Books Worth Re-reading

Today’s blog post spotlights a few books that I’ve read through the years that I feel like are worth re-reading (or, if you haven’t read them before, are worth a read).

Lately I’ve been getting into a reading slump. Last year (2020) I only had one DNF (did not finish) book (out of 50). I won’t say what book that was *coughMidnightSuncough*. 2021 has been a bit different. It’s only February and I’ve already placed 2 books in my DNF pile. I’m not sure if it’s the writing style, the narrator’s voice/POV, the slow-moving plot, or something else completely. Maybe it’s just me.

But the slump got me thinking about what it is about the books that get me interested, intrigued, and invested. I’m hoping as I list off these “worth rereading” books, I may find a pattern or recurring element that helps me hone in on that “sweet spot.”

*This list of books is in no particular order.

A YELLOW RAFT IN BLUE WATER by Michael Dorris

If you’ve read my blog before, you’ve probably stumbled upon this book already.

The first time I read it, I thought it was pretty obscure. Of course, at the time, I was a senior in high school and still hadn’t really appreciated any other books besides YA fiction. However, this book had a strange pull that nagged on me for years until I revisited it again and read it all the way through.

This book is more of a character study than a plot driven book. I think that’s why it was so intriguing to me. It was very different than the books I had read before. While there are definitely plot-driven elements and parts, I think of this book almost as a puzzle. The more you try to fit individual pieces together, the better you can see the “bigger picture.”

The story is woven in a unique way – it is split into three parts, each part following a different character (a daughter, a mother, and a grandmother – three generations of women). And even though each part picks up where the previous part ends, it is told from a different character’s point of view. Simultaneously, you find yourself going back in time, even though the “present storyline” is still going forward.

I’ve read this book two and a half times. And I’m still eager to dive in again.

NEWS OF THE WORLD by Paulette Jiles

When I first heard of News of the World, I didn’t realize it was a book. I just saw a preview for the movie. I picked up the book and read it over Christmas break. I’ve heard this book described as the American version of The Hobbit – where the journey is more important than the destination.

The style of writing is definitely something you may need to adjust to, as it is written in an “older style” (ex. no quotation marks to denote dialogue). I would consider this a very deep historical fiction – maybe even literary fiction. There were also definitely some plodding, drawn-out segments of the book.

Even among these “difficulties,” I would revisit this book. It felt like I was truly in the desert wilderness of 19th century Texas. I felt like the book was well researched and written. There were suspenseful moments where I found myself impatiently turning the pages. The ending was incredibly moving and pivotal. I did cry – and books (or anything, really) rarely make me cry. That to me made the whole read worth it.

I will say, for the record, I did see the movie after finishing the book. Unfortunately, I did not feel like the movie did the book much justice, except for this man right here:

Tom Hanks was probably the only redeeming quality of the movie version of News of the World.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen

What more can I say?

Not much else gets me more excited than some quality Regency-era novels with witty, strong-willed, opinionated, spirited, independent young ladies, romantic conflicts, and side commentaries on social standings and economic security.

So I won’t say much else.

Except that I’m excited to try the spin-off novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. So take all that Regency-era wonderfulness and mix in some supernatural creepiness.

EDUCATED by Tara Westover

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was initially drawn into this book because the author went to BYU and was raised in an LDS home. However, I was totally taken by surprise as the narrative touched on issues such as gaslighting, physical and psychological abuse, schizophrenia, and many other taboo subjects.

The read itself was riveting – Westover’s writing style is beautiful, poetic, and intense. She makes great use of ALL sensory details. At the same time, the memoir is very action and plot driven. It is a journey of self-discovery and a quest for freedom.

There is a similar book written by her mother called Educating that I am interested in reading as well. It’ll be interesting to compare the two narratives.

ONE DAY by David Nicholls

I would consider this novel a contemporary romance. Romances are a hit or miss for me. This one obviously did something different, as romance isn’t usually my #1 pick to read for leisure.

One Day follows the lives of two individuals that meet on July 15, 1988. The rest of the book is divided into chapters that show consecutive years on that same day – July 15th.

While you only “see” the characters – Emma and Dexter – on July 15th of each year for the next 20 or so years, the gaps are filled in with skillful writing, intriguing issues and conflicts, and a depiction of a realistic, growing relationship.

The character development is incredible – if you’re like me, your feelings may change drastically for certain characters. The characterization is believable – both Emma and Dexter have their flaws and their strengths. They are genuinely and convincingly sculpted.

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

This is one of my all-time favorites – right up there with P&P. I watched the movie about 5 times before finally cracking down on the novel. And I was still the more impressed.

I love everything about this book. The multiple-character POV, the writing style (and how it changes with each character to give them each their own unique voice), the plot and conflict, everything. NPR says, “If you read only one book…let this be it.” I wholeheartedly agree. It’s amazing that this is Kathryn Stockett’s first novel. It’s so flawless; it’s engaging and readable; it deals with real and important issues. It’s heartbreaking and humorous.

It’s a book about rocking the boat.

And if you’re into that, this book is definitely for you.

I AM MALALA by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

If you’re looking for inspiring, I’d say this novel embodies everything about it.

While some aspects of this book were difficult for me to read (for instance, the geography and cultural terminology/references of Pakistan), overall this book was outstanding. Malala’s voice is clearly represented in the writing and she has a very straightforward way of telling her story.

This is another “rock the boat” story – the subtitle of the book literally says “The girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban.”

Malala has accomplished more in her 16 years of life than most people will in their entire life. Imagine how much good could be accomplished if every person had courage to stand up for the truth, just like Malala.

I hope that in time, more books will be added to my list.

I still haven’t really found many similarities with these books except that they evoke strong emotions from me. And I guess that’s what good books are supposed to do in the first place. Some of them have beautiful endings. Some are stunning from start to finish. Some are non-fiction, some are fiction. Some are contemporary, some are considered classics. Some are very plot-driven. Some are character studies. Some hold a sense of nostalgia; some are recent reads that I’ve only read once.

So, the “sweet spot” continues to elude me….