Have you read a book more than once? [Archive]

Kell

26th July 2006, 06:20

There are HEAPS of books I re-read:
Terry Pratchett's Discworld series
Christopher Brookmyre's novels
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Stand by Stephen King

Those are just a few & I've lost count of the amount of times i've read those ones - & I know I'll read them again too!

There are others that I don't re-read quite so often, but if I listed them all here I'd take up all the space - LOL!

Janet

26th July 2006, 07:35

I've re-read all my Famous Five, Mallory Towers and St Clares books recently. They are very dated now, of course, but I still enjoyed them!

I've also read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Beyond This Place by A J Cronin and Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes more than once.

Other than that, I have so many books on my 'To Read' pile, that I feel guilty if I don't concentrate on that!

Sarahrob

26th July 2006, 08:30

I have got absolutely loads of books I re-read. Jane Eyre, Rebecca, Northanger Abbey, The Secret History, HP, the North Ship and a big pile of others.
If I like a book I will read it a couple of times before I get rid of it.

Freewheeling Andy

26th July 2006, 08:42

I've had massive satisfaction from re-reading The Master and Margarita, and The Bridge Over The Drina.

Many other books I re-read and get nothing from.

Renniemist

26th July 2006, 10:09

I read The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel and Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon twice. When I was young I read the Anne of Green Gables books twice. However I have such a huge pile of books waiting to be read that I don’t make a habit of reading them twice.

Having said that I would read Rebecca again I really enjoyed that book.

Tiger

26th July 2006, 10:39

I've lost count of how many times I've read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...

Sugar

26th July 2006, 11:08

Other than that, I have so many books on my 'To Read' pile, that I feel guilty if I don't concentrate on that!

I try to avoid re-reads for the same reason. If I do re-read I listen to things on cassette in the car. I can't listen to something I haven't read as I miss chunks when I go over a roundabout or something. If I know the basics of the story then it doesn't matter so much!

In this way, I have "re-read" Jasper Ffordes Thursday Next series a number of times. I have also re-read a couple of Philip Pullman's books (not His Dark materials yet though) in this way.

I recently re-read "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilmore - but as it is only about 30 pages long that's cheating a bit!

Just started to re-read "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath - inspired by the Gilmore, both were A Level texts for me - but have had to lay this to one side again to read a load of other things that have just bumped their way to the top of the pile.

Icecream

26th July 2006, 11:52

If I do re-read I listen to things on cassette in the car. I can't listen to something I haven't read as I miss chunks when I go over a roundabout or something. If I know the basics of the story then it doesn't matter so much

I had thought of buying the Harry Potters as audios. They may help me to sleep.[/quote]

Angel

26th July 2006, 19:00

It is very rare that I get rid of my books and they are nearly all reread albeit some more than others.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and Jude the Obscure have been reread so many times I've lost count, LOL :D

Philippa Gregory, Jean Plaidy, and Thomas Hardy are definate rereads

MonkeyCatcher

29th July 2006, 23:59

The Hobbit is one that I have read numerous times, as well as The Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling and the Tomorrow, When the War Began series by John Marsden.

Michelle

30th July 2006, 07:08

Oh yea.. I forgot I've read The Hobbit twice.

yin/yang

31st July 2006, 17:39

Oh i do it all the time, i get novel amnesia so it saves my pennies if i'm bored and bookless. mainly its all the Harry Potters, The mamoth Hunters and the shelters of stone by Jean Auel. Occasionally i revisit a pratchett book but i think i'd reread any book i enjoyed if enough time had elapsed.

wrathofkublakhan

17th February 2007, 21:42

Books I've read a minimum of five times....

Tarzan
The Jungle Books
Battlefield Earth
DragonSinger and DragonSong
Obsidian Butterfly
The Magic Engineer
The Sackett Brand
Ride the River
The Walking Drum
Sitka
Lando
Ender's Game

Does the Book of Romans or Ephesians count?

poppy

17th February 2007, 23:38

Books I've read a minimum of five times....

Does the Book of Romans or Ephesians count?

Definitely :D

Lilywhite

18th February 2007, 12:07

A couple of the Martina Cole books, Eragon and The Hobbit have all been re-read, there are a few I know I will eventually re-read, like Rebecca but I have so many books to read the first time round that re-reads will have to wait a while,

JudyB

18th February 2007, 19:25

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy and Germinal by Emile Zola.

Unfortunately though my TBR list is always so long that it's hard to contemplate re-reading books. I did it all the time as a child (more time then) re-reading in particular Enid Blyton.

dogmatix

18th February 2007, 20:10

Watership Down.....I can't possibly tell you how many times...and I'm not done yet. Get something else each time I read it.

Lexi's Nana

18th February 2007, 20:17

Books I've read more than once....

Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen
The Stand, Stephen King
Insomnia, Stephen King
The Gold Coast, Nelson DeMille
The Charm School, Nelson DeMille
Plum Island, Nelson DeMille
Aztec, Gary Jennings

Liz

18th February 2007, 21:16

I'm re-reading a Colin Dexter one at the moment. I read a few of his Morse ones last year, but I've decided to read the series in order, so I'm going to be re-reading some of them.

