One so many occasions (especially when I’m not enjoying the book I’m currently reading) I think back on all my favourite reads and just wish I could go back read them for the first time again and experience that immense true love book feeling all over again.
So that’s what I’m going to talk about today, those books I so often think back on.
First, is it any surprise that it’s my favourite book of all time? I would love to be able to read American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis with fresh eyes. I, very recently, finished a reread of this book and of course, I still love the book to pieces, but I knew what was coming. I was totally in awe of this book the first time around. I don’t think I’ll ever come across another book quite like this one so those feelings will be lost forever. I recently recommended this to a friend at work and she gets to read it for the first time… I’m so jealous.
I haven’t read many Stephen King books (something I’m hoping to change in the near future) but I remember when I first read Misery, it blew me away! I’d already seen the film, so I knew the story and I didn’t expect the book to surprise me as much as it did. I was so invested in the characters and the story, it completely sucked me out of reality.
Rosemary’s Baby was one of those books I fretted over reading for a while because I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it, but that ended up being extremely far from the truth. This is one of my favourite books ever! Ira Levin’s a king at writing about mundane things and adding creepiness to them. I really can’t wait to delve into more of his work (I’ve already tackled The Stepford Wives which I also LOVED)!
As many of you already know, I always say The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is the book that got me back into reading again after a several years long slump. It’s a strange one because I rarely read books in this genre but this book was so complex, in-depth and exciting, I totally got lost in its pages. I’ve not read a sci-fi since that’s made me feel like this one did.
My love of historical fiction has always been strong, but never so much as it was when reading The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton! I can vividly remember getting to one of the shocker moments in the book and actually gasping out loud (on the bus… got a few looks!). I don’t think I’ve ever been so attached to characters before. This book really broke me, I remember sobbing for quite a while after finishing it… Despite the story of the actual Miniaturist being something of a let-down, the rest of the book made up for that entirely!
So there we have it! Those are my most cherished books I wish I could experience for the first time again… It really has been a while since I read anything I loved as much as I loved these ones!
What books do you wish you could read again for the first time?
BookBum 
I really need to read The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, it sounds like something I would enjoy 😍💕
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I recommend it to everyone, so yes, you should definitely read it!! 🙂
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I’m with you on ‘American Psycho’.
I wish I could read ‘Geek Love’ by Katherine Dunn again for the first time.
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Ooh, I’ve heard that one is good! It’s been on my TBR for ages 🙂
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I just finished The Miniaturist and it wasn’t at all what I expected. Like you, I wanted more story about the Miniaturist herself, but adored the story surrounding her.
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Yes, it was a strange one! The story on the back of the book was a let down but the rest of it was really good 🙂
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I still have to read American Psycho, I’ve heard so many good things!
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I love it, but it’s not for everyone. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
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I love this so much!
My top would be “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, “Harry Potter” series by Rowling, and “His Dark Materials” by Pullman. All of those just bring back so much lovely memories and nostalgia as part of my best reading experiences. This is super cool … might make my own post ha-ha!
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I’ve heard sooo many good things about The Outsiders & His Dark Materials!! I love books that bring back happy reading nostalgia 😛
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They are both amazing! The Outsiders is super sad but also happy?? I really enjoyed it. Definitely re-reading it this year so I can do a proper review 🙂
His Dark Materials is one of those hidden gems I found — and then it became popular later on ha-ha! It’s “children’s lit” … but it’s definitely more adult lit in my mind.
Me too! There are few select books and movies and tv shows that do that for me, and it’s such a nice feeling ❤
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Many good mysteries are like this for me. It’s really hard to re-read a mystery once you know whodunnit… Top of the list would have to be Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
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Definitely! I really want to read And Then There Were None, even though I know how it ends up 🙂
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Such a great idea for a post!!!
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Thank you!!
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Oh, yes, Mysery! I read it twice, with maybe 10 years between reads. Even though i kinda remembered what will happen, i was really tense the whole time even on second read 😀
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I looooved that book so much! I might give it a reread one day 🙂
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