Read it Again?

"Haven't you already read that?"
"Um, yeah..."

"Why are you reading it again?"

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked those questions. Especially from non-avid readers. Usually I reply with this simple answer: "Cause I love it"

Simple. Straight to the point. Four little words that encompasses a whole lot of feelings and reasons.

Rereading a book or story that you love is like re-watching a movie or listening to a favorite album again. It's the memories; revisiting a past you that was changed by this very moment. You are not the same person anymore, so coming back to this well loved moment is different than the first time. You discover things you didn't notice the second time around. You understand this bit more on the third.

So on and so forth.

To me, the biggest complement to an author is to reread their book again. (And reccommend it to others) It means that the world they created, means something to you. That they have made a difference, just a little.

There are some books that I HAVE to reread, every year, without fail. Even though I know everything that will happen, where the characters will end up, I enjoy it all the same. I won't feel that surprise at the twist ending anymore, but I'll have that satisfaction that I found the little clues that pointed to it. I'll still smile over that intemate scene, still cry over that sad one, and still yell at the villians for make my heroes lives miserable. I'll revisit my favorite characters, still laugh at their wit or whimper at their tragedies. I'll remember why I fell in love with them in the first place.

I'd like to reccommend some of my favorite re-reads:

THE THIEF by Megan Whalen Turner- I adore this book; read it every year. I'm surprised I don't have it memorized with as many times as I have read it. Gen is probably my favorite character of all time.

THE MEASURE OF A LADY by Deeanne Gist- One of my favorite romances. Also a great story of forgiveness.

THE OUTLAWS OF SHERWOOD by Robin McKinley- The best Robin Hood retelling I have ever read. (And I've read quite a few. I love anything Robin Hood.) I love the different portrayl of Robin as a reluctant outlaw, only hiding out and fighting against the Sheriff. McKinley keeps true to the familiar characters-Will Scarlet, Little John, Marian-while making them her own.

BLINK OF AN EYE by Ted Dekkar- Usually Dekkar books are thrillers, this

book is a romance. Albeit told in typical Dekkar style. It's about an Saudi princess running from her arranged marriage only to be saved (and fall in love with) an American who can see the future.

TAHN by L.A Kelly- I love it when the main characters are tortured souls, and Tahn is certianly the most tortured soul I have ever read. He's an assasian, but instead of killing his latest assignment he saves her. This is also a story about forgiveness.

DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST by Juliet Marillier- A retelling of an old Irish folktale, about the seven children of Lir. When her brothers

are turned into swans, Sorcha must keep silent and sew six shirts of starwort to break the curse. Even when she is taken from her homeland and falls in love with a British lord. I love the stroytelling in this book, and how attached you get to the characters.

What are some of your favorites to reread? Let us know in the comments!