Mia

18th February 2007, 21:53

I think I've read nearly all of my books more than once! Ones I've probably read more than twice include:

The Harry Potter series
The His Dark Materials series (Pullman)
The Discworld series (Pratchett)
Jane Eyre
Cold Comfort Farm (Stella Gibbons) - My favourite book at the moment!
The Black Magician trilogy (Trudi Canavan)
Rose Madder, The Shining, Firestarter, The Talisman, The Eyes of the Dragon and more (King)
Riders, Rivals and Polo (Jilly Cooper)
The Jinny at Finmory series (Patricia Leitch)
The Mallory Towers series (Blyton)

Think I'll stop there for now - there must be heaps more! :lol:

Liz

18th February 2007, 22:01

I can definitely see myself re-reading the Discworld series and the Pullman trilogy at some point.

Freewheeling Andy

19th February 2007, 13:04

Excluding favourites as a child that I reread loads of times:

If This Is A Man by Primo Levi
The Bridge Over The Drina by Ivo Andric
Broken April by Ismael Kadare
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
The Good Soldier Schweijk by Jaroslav Hasek

Amanda1

19th February 2007, 13:34

no, I never re-read

Liz

20th February 2007, 23:51

I just thought of another set of books which I've read several times, The Guide by Douglas Adams

dogmatix

21st February 2007, 03:42

I just thought of another set of books which I've read several times, The Guide by Douglas Adams

Oh yes, me too!

Rosie

21st February 2007, 13:43

Jane Eyre - for 'O' levels at school, then again for 'A' levels at night school and then as part of an OU course.

To the Lighthouse - once for 'A' levels and again later on just for pleasure.

A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr - because I love it so much I've read this book quite a few times.

Daughter of Time - Josephine Tey - re-read several times

We Speak No Treason - Rosemary Hawley Jarman read twice.

Gyre

21st February 2007, 14:50

I have re-read:

Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
The Shining by Stephen King
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
Firestarter by Stephen King
Weaveworld by Clive Barker
The Damnation Game by Clive Barker
The Books of Blood by Clive Barker

:D

princessponti

21st February 2007, 22:43

A Christmas Carol every year at Christmas :) :stocking::present::stocking::santahat: ..just wouldn't be the same without it!!

Purple Poppy

21st February 2007, 23:37

Mia said...
Cold Comfort Farm (Stella Gibbons) - My favourite book at the moment

Oh Mia! You've made my day! It's definitely one of my top five favourites, and I thinkl I've read it about three times that I remember.
Love it. Very clever and funny book!

Mia

22nd February 2007, 12:43

Oh Mia! You've made my day! It's definitely one of my top five favourites, and I thinkl I've read it about three times that I remember.
Love it. Very clever and funny book!

I'm glad I've met someone else who loves Cold Comfort Farm, PP! :) No-one I know has heard of it. I hadn't until I saw a TV adaptation starring Kate Beckinsale as Flora. I loved it so much I went and got the book from the library, and found it equally wonderful and hilarious. I've just finished reading my own copy that I got for £2.99 from a local cheapy bookshop (I love getting a bargain!). I've now got my mum reading it! :mrgreen:

I love all the clever satire and it's just so funny!

Lilywhite

22nd February 2007, 15:50

I've just bought myself a copy of Rebecca ~ Daphne Du Maurier as the last copy I read came from the library. This one will definately be read more than once :)

benedicklover

23rd February 2007, 22:02

To the Lighthouse - once for 'A' levels and again later on just for pleasure.

A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr - because I love it so much I've read this book quite a few times.

I've never read either of these but have them both on video (because of them featurring Kenneth Branagh), I keep promising myself I will read them one day.

Liz

28th February 2007, 23:46

Thought of another two;

The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

* Pilgrim's Progress has been read to our class four times at school so far and I've also read it twice.

lovesreading06

28th February 2007, 23:50

once in school.

done it in 4th year then had to do it in 6 year.

I can't remeber what the book was called but i know what the book all about.

Liz

28th February 2007, 23:54

once in school.

done it in 4th year then had to do it in 6 year.

I can't remeber what the book was called but i know what the book all about.

What's it about, then?

lovesreading06

28th February 2007, 23:56

Its a boy who homeless them he mets someone who he thinks could be his best friend but doesn't realise that he kills people who are homeless.

I think one of the person in the book was called kevin. He met one of then at a train station.

I have a look at the libray on friday and see if there have it.

Liz

28th February 2007, 23:59

Oh.
Sounds like a jolly book, then.

Pilgrim

1st March 2007, 00:23

Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

scottishbookworm

1st March 2007, 01:22

I've read marian keyes "Anyone out there" 3 times I just love the book and also some titles by Jackie collins and carole matthews and Ian rankin

~V~

1st March 2007, 07:13

mr god this is anna - fynn
the day after tomorrow - allan folsom
the eight - katherine neville
all the agatha christie books
probably others i can't think of right now

i shall read the whole harry potter series again, maybe when they're all completed. also shall re-visit the time traveller's wife (somebody has my copy at the moment) and memoirs of a geisha

Miss Read

1st March 2007, 09:26

I,Claudius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves both fantastic books to curl up with .

Polka Dot Rock

1st March 2007, 10:51

I've had to re-read quite a few books because of my degree, so I'll try and think of ones where I've re-read out of personal choice:

After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell (about four times)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (at least twice)

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (First time, aged 14 - had to read it for GCSE = hated it. Second time, aged 17 - read it out of curiousity = loved it. Third time, aged 20 - read it for Uni course = REALLY loved it :lol:)

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (twice for choice, then once for dissertation)

Matilda by Roald Dahl (who knows how many times!)

