Question for today: What do you think it is about some stories that makes them so imminently re-readable? It's different for all readers, so what makes something a keeper/reread for you?
On another topic, it was reported on the news over here that ice storms are hitting the US. Hope all of you in those regions are staying warm and safe.
7 comments :
I can reread almost any romance novel I really liked. Classic literature is likewise something I revisit often. For me, if the author can pull me onto the page and take me along for the ride the first time, I still get the same feeling when I read it again.
A lot of people ask me how I can reread books when I know what happens at the end. I tell them that it't not about the destination, it's about the journey. I still smile so big when I read about Sascha so obviously enjoying the chocolate chip cookies Tamsyn gives her and I get all teary and sappy when Zsadist tells Bell ahe loves her in a handwritten note at the end of Lover Awakened.
And I still have to pause to cool myself down when Judd makes love to Brenna for the first time.
If an author can pull me in, I leave reluctantly and go back whenever I can.
Right now I'm reading "Finders Keepers" by Linnea Sinclair. I could tell early on it would be a keeper and one I would probably read again. Like Courtney, for me a favorite reread is one in which I look forward to the ride, even though I know what is going to happen. Or rather, because I know what is going to happen and I look forward to experiencing it again. Savoring it. And it isn't the same kind of thing every time. I think part of it is the moment I'm reading it and my mood and many other things mixed in.
The ones that I reread are the stories that have characters that I can relate to. They're unique and discovering their quirks is a joy as you're reading the story. Since they become someone real to you, the emotional journey the story resonates each time. It goes without saying that I can reread Nalini's stories again and again, but another one that I can always return to for a good read is Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi. Touching stories about people living their lives and surviving. :)
I think sometimes you get more out of a story on a re-read. Particularly when the motivations of characters aren't always clear-cut on a first read. Sometimes it's only on a second read through that you appreciate their actions and why they did or said certain things.
And sometimes it's just like catching up with an old friend- it's a comfort thing, like chocolate. :)
Interesting that you should ask. Guess what I'm currently reading. OK. I'll tell you. I'm reading Slave to Sensation ... for, like, the fifth time.
After that, I plan to go back to Vaughn and Faith and then Brenna and Judd. I already reread Nate and Tam again. That's what restarted me on the whole series.
I reread because I really like a story or series. I reread before a new installment in a series comes out to remind myself of what's come before. I reread to learn new things. Sometimes I go through a book so fast the first time, I have to read it at least once more to really catch everything. Even then, if I really, really like it, like your books, Nalini, I'll keep finding stuff I never thought about or I'll pay more attention to things I didn't think were as important in the first place.
Usually it just makes me more impatient that I already was to find out what comes next. I REALLY want Hawke ... and Dorian ... and Clay ... and Mercy ... and to find out more about the Walkers ... and ... and ... you know. Everything.
Lesley's right, sometimes you see things clearer the second time around. I often catch things that fly by me the first time. I've found that rereading a book will sometimes give me a different opinion on it because of those things.
And sometimes the book is just so freakin' GREAT that I have to experience it again. I've read StS, like, four times. I stopped counting the number of times I read Lover Awakened around the tenth read.
I have to agree with the comfort aspect - sometimes it's nice to know exactly what you're getting and that it'll be gooooooood.
Then there are those books that I just reread parts of over and over. :)
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