A book I would love to experience reading again for the first time is A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara because it utterly consumed me for 4 straight days and because it's not often I get to read a book that takes me to places I never ever expected while challenging me to not give up and not look away. And for better or worse I love to be moved to tears and I wish I could experience the feeling of being so devastated by fictional characters again. Also I read this during an incredibly stressful time in my life and the fact that I was able to have my mind taken off my own problems and to be immersed so completely in a fictional world was a gift this book gave to me. Almost 10 years later and this reading experience still feels so fresh.
Another book I'd love to experience reading again for the first time is THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak. I only read this because one of my sons was assigned it in 8th grade English and asked if I would read some of it to talk about it with him. I remember starting it in the fall on a cold, gray day and getting a hot tea and blanket and starting it thinking i would skim some to get a general idea of the story to talk about with my son. I spent the next couple days/nights obsessed with this story. I remember finishing it in the same way I started it but in tears with a box of tissues nearby. Edited- I totally forgot to mention the experience of also getting to talk with my son about this story- he was 13 at the time (now 24) and we spent several hours that week dissecting the themes and characters. such great memories
The last book I loved was HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood - I truly think any reader could love this story
I'm currently reading one secret surprise book for my end of the month audio episode, and I also started HOW READING CHANGED MY LIFE by Anna Quindlen. I love it so far. I typically enjoy Quindlen's nonfiction writing and there's something so satisfying about finding out how/why reading has changed other people lives
Such a good question! I've wished so many times that I could read JANE EYRE again for the first time. I would love so much to experience the big reveal without knowing it's coming. There are so many good turns of plot in that book, but the Big One is especially good, and knowing it's coming changes the way I feel reading the book now. I'm so envious of people who don't know anything about it before reading, although it does seem like the Secret Thing has creeped into the cultural consciousness.
I've never read Jane Eyre and I don't know what it's about and....you couldn't have tempted me more to find out what happens! I'm dying to know what the secret thing is:)
A book I’d love to read again for the first time is STATION ELEVEN. I remember being so drawn in by the story, the connections between characters, the world building, and the take on dystopian society that felt different and fresh from the trend.
The last book I loved was THE FIVE WOUNDS. It was delicious in how it developed plot and characters, flaws abundant, and it felt reader-lead in its connection instead of being show-n-tell.
Right now I’m reading Martin Short’s memoir, I MUST SAY (audiobook narrated by him was the right call here for me) and THE GOD OF THE WOODS.
I just read Station Eleven for the first time this past spring and I enjoyed it so much. It had been on my list of popular backlist books I needed to read. I thought it was so thought provoking, it's one of my most memorable reads of the year. Love what you had to say about The Five Wounds!
I would love to read PLAINSONG by Kent Haruf again for the first time. I have read most of his books and love his sparse prose. The last book I loved was TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout. On audio I am finishing up DEVIL AT HIS ELBOW by Valerie Bauerlein and it is a well done account of the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.
I haven't read any Kent Haruf but I recently found his book OUR SOULS AT NIGHT in my Little Free library so I took that as a sign that it was time I read him- haven't read that one yet though.
I would like to first-time experience the reading of LITTLE WOMEN. I did re-read it in the not-too-distant past and I was disappointed. I've since realized it was not just the story that I interpreted as a 50-ish self, but I also wished to again feel the joy of receiving my first "grown-up" book by the person I adored most in the world and who gave me my lifelong love of reading.
This week I devoured WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE (Sophie Kinsella) the same day I learned that a dear friend has also diagnosed with the same cancer: terminal glioblastoma. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It is billed as a novel, but I would call it auto-fiction. The fact that she is well-enough and able enough to write this book is astonishing, especially as she included how she and her husband handled it with their children.
I am currently reading PEGGY (Rebecca Godfrey, who died during the writing, and Leslie Jamison, whom she requested to finish it for her, using all her notes and outlines.) It's a H/F about the avant -garde art collector who, from the 1930's, was a force in the modern art , and artists, of her time.