I don't tend to re-read that much anymore, although I'd like to. I'm on a bit of a new material binge :)

Liz

2nd March 2007, 00:55

Animal Farm by George Orwell

I've read that three times so far.
First time was of my own choice, but then I read it twice whilst studying it.

Polka Dot Rock

2nd March 2007, 10:13

******! Forgot these two:

Maus - Art Spiegelman

Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier

caroline

2nd March 2007, 16:07

Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion - Jane Austen
I`ve lost count of the times I have read these.

Pilgrim

6th March 2007, 00:35

I,Claudius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves both fantastic books to curl up with .

I loved the mini-series with Derek Jacobi!

Rosie

6th March 2007, 11:53

I've never read either of these but have them both on video (because of them featurring Kenneth Branagh), I keep promising myself I will read them one day.

I think you will enjoy reading them, benedicklover, especially Month in the Country because the film is very true to the book. I'm guessing from your user name and your liking of Kenneth Branagh that you will also have a video/dvd of Much Ado About Nothing - I love that film.:)

wrathofkublakhan

7th March 2007, 05:05

I've read many over and over again. It seems that if I don't have a book to read I get restless and bump into things. I've read the labels on soup cans and have even caught myself reading the shampoo bottle in the shower and then; having once read it; begin to re-arrange letters to make other words. Is it an illness, disease or sickness, I'm not sure - in any case, it runs in my family. I once saw my little sister, about 13 years old, wake up from a nap; put on her glasses and continue reading. Books abound. They're piled up in my apartment either waiting like an old friend for a visit or a trip as a donation to my local library. I have "book friends" (and now this forum) who suggest books for me to read, like the waiter at my local fish and chips place. Like two grannies on the porch talking about past lovers, I find myself re-reading books from my childhood remembering not only the story but the innocence of my youth. Some books I might never read again but keep for nostalgia. I have my beat-up treasured copy of Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test that I read back in '73 that still has a rolling paper in it for a book mark! My experience with books in my life is so profound and integrated into my lifestyle that it's bound tightly, barely edited (just like this long paragraph). :typing:

kernow_reader

9th March 2007, 16:45

[quote=wrathofkublakhan;68764] It seems that if I don't have a book to read I get restless and bump into things. I've read the labels on soup cans and have even caught myself reading the shampoo bottle in the shower and then; having once read it; begin to re-arrange letters to make other words. Is it an illness, disease or sickness, I'm not sure [quote]

If it is then I suffer too! :D
As a self confessed linguophile I read it all... notice boards, graffiti, dictionaries, instructions. I love how words build and where they originate.

Books I've reread include:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Rebecca.
Far From The Madding Crowd.
Oliver.
A Christmas Carol (which I read every Christmas).

and

my favourite for its 'use of language'. . .

The English Patient. :readingtwo:

Nici76

9th March 2007, 18:05

I'm like that too! I have to have a book to read or i feel really lost...

I have re-read the Flowers in the Attic series and the Heaven series by Virginia Andrews several times, although not for a while now. But they are still all on my book shelf.

Purple Poppy

11th March 2007, 00:32

Wrath said

I've read many over and over again. It seems that if I don't have a book to read I get restless and bump into things. I've read the labels on soup cans and have even caught myself reading the shampoo bottle in the shower and then; having once read it; begin to re-arrange letters to make other words. Is it an illness, disease or sickness, I'm not sure - in any case, it runs in my family. I once saw my little sister, about 13 years old, wake up from a nap; put on her glasses and continue reading. Books abound. They're piled up in my apartment either waiting like an old friend for a visit or a trip as a donation to my local library. I have "book friends" (and now this forum) who suggest books for me to read, like the waiter at my local fish and chips place. Like two grannies on the porch talking about past lovers, I find myself re-reading books from my childhood remembering not only the story but the innocence of my youth. Some books I might never read again but keep for nostalgia. I have my beat-up treasured copy of Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test that I read back in '73 that still has a rolling paper in it for a book mark! My experience with books in my life is so profound and integrated into my lifestyle that it's bound tightly, barely edited (just like this long paragraph). :typing:

Me too. Like You and Trish, I read everything and anything, and also make up word and letter games, , or try to translate into french, etc Its not just compulsive...it just ahppens without even thinking about it. I can remember the first time I met someone who didn't make up words from the vehicle registration plates. I couldn't believe that someone a) wouldn't notice, and b) not find it interesting to come up with words and alternatives, some of which were very funny. Since then, I've learnt that it's probably me that's the odd one! Life is so much more dull now they've changed the reg plates!:cry2:

Oh, and how many words can you make out of 'shreddies' or 'delicious'.
How sad is that??

Pp

wrathofkublakhan

11th March 2007, 03:43

delicious
deli
lid
lido (deck, hehe)
side
slide
deal
lead
loud
soul
dole
ole (ay caramba!)
sole
cloud

(muttering) stop playing with my head! :)

wrathofkublakhan

11th March 2007, 03:49

Argh.

shreddies
reed
heed
seed
shred
dire
dress
dish
shed
hiss
red
dred
deed
dies
hire
hires
shire
shires
ire
ides (of march, beware!)
rides
sides
hides
derides

sigh....

Purple Poppy

11th March 2007, 11:24

:lol: :lol: :lol:

You should get a prize for that. Next time I get a freebie in the cereal box...I'll send it to you!;)

benedicklover

15th March 2007, 19:30

I think you will enjoy reading them, benedicklover, especially Month in the Country because the film is very true to the book. I'm guessing from your user name and your liking of Kenneth Branagh that you will also have a video/dvd of Much Ado About Nothing - I love that film.:)
Ha ha, busted:blush: Yeah, I have watched the film literally dozens of times.

