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May
21
BTT: A Second First Time
2009 at 10am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
I had no idea, but it turns out that I kind of inspired this week’s question….I don’t remember submitting it to BTT, but I do always love it when Shelf Awareness includes it in their Book Brahmins interview. So, here we go.
What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time?
These are the first two that come to mind, and they are two of my all-time favorites. The endings are revelatory and unforgettable, and you can never go back from what you learn during the first reading, but I’ve found that re-readings have revealed even more. I do wish I could read them again for the first time and recapture the initial magic, but I’m happy to report that nothing is lost by knowing how they end. In fact, knowing the endings has informed my re-readings and helped me pick up on even more of the beauty and intricacy of the writing.
I feel the same way about Life of Pi, which I’ve been intending to re-read forever but haven’t gotten around to yet. It’s been five or six years since I read it, so in many ways, it will be like reading it again for the first time. I can’t wait!
A few others that left indelible impressions and that I’d love to meet again for the first time:
I’m sure there are many more. After all, there’s nothing quite like meeting a great book for the first time. Which book would you like to have a second first time with?
No related posts.
Oh The Sparrow was to die for… I had such a gamut of emotions, but I’m not sure I’d ever get the sensations again (although sometimes I still think about some of the pivotal scenes). That is a book that will never leave my consciousness.
I’ve got The Lace Reader on my TBR, so I’ll definitely look forward to that.
I just finished The Lace Reader, and I don’t know that I’d like to read it again for the first time really, but I would like to go back and read it a second time knowing the ending and try to pick out all the clues that I missed!
You ahev some good books in that list. Mine is here, http://zetor-mogsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/booking-through-thursday_21.html
Hi Rebecca.
I really enjoy your blog. Because you make me smile, I’m giving you a Lemonade Award. The details are on my blog.
I can’t remember whether I’ve ever actually commented on your blog before. I’m really bad at commenting. I promise to comment in future, though, and not just lurk in the background.
And I’d love to read Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables again for the first time. The drama and poignancy are still great, but they’re just not quite the same when you know they’re coming.
Caty.
Okay, so I’m technologically incompetent. This link should work.
My life-time favorite book is “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry. There is a quote at the beginning by T. K. Whipple that says in part “…what they dreamed, we live, and what they lived, we dream.” I haven’t re-read it, but I have the book on my bookshelf
I loved The Red Tent!!
Books that have surprise ending or a twist would be refreshing to me. I also read my favorite books, like Name of the Rose and The Master and Margarita.
I picked Shadow of the Wind in my answer!
I’m reading Shadow of the Wind now =)
Here is my BTT post.
I didn’t pick Shadow Of The Wind, but I really enjoyed it.
Plan to read A Prayer For Owen Meany sometime soon, as well.
I have 3 of your 5 picks on my endless TBR pile. I loved The Red Tent too. I don’t keep many books, but did keep that one as I know I will re-read it.
I have 3 of your 5 picks on my endless TBR pile. I loved The Red Tent too. I don’t keep many books, but did keep that one as I know I will re-read it.
I have 3 of your 5 picks on my endless TBR pile. I loved The Red Tent too. I don’t keep many books, but did keep that one as I know I will re-read it.
I’m getting ready to read Shadow of the Wind for the first time, actually. Anything I should concentrate on to make me first read amazing?
I WOULD LOVE TO BE READING OWEN MEANY AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME. I WISH THAT ALL OF IRVING’S WORKS WERE AS GOOD AS THIS ONE!
I liked Owen Meany but not sure I’ll read it again. I liked Garp too.
I totally agree with The Sparrow. I really need to reread it!
I totally, totally agree with The Shadow of the Wind. Oh my goodness, but that was an excellent novel.
I’d also love to read The Book Thief again for the first time.
I have The Lace Reader in my ARC TBR pile. Guess I should move it up!