Jan I'm so sorry to hear about your close friend's diagnosis. It sounds like the Sophie Kinsella book was the right book at the right time for you. I watched an interview with her and her husband and it really is amazing how she's doing and that she was able to write a book that had to be so incredibly personal to her.
Your experience with Little Women sounds so special!
Definitely GONE GIRL! I can still remember my jaw dropping! No other thriller even comes close to what she did in that book in my opinion.
Last book I loved was PERRIS, CALIFORNIA and HERE ONE MOMENT.
Currently reading BLESS YOUR HEART for book club and it’s okay. I think it’s me I’m just not that into it and want to be reading something else but book club is on Monday.
Side note did you know Apple TV made a series on the book DISCLAIMER by Renee Knight? I read that book years ago in 2015 I think and enjoyed it. The series has Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline in it and is good so far!
I remember reading Gone Girl too! In fact I remember seeing a review for it in Entertainment Weekly (back when I still read magazines😅) and thinking "that book is right up my alley" and it was
I read Disclaimer years ago too. I didn't realize the new tv series was based on that, I almost started it this week, I definitely want to watch it
The two books I would love to reread for the first time are JANE EYRE (I still remember exactly where I was as a teen when I read it) and THE SECRET HISTORY.
A book I'd love to read again for the first time is THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. I just remember feeling SO many emotions throughout my reading experience, and I distinctly recall the moment I finished it: I was on the couch in my living room, and I closed the book, put it next to me, and literally just sat and stared for a while - like I needed time to gather myself together before moving on. Just writing this little memory makes me think I need to reread it, even if not for the first time! :-) Great questions - thanks for asking!
Oh my gosh, Renee, for some reason I only saw the first paragraph of your response before posting my response! I guess we both have a fondness for The Book Thief! :-)
haha yes, I think many of us here have a great love for that book. It was such an unexpected surprise for me and one that really did make me also sit and think wow when I finished. It's a book hangover type of book. I look forward to rereading it agin someday
The book I’d love to experience reading for the first time is THE HEART’S INVISIBLE FURIES. I LOVED this so much. Just the experience of laughing and crying on the same page is incredible to me. What a talented writer to be able to write so movingly about such hard things but add humour as well. Cyril lives in my head rent free. No book has measured up since.
The last book I loved was THAT NIGHT by Gillian McAllister. Since reading WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME and loving it I have started diving into her backlist and haven’t been disappointed.
I am currently reading NIGHT SHIFT by Stephen King and THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz in paper. I’m listening to DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay. This is a re-read after listening to Annie talk about it on From the Front Porch podcast and remembering how much I loved it.
I agree with everything you said about THIF - Cyril is a character I have never forgotten and I read it in 2016. Dipping into a new favorite author's backlist is so fun, glad you're enjoying her books
I wish I could read ODD THOMAS by Dean Koontz again for the first time. Odd is another character I fell in love with, and Koontz provided a nice series of books that provided a complete story arc for this character.
I recently read THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah. This was a 5-star book for me. It touched me on so many different levels. It has been a long time since a book made me cry, but this one did!
I’m currently reading STRANGE SALLY DIAMOND by Liz Nugent, I am rereading IT by Stephen King, and I’m also reading THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas via the Serial Reader app. I’ve long held the philosophy of “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” So I read one issue in Serial Reader each day, and set a timer for 30 minutes of IT daily, then the rest of my reading time goes to the latest book on my Kindle. It works for me!
You know just what works for your reading rhythm, I love it! I've loved so many of Dean K's older books but haven't read Odd Thomas. I think Sally Diamond is one of the most memorable characters I've read in the last few years!
ONE TRUE THING by Anna Quindlen . A few weeks after getting settled in a new state I was ready to find the local library, I was also ready to resume as a respite volunteer with the local Hospice. The novel was beautifully written and touched many of the experiences of a family caring for the mother at end of life. Anna Q has been my favorite author since reading it in 1995.
