many genres. I love Stephen King…have read all of his books from the age of 12 when I read my mom’s copy of It. I will usually pick an author and read all of their books. Over the last couple of years, here are the authors: Bernice McFadden (this was an author I learned about from my Homegirl Quel. After her, I read Robin Cook, then moved on to Allan Folsom’s books. I then exhausted all of Dean Koontz and Reginald Hill. I am almost finished John Connolly. I exhausted Gayle Lynds and Robert Ludlum over a year ago. I loved Caleb Carr’s books over 6 years ago. If you looked up all of these author’s you’ll see some sci-fi, mystery, medical thrillers, international espionage and then some. I am intentionally not giving you a summary of the books or authors just in case you are looking for some good reads. Do some searching. Reginald Hill is British and his books are based there. Connelly is Irish but his stories are mostly based here.
One thing that I never did was re-read a book. However, yesterday I finished a book without having another lined up. So, I had to look in my collection. I found a book I had read a few years ago called She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. It was a great book. I had initially learned of this author after reading I Know This Much is True, an Oprah pick. BTW, you must read this book! Anyway, I picked up She’s Come Undone last night with the intention of reading it to “get by” as I lay in bed. I was already planning to visit the library to get the next Connolly book. Now however, I think I may just re-read this one.
My question: what books, if any, have you read more than once? I never did b/c I saw it as a waste of time. I mean, I have always held the attitude of so many books so little time so why do repeats? With a few exceptions that Tru3woman reminded of - I will re-read history and religious texts.
When I was a kid I read a book called The Witch of Blackbird Pond about 4 times. As an adult I’ve read Girl’s Guide To Hunting And Fishing a coupel times. Also, The Prophet.
Comment by Melissa — February 11, 2008 @ 5:40p
Salaam Alaikum Safa,
You may like this: www.goodreads.com.
I used to be such a bookworm! I read everything under the sun and loved it (Dean Koontz was one of my favorite fictional writers). I have read many books over and over… I think I get something new from them every time I read them. I dont apply this custom to fiction books though… but to religious reading, biographies and history books, I usually read the book at least twice.
Wa alaikum assalaam and thanks for reminding me of something. I do re-read religious texts and history books. I’ll need to update my post:) OH, thanks for introducing me to goodreads…Now I’m hooked!!!
Comment by Tru3Woman — February 11, 2008 @ 6:38p
I definitely think you can gain another perspective from a book if you have read it once and then revisit is at a much later time. It can be a sort of rediscovery. I recommend anything Austen- she may not be halah but she is definitely kosher! The Wally Lamb books are excellent. I definitely remembering reading She’s Come Undone twice.
I am a quick reader so I can finish a book uninterrupted within a day or two. The Lovely Bones, I the Devine and The Life of Pi are also two that I went back on. The Girls Guide to Fishing is one I read a couple of times just because it was laying around (it’s a decent book).
How about books that you wouldn’t read again? Ex. The Kite Runner-it’s way too emotional for me.
I had a book club going for a minute. It’s always interesting to read and discuss. Perhaps I will motivate myself to start it up again.
Comment by Muslim007 — February 11, 2008 @ 7:41p
Assalamu alaikum Safa,
I love to read as well and Ive been like this since I was very young too.I did take a “break” from reading during my teenage years =x but Ive resumed my love of reading again. Ive read Roots by Alex Haley many times-I cant get tired of it!
Comment by Miss Muslimah — February 11, 2008 @ 7:53p
Im not sure if you got my comment,I just left one…nice blog too,ive added you
Comment by Miss Muslimah — February 11, 2008 @ 7:58p
I am happy you like goodreads.com. Would you mind emailing me so I can add you as a friend?… I would love to take a peak into your library.
Comment by Tru3Woman — February 12, 2008 @ 12:54p
I reread books like 5 times over LOL I’m a voracious reader and I constantly need to read!
Comment by DJ Diva — February 12, 2008 @ 2:42p
I have read every book I love at least 2 times and some more than that. Roots, Kindred, and Indigo a historical romance by Beverly Jenkins are all books I’ve read at least 4 times. Each time, I discover something I missed before!
Comment by Sharon — February 12, 2008 @ 7:39p
I’ve read several of my books over again. I usually find something that I never noticed the first time I read it.
Comment by Nikki — February 13, 2008 @ 3:24p
It’s a bit juvenile, but one of my favorite books to re-read is “A Wrinkle in Time.” I don’t know what it is about that book, but if it’s a rainy day and I don’t have any books to read (which almost never happens, between law school reading and the pile of non-law school books I have stacked up to read), I love curling up with that book and a nice cup of tea.
I am a lot like you when it comes to reading. I’m in my mid-20s, and to this day I cannot leave my house without a book in my bag, and I have the horrible eyesight to prove it!
In addition to GoodReads, I would suggest LibraryThing.com, it’s great!
Comment by chickpea — March 13, 2008 @ 11:47p