Is there anything more magical than reading? The ability for a combination of words to transport you to another world or tell you someone’s life story… There’s just nothing better.
A year or so ago, I was out to dinner with my parents. There was a young kid at the next table just engrossed in a book. I thoroughly enjoy seeing that (as opposed to a kid staring at a screen), so I kept glancing over at him, trying to figure out what he was reading. Lo and behold, it was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I could see that he was almost finished reading it, and I think I was more excited for him to finish than he was. He finally finished and I overheard his mom say, “Oh, he’s been working on this one for weeks.” HOW AMAZING TO READ A BOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME!
There are a few (actually, a lot) of books that I wish I could go back and read for the first time. How badly I would love to discover these worlds all over again. The more I’ve thought about this, the more I’ve realized this is likely a sensation that other avid readers have. However, if people who really love to read want to go back and read books again, you should know that they’re good books. I mean, we love to read and there are infinite books in the universe we could be spending our time with, but it’s these that we’re choosing to go back to.
Harry Potter
Yes, this is at the very top of the list. I was late to the HP bandwagon, but I caught up in time for books 5-7, to read as they were published. I was part of the community of people who grew up with Harry. I’m rereading the series from start to finish now, and it’s wonderful.
The Chronicles of Narnia
I was in the fifth or sixth grade when I made is through these books the first time. I would go into the library at school once a week or so and pick up the next installment. I just loved the character of Aslan and the entire world.
Gone Girl
I blame Gone Girl for my obsession with thrillers and suspenseful novels. Now that I know all of the twists and what happens in the end, I wish I could go back and discover it again.
Also add to that list The Woman in the Window, The Couple Next Door, The Silent Patient, Big Little Lies, The Good Girl, and so many others.
Carry On, Warrior
Nonfiction books have a way of filling your heart. There’s nothing like reading inspirational words for the first time. Carry On, Warrior is one of my favorites. Full disclosure: I just bought Glennon Doyle’s newest book, Untamed, and I cannot wait to read it.
All in all, there’s nothing better than discovering the new world just waiting in the pages of a book. I have traveled all across the world and across time. I’ve learned so many new words and have more conversation starters than I know what to do with.
There are so many more books that I love that I would recommend for a vacation read or to jumpstart your love of reading again. Follow along with @downthebookjar or connect with me on Goodreads for more #adventuresinreading.
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