Books worth re-reading have one common thread. They can be picked up at any point in life and be read (or re-read) with a deeper appreciation and more focused perspective as result.
I have re-read many of the books I loved as a child and their meanings became broader. There was so much more I could relate too!
The list is compiled of books that truly amazed me. (My young and old self!) It was incredibly hard picking just 10! Whether it was a more spiritual enlightenment or an entertaining adventure. These books allowed for my world to be bigger all from my favorite reading spot at home. I am eternally grateful to their authors.
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Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
“It is a truth universally acknowledged” that Pride and Prejudice is among the greatest novels ever written. That accomplishment alone warrants a re-read (or several) from its audience! It is somehow a romance novel with the underlying urgency of an adventure story. I originally resisted liking this book, purely based on the fact that it was so popular! The story quickly changed my mind, and the reasons for its undying popularity are far to many to list!
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
“Treasure Island” is a true swash-buckling tale of buried treasure. It was a favorite for me growing up. Scary and fascinating with pirates at every turn, it is a tale for young and old.
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Some think “A Christmas Carol” to be that of raw genius. I am inclined to agree! It is a message society will need for an eternity. Not strictly for Christmas but rather for “all the year.”
Bonhoeffer – Eric Metaxas
Pastor. Martyr. Prophet. Spy. Not a typical grouping of words when describing any individual!
But Bonhoeffer was not a typical man. He lived in a world held captive by Hitler’s Germany. He sacrificed his assured safety for what he believed and his efforts cost him everything.
I found this book so compelling that I own the hardback, kindle edition, and the audiobook. The hardback I keep for general reading. The kindle edition is amazing for taking notes and highlighting text I want to remember. The audiobook is helpful for hearing the pronunciation of German words.
I would like to think that I could be that brave and recognize where the world stands. And where I should step regardless of what people might think.
Moby Dick, The White Whale – Herman Melville
“Moby Dick” is a “whale” of a book to be sure. (I confess pun totally intended.) It is also one of the richest reading experiences an author has ever offered! From beginning to end the writing is quotable.
The ebb and flow of the story gives the reader a thoroughly vivid sea adventure to experience. Once you start reading, I guarantee it will be hard for you to put it down! Or you can “call me Ishmael.”
Jane Eyre – Charlotte bronte
“Jane Eyre” was one of the first heavier classics I read as a child. I was absolutely captivated! I hadn’t experienced any such miseries as Jane, but I was allowed a peak into her world. A world filled with such melancholy and disappointment. If it had been as dreadful an end as it’s beginning, I would have been quite devastated!
The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis
Nasty little demons, in charge of nasty little sins to trip us up and create a life of hopelessness! If “The Screwtape Letters” had been Lewis’ only work it would have been more than enough to name him genius! What I find so interesting about this narrative is how Screwtape expands on the church, expressing that ill-will grips our poor souls even there. Thank goodness we need not be so helpless!
Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy
When I finally pulled this book off the shelf and started reading I was not only pleasantly surprised, but absolutely floored at how incredible the story is!
Anna and her infamous affair are indeed in the story, but it is not the only focus. The title “Anna Karenina” may as well be a misnomer as this story follows several couples, and their decisions involving the heart. We see their miseries as well as their joys. Kitty and Levin (one of the couples we get to know.) are the bright spot in this story. They are an absolute delight to follow.
This is a story that I feel should be read by all at least once. Especially by young people getting ready to spread their wings a bit. Tolstoy managed the unthinkable by presenting hidden truths written between the lines where Russian black markers couldn’t reach.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
We all need some nonsense for nonsense’s sake every now and again! Don’t you think? “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” can be a good pause and refresh read when life becomes too overwhelming. Plunge into the rabbit-hole with Alice and let reality fade away for awhile.
Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus – Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has saturated our culture since its publication in 1818. With that said I am surprised by how many people haven’t given this book a first read, much less a second! Shelley’s writing is masterful and worth taking in a second time.
Do any of these books make your re-read list?
Comment below if you have read any of these a first or second time!