Laramie

17th March 2007, 16:58

I always re-read books. I tend to just re-read the ones I really enjoyed the first time around, when I haven't got anything new to read.

Davo

15th April 2008, 15:35

Only just getting back into reading but was wondering do you ever re-read books or are you like me (so far) and read a book once and then that is it - goes on the shelf.....

If you do re-read books how long do you leave it before reading it again?

prospero

15th April 2008, 15:51

I re-read all the time.

The book I've read most is Forever Amber (four times so far...I think). Or perhaps Freda Warrington's A Taste of Blood Wine (four times, might be five though).

I've read Gone With the Wind at least three times; same for BTB's A Woman of Substance - I think she's built an entire career on that one book and her novels have been going steadily downhill since then but anyway...

There are probably hundreds of books I've read more than once. My dad's always asking me why I buy books when there's a library a five-minute walk from my house and I always tell him, "I might want to read it again." His answer is, "Borrow the book again," but he's not a bookworm. I love owning my own novels and flicking through them from time to time, seeing what grabs me.

There aren't many non-writing people I know who understand why one would want to read the same book more than once; one could say, "I read the first time for enjoyment and the second time to study how the author achieved such literary effects," but the truth is - I just enjoy it. Who wouldn't want to go over an old favourite again? Sure, you know what happens, but I bet you'd watch the same film more than once, wouldn't you?

After a quick count - of the 576 books I own, I've read 60 more than once.

Echo

15th April 2008, 16:45

I've read most of my books more than once. My favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, I've read about 4 times. Some of my oldest favorites, like Jurassic Park, I've read maybe 5 or 6 times. I actually find that I enjoy the book in a different way each time I read it.

March

15th April 2008, 17:32

Yes, I have re-read several books, like Congo by Michael Crichton, Deception Point by Dan Brown, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and many more. Lately been re-reading "he's just not that into you by greg behrendt and liz tuccillo".

aromaannie

15th April 2008, 17:36

Hardly ever for me as I have so many new books I want to read first ;)

burghead lass

15th April 2008, 18:33

yes I've read a book a second tome and the relised that I had read it before but had forgoton

jenmck

16th April 2008, 03:08

There are books I'm compelled to read again every year or two.

"Gaudy Night" by Dorothy L. Sayers (Followed by "Busman's Honeymoon")
All of my Ngaio Marsh mysteries.
All of my Patricia Wentworth mysteries.
The Birth of Britain series by Winston Churchill.
The Dune series by Frank Herbert.
The Shannara books by Terry Brooks.
The Three Sisters Trilogy by Nora Roberts.

So, yeah, I reread a lot of books. LOL.

Davo

16th April 2008, 08:25

Thanks for all the comments. I think personally, I would have to leave it a couple of years before I would re-read a book

~V~

16th April 2008, 22:20

I've read most, if not all, of Agatha Christie's books a number of times. Other than that, there's only a handful of books that I've re-read despite keeping books forever just in case I want to :roll:

Kylie

16th April 2008, 23:36

I read the Baby-Sitters Club books over and over again when I was younger. And I've re-read most of the Trixie Belden books at least half a dozen times.

Every year or two I read all 10 books of John Marsden's Tomorrow, When the War Began series. I also re-read the Harry Potter books at least once every two years (I was pretty much re-reading them every year for a while, as new books kept coming out). And there is a certain trilogy of books by Jonathan Wylie that I've also read about half a dozen times.

Dear me, is it any wonder I have so many books on my TBR pile when I keep re-reading? :smile2: Although, of the 20 books I've read so far this year, only two have been re-reads, and there's a been a gap of at least 10 years since I last read them!

EshInoBi

17th April 2008, 02:52

I don't like to. I usually only do if I'm forced to, like if we have to read it as a novel study in class... Otherwise, I re-read if I forgot them.

madcow

17th April 2008, 20:39

Some of my favourite re-reads are:
Princess Daisy - Judith Krantz
The Legacy & The Inheritance - Claire Raynor
The Wind In The Willows - Kenneth Grahame
Black Beauty - Anna Sewell
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe - C S Lewis
to name but a few, and I also have all of Lesley Pearse's and nearly all of Martina Cole's books which will definately get a re-read at some point. :D

Colin Jacobs

2nd August 2008, 15:01

I am afraid I do not as there is so much out there to read I cannot justify the time spent re reading a book. I did re read Rats once cos I had nothing else to hand when I was bed ridden but that was the only time i did so. Although I do keep all the books after I have read them. God knows why!

Loopyloo100

2nd August 2008, 17:38

I agree Colin there are too many books out there, but occasionally I will dip into a children's book again - just for the memories.

Jules2

2nd August 2008, 17:58

Now and again I'll come across a book that I enjoyed the first time round and before I know it, I'm engrossed in it again. I once came across Savages by Shirley Conran in the loft which I had read many years ago and couldn't remember how it ended so I read it again and my memory must be appalling because the end was still a surprise second time round.

Tiresias

3rd August 2008, 05:24

For me, the pleasures of rereading are greater than the surprises of a first read. You remember the way, and are free to enjoy the journey without worrying about getting lost.

supergran71

3rd August 2008, 13:08

I have read all of Jane Austen's more than once and am in the throes of reading them again. Two other books I have read at least twice are "The Thornbirds" by Colleen MacCulloch and "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. I love BIG sagas!!

peacefield

3rd August 2008, 13:53

I love re-reading favorite books of mine. I get to experience all over again the reason why I loved them, so who wants to pass up that opportunity?!