I totally agree around finding books that create an experience - for me, this is all about cosy, warm hug books when I'm feeling sensitive and it always works! The only book I can think of is LEGENDS & LATTES because I think it was my gateway into reading cosy books. A book that I really loved and keep thinking about is KNIFE RIVER by Justine Champine. And I'm almost onto the last book in the Mirror Visitor Series THE STORM OF ECHOES :)
It's the best when we can find just the right book that matches not only our mood but what we need from the reading experience at the time. I'm so glad Legends and Lattes was that for you, I've never heard or seen a bad review for that book!
I fondly remember how exciting it was to read The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye for the first time when I was quite young. Although I had enjoyed historical fiction children’s books before then, I think it may have been the first grown up historical fiction adventure story that I had read, and even though it seemed quite long to me at the time, I loved it and it excited me about my future as a reader.
Here’s another vote for THE BOOK THIEF. It’s my favorite book of all time. I’m not much of a re reader, but I’ve read this one three times and it’s greatly impacted me every time. I’d also love to experience GILEAD again for the first time.
I’ve had three 4.5-5⭐️reads already this month, but the literal most recently finished is Ina Garten’s memoir, BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS. It was even better than expected!
I’m currently reading LUTE on paper and listening to THE SMALL AND THE MIGHTY.
OOh 3 times for The Book Thief!! Have any of your rereads been on audio? I wonder how that format is. I read it in print. Sometimes the audio can lead to a new reading experience. You've had a great reading month so far👏🏻
A book I would love to experience reading again for the first time is A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara because it utterly consumed me for 4 straight days and because it's not often I get to read a book that takes me to places I never ever expected while challenging me to not give up and not look away. And for better or worse I love to be moved to tears and I wish I could experience the feeling of being so devastated by fictional characters again. Also I read this during an incredibly stressful time in my life and the fact that I was able to have my mind taken off my own problems and to be immersed so completely in a fictional world was a gift this book gave to me. Almost 10 years later and this reading experience still feels so fresh.
Another book I'd love to experience reading again for the first time is THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak. I only read this because one of my sons was assigned it in 8th grade English and asked if I would read some of it to talk about it with him. I remember starting it in the fall on a cold, gray day and getting a hot tea and blanket and starting it thinking i would skim some to get a general idea of the story to talk about with my son. I spent the next couple days/nights obsessed with this story. I remember finishing it in the same way I started it but in tears with a box of tissues nearby. Edited- I totally forgot to mention the experience of also getting to talk with my son about this story- he was 13 at the time (now 24) and we spent several hours that week dissecting the themes and characters. such great memories
The last book I loved was HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood - I truly think any reader could love this story
I'm currently reading one secret surprise book for my end of the month audio episode, and I also started HOW READING CHANGED MY LIFE by Anna Quindlen. I love it so far. I typically enjoy Quindlen's nonfiction writing and there's something so satisfying about finding out how/why reading has changed other people lives
Such a good question! I've wished so many times that I could read JANE EYRE again for the first time. I would love so much to experience the big reveal without knowing it's coming. There are so many good turns of plot in that book, but the Big One is especially good, and knowing it's coming changes the way I feel reading the book now. I'm so envious of people who don't know anything about it before reading, although it does seem like the Secret Thing has creeped into the cultural consciousness.
I was coming here to say JANE EYRE as well! Such a singular reading experience for me.
You and Mel have me intrigued, I downloaded Jane Eyre on Libby:)
I've never read Jane Eyre and I don't know what it's about and....you couldn't have tempted me more to find out what happens! I'm dying to know what the secret thing is:)
That's a hard question!!!! Maybe Heart's Invisible furies, such a wonderful book... It made me laugh and cry
I would love to experience that one again for the first time too. Such a wonderful story and Cyril is a character I still think about
A book I’d love to read again for the first time is STATION ELEVEN. I remember being so drawn in by the story, the connections between characters, the world building, and the take on dystopian society that felt different and fresh from the trend.
The last book I loved was THE FIVE WOUNDS. It was delicious in how it developed plot and characters, flaws abundant, and it felt reader-lead in its connection instead of being show-n-tell.
