November's been spent rereading some of my favourite books, and books I've always wanted to try again. Chiefly, John Green's work. You can't beat the first time you read an amazing story, but reading it again can often spark up the same emotions and if you're like me and reread books once a year, then it may even feel just as special as it did the first time. It doesn't always work, but the story is still just as good as it always has been. I hadn't read John Green's books in over a year (except The Fault in our Stars, that was a book club choice), and it made a real treat to do it all over again. This time next year, I'll probably do it again. Now that all his books are done for another year (apart from Let it Snow), I'm sorting out what to read next and when. It's all happening on my bookshelf.
Too Much of a Good Thing
How many times can one read a book again and again? As many times as one wants, and then more. I've read Child 44 about four times now (I think), and I'm due to read it again along with its two sequels I've only read twice. For me, a good book can be read multiple times and if a story is that good, you'll want to. It's like with videogames. I've played through Dishonoured, Bioshock, Max Payne 3 and Grand Theft Auto IV tons of times because the stories and the worlds are so engrossing, well written and immersive. I'd play them again if I wasn't glued to my Xbox One, but anyway. Books. Child 44 is the first book I read that I loved, and remember that I wasn't much of a reader when I was a kid. When Harry Potter broke out, I read that. Christ, everybody did. I remember loving The Chamber of Secrets the most and then The Goblet of Fire, but back then, loving a book to me didn't mean rereading it. Not only was reading a school task for me instead of a hobby, I was slow as hell. It took me years to finish The Order of the Phoenix. So, Child 44 was my first bookish love, as in proper love. As a kid, I found TV and videogames a more enjoyable pastime than books, now it's the other way around, but I still love games.
So, of course, when I discovered Child 44 had a sequel and then another, I snatched them up and knew right away I'd enjoy them and want to read them again. It's been the same with John Green's books and there's a bunch more on my shelf. Books such as: The Great Gatesby, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, The Grapes of Wrath, The Road, 11.22.63, Slaughterhouse 5 and Bioshock: Rapture. In time I'll get round to it, but not a moment sooner. I got new books waiting and more to purchase soon. I am going to start The Road again today which I've not read in two years, and although that book is about the saddest thing I've ever read, I couldn't put it down and within three days, it was done. For me, three days is a fast time. Some books I loved I wouldn't want to read again. It's a weird mix, some stories are just so powerful that rereading wouldn't ever be the same. The heartbreaking Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close for instance is just such a book. Once was enough I think, and if I were to read it again, I doubt it would be as effective. It would still be sad, but just not the same. I'd know about the shock of the twist ending and all the harrowing imagery surrounding the story. Then why the hell would you read The Road again? I know, it's a pickle, but The Road doesn't surprise with the story, but it's dead world is utterly amazing to experience despite how futile and pointless the hopes of survival are.
So, of course, when I discovered Child 44 had a sequel and then another, I snatched them up and knew right away I'd enjoy them and want to read them again. It's been the same with John Green's books and there's a bunch more on my shelf. Books such as: The Great Gatesby, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, The Grapes of Wrath, The Road, 11.22.63, Slaughterhouse 5 and Bioshock: Rapture. In time I'll get round to it, but not a moment sooner. I got new books waiting and more to purchase soon. I am going to start The Road again today which I've not read in two years, and although that book is about the saddest thing I've ever read, I couldn't put it down and within three days, it was done. For me, three days is a fast time. Some books I loved I wouldn't want to read again. It's a weird mix, some stories are just so powerful that rereading wouldn't ever be the same. The heartbreaking Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close for instance is just such a book. Once was enough I think, and if I were to read it again, I doubt it would be as effective. It would still be sad, but just not the same. I'd know about the shock of the twist ending and all the harrowing imagery surrounding the story. Then why the hell would you read The Road again? I know, it's a pickle, but The Road doesn't surprise with the story, but it's dead world is utterly amazing to experience despite how futile and pointless the hopes of survival are.
Revival
After I read The Road, I'll read the latest book club choice, What Dreams May Come and then I reckon I'll start the Child 44 trilogy again. There are so many books I wants to read again and I just want to start them now. The enchanting and engrossing Bright Lights, Big City is among the top ones I want to start again. Stories that tackle lost characters in a city are some of my favourites, and the way Jay McInerney writes is inspiring. I finished it on New Year's Day and it's the best book I've read all year. And there have been some top-shelf stories I've read. That's a post for the end of the year, but yeah, Bright Lights, Big City is wonderful. I will interrupt my series of rereads with Let it Snow, a book I think would be best read during the heart of December so the spirit of Christmas spikes into overdrive. Plus, John Green contributed as one of three YA authors to that book so it's going to be great. I may even follow Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle into their literary castles as well and find more treasures to read. December is going to be an excellent reading month, and just in general anyway. December is the best time of year. Peak winter, Christmas, lots of snow (hopefully) and perfect reading and writing conditions.
Stay cool. (Bad pun).
Songs of the Week:
Stay cool. (Bad pun).
Songs of the Week:
- 'Worth Dying For' by Rise Against
- 'Bridges' by Rise Against
- 'Acheronta Movebimus' by Anaal Nathrakh
- 'Unleash' by Anaal Nathrakh
- 'So Wrong' by Illenium
- 'Too Much of a Good Thing' by The Sons ft. Bret Reilly
- 'Fall to Pieces' by Avril Lavigne
- 'Long Live' by Taylor Swift
- 'Enchanted' by Taylor Swift
- 'Worldwide' by Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band