I've re-read Maeve Binchy's 'Circle of Friends' several times, along with Dumas' 'Count of Monte Cristo,' King's 'The Shining' and the 7 books in the art mystery series by Iain Pears. I also re-read Matthew Pearl's 'The Dante Club' on my trip to New England a few years ago. It was great to read a book while vacationing in the same place it was set.

eschulenburg

3rd August 2008, 14:29

I actually just finished re-reading one of my favorite novels, The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay. It had been a couple of years since I read it last, and I learned things about the characters I hadn't picked up on before. I was, as usual, sorry for it to end. I don't re-read a lot, but I usually enjoy it when I do.

Ruth

3rd August 2008, 15:49

I've read To Kill A Mockingbird, American Psycho and Wuthering Heights more than once.

Colin Jacobs

3rd August 2008, 15:57

Kylie

3rd August 2008, 23:12

surely if you have already read a book and know the ending how can you enjoy turning page after page not knowing what will happen. I just cannot get my head around it.

It's all about the journey, not the destination ;)

lovesreading06

3rd August 2008, 23:23

I don't read the same book again.

princessponti

4th August 2008, 08:13

It's not all about finding out what happens, for me it's about the feeling you get from the story, the moods and emotions that are created. I read A Christmas Carol every christmas, because I love the christmassy feel to the book, the crisp air and message.

I re-read Wuthering Heights this year as I went to Yorkshire, reading the book in Yorkshire meant that I got something new from it, I was surrounded by the scenery described in the pages, it made the story have more of an impact.

Kell

4th August 2008, 08:32

There are quite a few I've read multiple times that i know I'll read again and again:

The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett
The Stand by Stephen King (complete and unabridged edition)
Maia by Richard Adams
Savages by Shirley Conran
The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis
Most of Ben Elton's books

There are others too that I read and reread in childhood that I plan to read to Tadpole and enjoy all over again. :)

poppy

4th August 2008, 09:08

All the time. I have my favourite books that I read time and time again. Books by P.G. Wodehouse, Gerald Durrell, Lillian Beckwith, Mary Wesley, Colleen MacCulloch, R.F.Delderfield ....and heaps of others. They are my comfort books. :) I'm a bit like you Supergran, I like big sagas too, I don't know how many times I've read Gone With the Wind now.

poppy

4th August 2008, 09:11

surely if you have already read a book and know the ending how can you enjoy turning page after page not knowing what will happen. I just cannot get my head around it.

When you've got a memory like mine, half the time you can't remember how a book finished anyway :lol:

Janet

4th August 2008, 12:30

When you've got a memory like mine, half the time you can't remember how a book finished anyway :lol:
Ain't that the truth - it happens to me too! :D

SaraPepparkaka

4th August 2008, 14:08

I re-read most of my books. When I had to be really careful about how much money I spent on books, I only bought those books that I knew I would re-read, and the rest of my reading I borrowed from the library. Now that I'm neither studying nor staying at home with children, I sometimes buy books that I actually haven't read. But I still tend to be picky as to which books I buy, from habit I guess. A book that you have read is like an old friend.

supergran71

4th August 2008, 14:14

Well see Colin, its like watching a movie again and again. There is always something you didnt notice the first time. Its the same with books, on the second, third or fourth even, you are bound to find something that maybe you skipped over before, or a character that you didnt take so much notice of the first time.

I have lost count of the number of times I have watched Gone With the Wind, so I will never tire of reading the book. The Thornbirds is like the Australian GWTW I suppose, its a giant of a story and I will never tire of going through all the traumas and heartaches again and again.

Pride and Prejudice reading it just a few months ago, was like reading it as a new book, the characters seemed more developed. The scene between Darcy and Elizabeth when he proposes marriage and she slaps him down I will never tire of reading. In fact I read that scene alone 3 times on this reading.

Ruth

4th August 2008, 15:35

surely if you have already read a book and know the ending how can you enjoy turning page after page not knowing what will happen. I just cannot get my head around it.

Also I cannot justify the time re reading I just want to read new stuff after every book I finish.

I don't reread stuff very often, but as others have said, in the case of many books, it's more about the journey than the destination! I do love to try new stuff though:)

pontalba

4th August 2008, 15:44

I do reread, sometimes several times if only to get a timeline straight in my head especially if it is for a discussion. But one can always get more out of it as has been said above, and really just wait a few years and rereading will be like the first reading sometimes.

There are some books that I am so anxious to know the ending I sweep through like a house afire, I know I miss details, but I have to know what happens, then I can go back and reread in a more relaxed manner.

Simonsays

4th August 2008, 17:28

Personally I can never understand why people:
a) Re-read books unless they've forgotten what they're about or the books are absolute favourites
b) Watch films repeatedly - my brother is a serial DVD buyer - and seems to buy films he freely admits were 'just ok'
What's the point of that?!!

nursenblack

4th August 2008, 22:40

The only books I have ever reread are Wuthering Heights and To Kill A Mockingbird because they are favorites of mine and because they were assignments in school. I just have too many new books on my shelf and ones that are calling my name at the library to even consider rereading anything.

its like watching a movie again and again. There is always something you didnt notice the first time. Its the same with books, on the second, third or fourth even, you are bound to find something that maybe you skipped over before, or a character that you didnt take so much notice of the first time.I agree with what Supergran said. I think it is like someone going home again after they've been away for awhile. Everything looks basically the same, but there are a few surprises to discover. It is nice to do that from time to time.

