My ultimate book re-read list

Hello, you wonderful person.

Do you ever just sit and think about books? I do it often. More often, perhaps, than I actually read them (something I've excused myself from since having a baby, but need to work on).

I love books. Of the many things in my life that I feel strongly about, books are probably number 4 after Jesus, my precious family, and human rights for preborn babies. Passionate though I am about books, I suffer, as do many of my fellow bibliophiles, from the curse of forever desiring to purchase new books while also refusing to read them, instead returning to beloved titles from my formative years. In my home there are over 400 books, about 40 of which I've never read. That number keeps pretty stable, because every time I do miraculously read a new book, I consider that an achievement worthy of celebrating with (you guessed it) a new book. 

I do not, and will never understand those people who choose to never re-read books. I'm of the philosophy that a good story, the kind that goes beyond entertainment to actually enhance your shape as a person, is like a favorite meal--it should make you want to experience it again. Perhaps readers who refuse to re-read have simply never known a connection like that with a story and its characters, in which case they need to keep searching. 

I don't re-read all of my books, but I feel very blessed to have many I'm happy to greet as old friends every now and again.

So, if you haven't found your re-reads yet, this list might be a good place to start your journey of discovery.

1. Harry Potter. All of them. 

I re-read this epic saga every year and it never gets old. In fact, every time I re-enter Harry's world it feels new again. And it's especially exciting this year, as I've had the joy of reading it out loud to my husband and son.

2. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

J.R.R. Tolkien's word-smithing is the stuff of magic. Reading his intricately woven masterpiece is like stepping back in time, both fascinating and bittersweet. No one writes like that anymore.

3. The Wind on Fire trilogy by William Nicholson.

These beautiful books are alien and inviting, heart-wrenching and humorous. They will make you feel courageous.

4. The Noble Warriors trilogy by the same.

I can't even put into words what I feel about these books. I read them at a crucial and difficult time in my life, and they helped me center myself and ironically (for Nicholson is an atheist), helped deepen my faith in a surprising way. 

5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

One of those amazing books of which I have memories as vivid as any real-life experience. It's a tale of fear-conquering love, soup, and overcoming grief.

6. Wildwood Dancing and its companion, Cybele's Secret, by Juliet Marallier.

I discovered these beautiful fairy tales by accident at a library book sale. I love to re-read them in the fall, when the chilly air outside helps transport me to the Transylvanian forest where the first book is set. 

7. Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson.

I read (most of) these in 8th grade, at the recommendation of a scurrilous knave I had the misfortune of having a crush on. The books are so good they can't be tainted even by the memory of me making a fool of my 13-year-old self. And I have never laughed so hard at something I've read, ever, in my life. 

8. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.

What can I say but that I love this book? I find myself in the characters. In my experience it's best re-read around the New Year, when everyone is hoping to turn over a new leaf after feeling, perhaps, a little stale for some time.

9. Wishing Moon by Michael O. Tunnel.

An Arabian Cinderella. What more could you ask for? I've re-read this on several occasions when my life was feeling distinctly un-magical. 

10. Watership Down by Richard Adams.

I have never been as surprised by a book as I was by this one. My mother and sister admonished me for years to read it, and I finally did in the week or so after giving birth to my son. It is beautiful and powerful and strange and my goal is to re-read it at Christmas every year. 

These are by no means the only books I could've added to this list, but for sanity I'll stop there. Happy Re-reading!