Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Books I Really Need to Re-Read

This week, Top Ten Tuesday's topic is Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About. I have quite a few of these, and most of them are on my list to re-read so I can hopefully form better memories of them the second time around.


Empire Falls by Richard Russo

I read this book when I was in college and have frequently cited it as my favorite adult novel ever. But when people ask me what it's about, I realize that the details are a bit fuzzy. I know there is a man named Miles Roby who is unhappy in his small town, and that he is in some way beholden to a wealthy family in the community, and... that's about it. It's a Pulitzer-prize winning novel, so I know I can't really go wrong recommending it, but I still really want to re-read it to find out whether I still love it as much as I did 15 years ago when it first came out.

Fables series by Bill Willingham

There was a period of time about ten years ago when I was just devouring this series. Then I lost track of it for a few years and fell way behind. Now that the series is finished, I'd like to read to the end, but it's been so long, I can't remember anything from the first few volumes beyond just the basic premise. Thankfully, they're all on Hoopla through my local library so whenever I get around to it, they are easily accessible!

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

I loved this series when it was being published, but by the time the first movie came out, I had already forgotten most of the plot. I remember a few key scenes but if someone were to ask me to summarize what happens, especially in Catching Fire or Mockingjay, I know I couldn't do it. I'm not sure yet whether my kids will read these, but if they do, I'll have to do a refresher to be able to discuss the story with them.

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

I loved this book as a kid, when we read it in school, and I recently bought a copy for our home library, but again, aside from the basic premise, I can't remember a single thing that happens in the story. I know the main character is named Omri, mostly because that is an unusual name, but otherwise, it's all a blur. I plan to re-read this one either with my oldest daughter, or just ahead of her reading it independently.

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

I read this Newbery honor book when I was in library school. When my husband read it recently, however, I realized that when he talked about it, I had no idea what he was referring to. I loved the book, and I'm a little bit worried that it won't be as good as I remember when I read it a second time, but I would like to re-read it anyway, especially since we own it.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

My 7th grade English teacher read this aloud to my class. At the time, I was totally engrossed in the story and I can remember trying not to cry in class because apparently there is a sad part, or a sad ending or something. Knowing that it might be a sad book has kept me from re-reading it so far, but I am really curious and would like to get to it eventually.


The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Another book from seventh grade. All I remember about this one is that everyone in my honors English class hated it because it was too descriptive. I have seen a number of homeschooling parents say it is a favorite in their families, so at some point, I think I need to revisit it and see if I like it any better as an adult.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

I keep saying I'm going to re-read this, as it was a favorite of mine in high school and all but the most major characters have completely gone from my memory. Part of the reason I haven't is that I'm afraid it won't be a favorite anymore when I remember the details, and the other part is that I have the distinct feeling I've blocked out something sad or distressing about the story that I may not want to revisit.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

I was assigned this book as a freshman in college and quickly realized that I did not have the proper context for seeing in it what my classmates were seeing and decided I didn't like it. For a long time, I thought I just didn't like Jane Austen, but I hear a lot about her in Catholic and homeschooling circles, and I know I need to try again without the pressure or pretentious classroom discussion hanging over my head. I probably won't start with Northanger Abbey, but I would like to read all of her works eventually including re-reading this one.

Which books have you forgotten? Do you plan to re-read and refresh your memory?

13 comments:

  1. I think I'd have to reread The Hunger Games if I was going to discuss it with others as well. I've got a general idea of the plot but nothing solid!

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  2. I am not a fan of The Hunger Games as a book, but for some odd reading I do like the films. They're more emotionally satisfying I think. I didn't read Catching Fire but read the first and last book prior to seeing their respective adaptations. So glad you enjoyed the series! :)

    Started Northanger Abbey YEARS ago, but never finished it. SOMEDAY I must though at this point, a re-start would likely be better.

    Thanks so much for visiting Finding Wonderland, Katie.

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  3. I haven't read any of these book but a few of these are definitely on my TBR. I have watched the Hunger Games movies and I love them. I hope to read this series some day.
    I hope you get to re-read a few of them soon :P

    My TTT :http://flippingthruthepages.com/2018/01/ten-bookish-websites-apps/

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  4. I loved Hunger Games and I can sum it up in 3 words Kids killing Kids. ha! j/k. I have a good understanding of the book. I went through it in the AtoZ challenge one year.

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  5. I was obsessed with Indian in the Cupboard as a kid. And I remember thinking the sequel was dumb. My TTT: https://mwgerard.com/top-ten-tuesday-faded-memory-edition/

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  6. I need to reread The Hunger Games too, haven't read it in years!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/top-ten-tuesday-143/

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  7. I could've put The Yearling on my list this week too -- aside from it having a boy named Jody and a baby deer and possibly being kinda sad, I don't remember it well.

    The Indian in the Cupboard, though, I remember very well indeed. Probably because I read it like 10 times? Hee.

    Hope you can try out some Jane Austen again as an unpressured adult! I really didn't care much for her until I was about 30, and now I adore her.

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  8. I really liked A Separate Peace, but yeah, most details are lost to me now. haha I really wish I had more time to re-read books.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  9. I remember quite a bit about The Hunger Games, but Mocking Jay and Catching Fire are a mishmash of things in my brain.

    Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thanks!

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  10. I have a few favorites that I'm decidedly fuzzy on the details but I'm almost afraid to go reread the book because what if I don't like it as much! I'd love to read Corner of the Universe and Indian in the Cupboard. I loved Martin's Babysitter Club books when I was a kid and it'd be fun to see what else she can do. I have mixed feelings about Austen. I enjoy what I've read of hers but I'm not as blown away as everyone else. I mean they're entertaining but I'm not sure I get anything more than that out of them.

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  11. Indian in the Cupboard - I read that one to my daughter when she was little. She's 35 now. LOL

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  12. The Hunger Games is that way for me too. I remember little about the books that followed, but I recall hate the epilogue.

    http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2018/01/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-really-liked.html

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