Kylie

4th August 2008, 23:19

b) Watch films repeatedly - my brother is a serial DVD buyer - and seems to buy films he freely admits were 'just ok'
What's the point of that?!!

I have a lot of DVDs but I only buy those that I know I'll watch over and over.

There are some books that I am so anxious to know the ending I sweep through like a house afire, I know I miss details, but I have to know what happens, then I can go back and reread in a more relaxed manner.

I was like that with the Harry Potter books. (I think probably a lot of people were!) :smile2:

lovesreading06

11th August 2008, 20:43

Its a boy who homeless them he mets someone who he thinks could be his best friend but doesn't realise that he kills people who are homeless.

Stone cold that was the book. I can remeber every detail that happened proplary because i had to read it twice.

Gyre

11th August 2008, 20:49

I have read 'Ralph's Party' by Lisa Jewell, more than once :D

petit_canard25

12th August 2008, 15:07

HARRY POTTER WOOHOOO!!!!! Ever since I started reading those novels thanks to my aunt i've been completly hooked with reading. I have read the Harry Potter novels more than once especially when the movie comes out so that it refreshes my memory. :)

Jo-Bridge

12th August 2008, 15:50

I dont think I'd re read a thriller or a mystery but I re-read some of my favourites. I do think that you find something additional to appreciate every time you read a fave book. I've re-read Dark Materials trilogy a few times, The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber (but not too ofter because its huge!), The Hacienda by Lisa St Aubin De Teran and Hangover square by Patrick Hamilton. I'm planning to re-read Rebecca in the next month or so! Hope its as good as I remember

I do find it hard to re-read a book after its been made into a film, though!

Kiwi

13th August 2008, 09:35

I read the 'Emperor' series by Conn Iggulden twice when I was younger. I'm also going to read The Kite Runner again, most likely.

Leetid

13th August 2008, 12:55

I like to re-read quite a lot of my books as I have that many its a while before I read them again.

Jo-Bridge

13th August 2008, 18:08

I read the 'Emperor' series by Conn Iggulden twice when I was younger. I'm also going to read The Kite Runner again, most likely.

I've just started the first in the series. quite enjoying it!

Kenny

13th August 2008, 21:52

Well you know I re-read my Hiccup Horrendous books mum.

kb.marsh

14th August 2008, 12:43

I don't generally re-read books, there is too much out there to spend time re-reading, I want to get my teeth into something new

Robert Johnson

17th August 2008, 14:17

I find that reading a book the second or third time is never as good as the first. Reading a book many years later, what you've learnt and experienced in the meantime can completely change your views of the book when you read it again.

bookworm44

17th August 2008, 16:00

In the winter on a snowy day I like to sit home and re-read a classic or one of my personal favorites.

polemole

17th August 2008, 22:15

3rd September 2008, 02:00

I can't count how many times I've read Hones Illusions by Nora Roberts. Simply: it's her very best novel.

wordsgood

4th September 2008, 01:45

I read many, many books more than once and often several times each over the years. When I love a book or series, I can never get enough of it! Each reading seems to bring me more pleasure and provide new insights into both the story and subject matter! :readingtwo:

kelly2008

4th September 2008, 14:13

No I have too many books to read and plus I have only been reading properly for a couple of years. I think I will end up reading some of my favourite books one day but not quite yet :D

angelofboox

5th September 2008, 15:42

"A good reader, a major reader, an active and creative reader is a rereader."

There are many delights that come with rereading books. I reread some books several times and hopefully will continue to do so. I like noticing things you didn't see the first time. There are quite a lot of books to be read, so while I love to read new books I don't think we should forget the ones we read before!

Ceinwenn

5th September 2008, 20:15

There have been a few I have been known to re-read. Like Murphy's Boy - I first read it when I was 10 (my Mom was reading it for a phych course she was taking), then re-read it many years later & I've read the Diary of Anne Frank a few times.

Colin Jacobs

5th September 2008, 20:19

As a child I read most of my books over and over again some of the Enid Blyton books I could almost recite parts word for word.
As an adult 'Dream house' by Alison Habens is the only book I have to read again every so often, I have lost count of the number of times. I love it so much. I also loved and intend to read the Adrian Mole books again.

I recently read the Enid Blyton Books The Magic Faraway Tree with my young nephews and nieces but they are all very pc re prints, Dick and Fanny have been changed to less (Rude) names. and some other obvious un-pc characters have had name changes

Adrian Mole reminds me very much of my rather "wet" Cousin

Nellie

6th September 2008, 08:33

When I am particualrly stress or tired I retreat back into the books I loved as child. Partly becuase they are easy to read, but also they remind me of the joy I had of escaping into them, curled up in my bedroom.

The one I normally return to is Over Sea Under Stone, part of the Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. (The film was terrible, I was gutted).

Icecream

7th September 2008, 13:13

I recently read the Enid Blyton Books The Magic Faraway Tree with my young nephews and nieces but they are all very pc re prints, Dick and Fanny have been changed to less (Rude) names. and some other obvious un-pc characters have had name changes

Adrian Mole reminds me very much of my rather "wet" Cousin

I still have my own Enid Blyton's with the original characters. I plan on reading them to the girls in a few years time.

marlyly

7th September 2008, 15:18

Many, many times. My memory is like a seive, so everytime I read a book it feels like the first time. I'm ashamed to say, teh books I must have read more than any other would be the Harry Potter books, I'm sure I've read the 3rd one 10+ times.