Right now I’m reading Martin Short’s memoir, I MUST SAY (audiobook narrated by him was the right call here for me) and THE GOD OF THE WOODS.
I just read Station Eleven for the first time this past spring and I enjoyed it so much. It had been on my list of popular backlist books I needed to read. I thought it was so thought provoking, it's one of my most memorable reads of the year. Love what you had to say about The Five Wounds!
I would love to read PLAINSONG by Kent Haruf again for the first time. I have read most of his books and love his sparse prose. The last book I loved was TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout. On audio I am finishing up DEVIL AT HIS ELBOW by Valerie Bauerlein and it is a well done account of the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.
I haven't read any Kent Haruf but I recently found his book OUR SOULS AT NIGHT in my Little Free library so I took that as a sign that it was time I read him- haven't read that one yet though.
OUR SOULS AT NIGHT is absolutely wonderful! I think you’d love it.
Ohhh good question! I love experiencing an unforeseen twist so I’d say The Last Mrs. Parrish, Gone Girl and Verity come to mind.
The last book I loved was The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden. Such a fun popcorn read.
I need to seek out my next read so I’m sampling a few things including the Reese Witherspoon book club pick and Ina Garten’s memoir.
I haven't read a good popcorn thriller in so long, those are fun, especially for times when life is busy
I would like to first-time experience the reading of LITTLE WOMEN. I did re-read it in the not-too-distant past and I was disappointed. I've since realized it was not just the story that I interpreted as a 50-ish self, but I also wished to again feel the joy of receiving my first "grown-up" book by the person I adored most in the world and who gave me my lifelong love of reading.
This week I devoured WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE (Sophie Kinsella) the same day I learned that a dear friend has also diagnosed with the same cancer: terminal glioblastoma. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It is billed as a novel, but I would call it auto-fiction. The fact that she is well-enough and able enough to write this book is astonishing, especially as she included how she and her husband handled it with their children.
I am currently reading PEGGY (Rebecca Godfrey, who died during the writing, and Leslie Jamison, whom she requested to finish it for her, using all her notes and outlines.) It's a H/F about the avant -garde art collector who, from the 1930's, was a force in the modern art , and artists, of her time.
Jan I'm so sorry to hear about your close friend's diagnosis. It sounds like the Sophie Kinsella book was the right book at the right time for you. I watched an interview with her and her husband and it really is amazing how she's doing and that she was able to write a book that had to be so incredibly personal to her.
Your experience with Little Women sounds so special!
Definitely GONE GIRL! I can still remember my jaw dropping! No other thriller even comes close to what she did in that book in my opinion.
Last book I loved was PERRIS, CALIFORNIA and HERE ONE MOMENT.
Currently reading BLESS YOUR HEART for book club and it’s okay. I think it’s me I’m just not that into it and want to be reading something else but book club is on Monday.
Side note did you know Apple TV made a series on the book DISCLAIMER by Renee Knight? I read that book years ago in 2015 I think and enjoyed it. The series has Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline in it and is good so far!
I remember reading Gone Girl too! In fact I remember seeing a review for it in Entertainment Weekly (back when I still read magazines😅) and thinking "that book is right up my alley" and it was
I read Disclaimer years ago too. I didn't realize the new tv series was based on that, I almost started it this week, I definitely want to watch it
Same on Gone Girl!! So memorable.
The two books I would love to reread for the first time are JANE EYRE (I still remember exactly where I was as a teen when I read it) and THE SECRET HISTORY.
A book I'd love to read again for the first time is THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. I just remember feeling SO many emotions throughout my reading experience, and I distinctly recall the moment I finished it: I was on the couch in my living room, and I closed the book, put it next to me, and literally just sat and stared for a while - like I needed time to gather myself together before moving on. Just writing this little memory makes me think I need to reread it, even if not for the first time! :-) Great questions - thanks for asking!