Sofia

9th September 2008, 14:30

I don't think I have ever re-read any. there are way to many I want to read a first time!

grabit

9th September 2008, 20:37

i'm a big re-reader of books, which is one reason i keep so many of them.. can't remember how many times i have read Dune.. or the entire Anne of Green Gables series - that really takes me back to my childhood.. :) talking of childhood, someone else here mentioned lots of Enid Blyton books, i read them too from time to time.. also the Abbey Girls series, (EJ Oxenham) i only have three of those, but i had more when i was a kid.. i'd love to find more of them.. :)

Witt

10th September 2008, 22:37

When I read any kind of fiction the words fall away, soon I can see and hear the characters. So re-reading a book is like re-watching a movie ,if I like it it will be read again.

LG1976

27th September 2008, 20:27

The Green Mile - Stephen King. I love it and I love the film.

Charm

27th September 2008, 22:10

No never - unless i forgot that i had already read it! but then i stopped after i realised :lol:

WW2artist

28th September 2008, 11:42

Oh yes. There are some books that I'll never part with and will read again many months or even years later.

Here's one I recently reread. It's a wonderful WW2 memoir that brings a lump to my throat. It's also a book that inspires me to press on with life no matter what obstacles are placed in my way.

''Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and POW''
(http://www.amazon.com/Red-Tail-Captured-Free-Tuskegee/dp/0823223663)

roddglenn

4th October 2008, 14:56

The books that I tend to re-read are I Am Legend by Richard Matherson, The Hobbit and LOTRs trilogy and The War of the Worlds by H G Wells.

AWoolford

7th October 2008, 17:03

From Good to Great by Jim Collins
I've read it twice and have listened to it on CD once.
I apply it more for work, but it's still a great read!

I also read the Vincent Price biography written by his Daughter Victoria Price, twice.
Such an incredible story about such an incredible man, who lived his life to its absolute fullest.
And for those who like well written books, Victoria Price has a masters in English.

________________________________________________
Those who limit their intrests limit their lives -- Vincent Price

Stephanie2008

8th October 2008, 16:41

I have read The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 3 times. I love it. I had to read it for my A Level English Literature, rereading parts of the book over and over again. But I had a break from it and love it again :D

Roadrunner

9th October 2008, 10:09

Yes, 1984 - can read that again and again and it never stops being scary

Suzanne123

10th October 2008, 15:52

I got My Booky Wook by Russell Brand last Christmas and had read it by Boxing Day; I thought it was brilliant! In the summer, I was looking for a book to take on holiday, and I saw it at the back of my bookshelf, so it took it and read it, and id forgotten how brilliant it was! Im now reading it again- im sure I will finish it by the weekend :D

Charm

10th October 2008, 18:35

Suzanne123

10th October 2008, 18:44

Really do! Its excellent :D

Stephanie2008

10th October 2008, 18:56

Really do! Its excellent :D

I have had Russell Brand's books since Christmas and haven't got around to reading it, except maybe the first few chapters. It will be on my list now (as well as about 100 books :blush:)

Charm

12th October 2008, 17:50

Really do! Its excellent :D

I was in a friends house today and we were chatting about books. :readingtwo:
I mentioned that I was gonna try and get My Booky Wook and he said he had it and was finished with it and I could borrow it! :smile2:

So its on my TBR list! :D

daria

14th October 2008, 08:06

I often re-read books! like
"The portrait of Dorian Gray" - Wilde
"To the Lighthouse" - Virginia Wolf
"Mrs. Dalloway" - Wolf
and many many other books.
I've read this books only in Italian :cry2: and I'm sorry of that because i think that it's terrible if you can't read also in the original language (.."lost in translation"!!)

hwatmos

24th October 2008, 14:32

"Secret language of success" - but does it count? It's kind of self-improve book. :) Red it 2 times and 3rd time is coming.
"Dune" by Herbert - 1st part, twice

Wonders disciple

26th October 2008, 15:52

Have too many books to read but there is a few that i have read more than once.

Jonathan Franzen, The Corrections.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The Shadow Of The Wind.
George Orwell, Ninteen Eighty Four.

I know there wil be many more to come, when i get the time.

Mr.H

27th October 2008, 10:29

There are several - but I really enjoyed Henning Mankell's books so much that I read some of them twice.

Ahsilet

27th October 2008, 21:39

Only book I've read more than once is Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson.

GWA

28th October 2008, 10:01

Almost anything by Kurt Vonnegut; partly because of the way it is written and partly because of the knowledge contained within.

GWA

frankie

28th October 2008, 11:48

I reread many books. Especially if I get a reader's block, I often go back to an old favorite or something from my childhood. I've read Lois Lowry's Anastasia series so many times I cannot count them. I also read Bridget Jones's two diaries every now and then and they always, always keep surprising me and make me laugh. Oooh and Harry Potter -series of course!

Nowadays there are so many books on my TBR that I haven't done any rereading for what seems like ages. And the TBR is getting longer and longer every time I'm here on BCF... :motz:

bonnie banks

28th October 2008, 11:48

I`ve read The Lord Of The Rings a dozen or so times, The Hobbit three or four,
Gormenghast all three once and first two three times.

Pride and Prejudice twice

Plague dogs three times

Three men in a boat twice, {although I read bits of it now and again}

can`t think of any more offhand but I like to re read books I really like.

I only keep books if I love them or really like them, the rest get passed on or given to charity shops

Bonnie

Nowadays there are so many books on my TBR that I haven't done any rereading for what seems like ages. And the TBR is getting longer and longer every time I'm here on BCF... :motz:

Ha ha! I`m with you on this Frankie, I think my re reading days may be over for a while :readingtwo:

Bonnie

Charm

28th October 2008, 13:47

Ha ha! I`m with you on this Frankie, I think my re reading days may be over for a while :readingtwo:

Bonnie

Don't tell me your addicted to the site already! ... Fully understand though :blush::lol:

KathleenMacIver

28th October 2008, 15:32

LOTS! I actually re-read more than I read new. I'm a very picky reader, in what I enjoy... and knowing how the story ends never ruins a story for me. Sooo... I re-read my favorites all the time!

The one I've read the most? That's got to be The Mage's Daughter, by Lynn Kurland. It's only been out a year, and I think I'm up to about 11 reads.

bonnie banks

29th October 2008, 09:15

Don't tell me your addicted to the site already! ... Fully understand though :blush::lol:

Hi charm

yup! hook, line and sinker!

I`ve found you all very friendly and am getting so many ideas for my next books.

Pity I`m quite a slow reader :blush:

emily

18th November 2008, 20:12

Stephanie2008

19th November 2008, 09:58

I'm currently reading Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer for the third time.

My grandad keeps telling me to read that but I wasn't sure about it. If you have read it 3 times it must be good so I'm willing to give it a try.

Ben Mines

21st November 2008, 03:45

Several... My favourite books are in permanent circulation; I will eventually get around to reading them all again, and then the cycle will repeat itself. I think what Jeri Johnson said of Ulysses can be said of a number of books: "You can finish it, but you can never finish with it." In fact, I would go further. Any book not worth re-reading is, in my opinion, not worth reading.

Freewheeling Andy

21st November 2008, 10:13

In fact, I would go further. Any book not worth re-reading is, in my opinion, not worth reading.

Well, there are two answers I'd give to that - first, and perhaps most obviously, you'll never know if a books worth re-reading if you don't read it once, so it's impossible to make that call before you begin to read.

And, secondly, sometimes I read for blithe, trite, fun entertainment, and then everything's really about the plot, and then a book generally isn't worth reading a second time.

lexi

21st November 2008, 12:48

I'm currently reading Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer for the third time. That book holds a certain sentimental value to me because it was the first book my dad gave me to read when I announced I was getting bored of reading preteen books when I was about 12.

I've re-read the Harry Potter series a few times too. I'm sure there are others but I can't think.

I've read Harry Potter several times, too :)

And Kane and Abel is such a great book, I'll probably read it one more time.

I've read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer twice, Miles Vorkosigan novels by L.M.Bujold several times, and Artemis Fowl books.. Mort by Terry Pratchett, romance novels by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry.. and a few more, just can't remember them right now :)

Sirous

21st November 2008, 13:40

well i usually read my books more then twice,so i get most out of it
but i reed 100years of solidarity for 4time,cause all the names in the book were so like eachother that i mixed up in the middle,i dont know why gabriel choose all the names so close that reader mixes up,so you have to go throu pages to find who this guy is that you are curently

and i read chancellors love by dumas and catherine the great more then twice,ah i forgot lord of alamut by some guy called paul amir

Ben Mines

22nd November 2008, 04:11

I just noticed pontalba's signature:

Curiously enough, one cannot read a book; one can only reread it. A good reader, a major reader, and active and creative reader is a rereader.

—Vladimir Nabokov (Lectures on Literature)

And I agree completely.

Ravenwood

22nd November 2008, 17:54

When I am particualrly stress or tired I retreat back into the books I loved as child. Partly becuase they are easy to read, but also they remind me of the joy I had of escaping into them, curled up in my bedroom.

Me too!

It's CS Lewis, and Tamora Pierce for me. Plus my second childhood with JK Rowling!

chocko

1st December 2008, 21:03

Hmm i would say, yes and no :lol:

Because i got the bravo two zero from the perspective of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan. Different authors, "same" storie.

Child.of.God.1989

2nd December 2008, 03:05

The one I've read the most? That's got to be The Mage's Daughter, by Lynn Kurland. It's only been out a year, and I think I'm up to about 11 reads.

Wow, you love it that much, Kathleen? I looked up the synopsis on Barnes and Noble, and it sounds like the perfect one to usher myself into this genre. I might pass it to my fantasy-loving friend at Bible school here, too.

I usually only find myself re-reading when I'm supposed to be organizing whatever area my books are in. That has happened quite often with packing books up for school and moving back home for breaks! Certain intimate books, like The Atonement Child and pretty much anything by Francine Rivers, make me recall scenes that I flip through the book to find and enjoy again. Exciting adventure books like The Zion Chronicles series by Bodie and Brock Thoene have the same specific-part effect.

SueK

2nd December 2008, 12:21

The only books I have ever felt like re-reading are , first, the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael. I have re-read all 18 cos I just love them. It's not all about the plot either, once I have discovered "whodunnit" I am then interested in the everyday life of 12th century Shrewsbury - and reading about Cadfael's herb usage.

Second, I have re-read quite a few Sherlock Holmes stories as again, you pick up details you may have missed first time round.