Oh my gosh, Renee, for some reason I only saw the first paragraph of your response before posting my response! I guess we both have a fondness for The Book Thief! :-)
haha yes, I think many of us here have a great love for that book. It was such an unexpected surprise for me and one that really did make me also sit and think wow when I finished. It's a book hangover type of book. I look forward to rereading it agin someday
The book I’d love to experience reading for the first time is THE HEART’S INVISIBLE FURIES. I LOVED this so much. Just the experience of laughing and crying on the same page is incredible to me. What a talented writer to be able to write so movingly about such hard things but add humour as well. Cyril lives in my head rent free. No book has measured up since.
The last book I loved was THAT NIGHT by Gillian McAllister. Since reading WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME and loving it I have started diving into her backlist and haven’t been disappointed.
I am currently reading NIGHT SHIFT by Stephen King and THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz in paper. I’m listening to DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay. This is a re-read after listening to Annie talk about it on From the Front Porch podcast and remembering how much I loved it.
I agree with everything you said about THIF - Cyril is a character I have never forgotten and I read it in 2016. Dipping into a new favorite author's backlist is so fun, glad you're enjoying her books
I wish I could read ODD THOMAS by Dean Koontz again for the first time. Odd is another character I fell in love with, and Koontz provided a nice series of books that provided a complete story arc for this character.
I recently read THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah. This was a 5-star book for me. It touched me on so many different levels. It has been a long time since a book made me cry, but this one did!
I’m currently reading STRANGE SALLY DIAMOND by Liz Nugent, I am rereading IT by Stephen King, and I’m also reading THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas via the Serial Reader app. I’ve long held the philosophy of “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” So I read one issue in Serial Reader each day, and set a timer for 30 minutes of IT daily, then the rest of my reading time goes to the latest book on my Kindle. It works for me!
You know just what works for your reading rhythm, I love it! I've loved so many of Dean K's older books but haven't read Odd Thomas. I think Sally Diamond is one of the most memorable characters I've read in the last few years!
ONE TRUE THING by Anna Quindlen . A few weeks after getting settled in a new state I was ready to find the local library, I was also ready to resume as a respite volunteer with the local Hospice. The novel was beautifully written and touched many of the experiences of a family caring for the mother at end of life. Anna Q has been my favorite author since reading it in 1995.
Love this! So many times books find and meet us exactly where we are in life
I totally agree around finding books that create an experience - for me, this is all about cosy, warm hug books when I'm feeling sensitive and it always works! The only book I can think of is LEGENDS & LATTES because I think it was my gateway into reading cosy books. A book that I really loved and keep thinking about is KNIFE RIVER by Justine Champine. And I'm almost onto the last book in the Mirror Visitor Series THE STORM OF ECHOES :)
It's the best when we can find just the right book that matches not only our mood but what we need from the reading experience at the time. I'm so glad Legends and Lattes was that for you, I've never heard or seen a bad review for that book!
And the prequel is also amazing! X
I fondly remember how exciting it was to read The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye for the first time when I was quite young. Although I had enjoyed historical fiction children’s books before then, I think it may have been the first grown up historical fiction adventure story that I had read, and even though it seemed quite long to me at the time, I loved it and it excited me about my future as a reader.
Our early experiences with books can be so magical, especially when it gives us that reading excitement as a young reader
Here’s another vote for THE BOOK THIEF. It’s my favorite book of all time. I’m not much of a re reader, but I’ve read this one three times and it’s greatly impacted me every time. I’d also love to experience GILEAD again for the first time.
I’ve had three 4.5-5⭐️reads already this month, but the literal most recently finished is Ina Garten’s memoir, BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS. It was even better than expected!
I’m currently reading LUTE on paper and listening to THE SMALL AND THE MIGHTY.
OOh 3 times for The Book Thief!! Have any of your rereads been on audio? I wonder how that format is. I read it in print. Sometimes the audio can lead to a new reading experience. You've had a great reading month so far👏🏻
I just finished The Book Thief on audio - loved it- highly recommend that format.
I haven’t tried it on audio. I’ve loved it so much on paper I think I’d be scared to try it any other way. 😉