What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time?
(Interestingly, I thought that I had thought this one up myself, but when I started scrolling through the Suggestions, found that Rebecca had suggested almost exactly this question a couple months ago. So, we both get credit!)
I love the thought of being able to have a fresh mind to read my favorite books again for the first time. Sometimes, a book can be read a second time (or third, and more) and still appreciated and learned from, but to have that sense of not-knowing, and of biting your nails for the character, to experience the injustices and learn the lessons for the first time again would be a gift.
I would love to wipe my mind of the movie and book of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. To NOT know the outcome of the court case and to feel Scout and Jem’s pain as they realize that justice and the law do not always run in the same pack would be great. To wonder what Boo Radley was, a ghost or a man? and to hide Dill under the bed, only to get caught by our father… well, It’d be like falling in love with your first love again.
Another book I’d love to read for the first time again would be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is so incredibly powerful and the poetry of it so beautiful, that I’m sure it can withstand re-reading again and again. However, to feel that thrill, that wonder… that terror… to go on that journey again, new once more, would be an experience I’d just about be willing to pay money for.
How about you? What books would you like to have a second “first-time” with?
Filed under: Booking Through Thursday | Tagged: Atticus, blogging about reading, Boo Radley, book reading, Booking Through Thursday, Books, BTT, court, Germany, Harper Lee, Jem, Markus Zusak, meme, Nazi, prejudice, racism, revirginator, Scout, The Book Thief, the Deep South, To Kill A Mockingbird, trial, virgin |
In the Shadow of Mt. TBR 
I was bored to death reading To Kill A Mocking Bird, well I did not die but it was not my cup of tea! I have found just a few people who did not like “Wicked”, by the way I LOVED the musical also, went & saw it on May 1st.
I’m so jealous that you saw “Wicked!” I’ve got the soundtrack and the “Popular’ song is my favorite 🙂
What a great question. I love your choice of to Kill a Mockingbird. My book club is reading the Book Thief and they are really just amazed with it. I was utterly blown away by Mrs. Dalloway the first time.. I like to feel that sort of stimulation. And I think East of Eden would awesome to experience for the first time again.
I haven’t read East of Eden yet, but it’s on Mt. TBR… somewhere… so I will get to read it for the first time 🙂 I’ve seen the movie, though, so it won’t be completely virginal, but still… 😀 I hope you and your book club continue to enjoy The Book Thief, it’s my all-time favorite book.
I remember reading “To Kill A Mockingbird” for English class back during high school. It was truly a very powerful book.
I’ve read the book thief and loved it.
Unfortunately I couldn’t finish To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ll have to give that a try sometime.
I haven’t read those two books yet! I hope I’ll be able to read them within this year! Too many books, LOL.
Oh, I know! Too many books, too little time! I wish I was a speed reader with photographic memory, that way I can read them all up, and digest them later 😉
ow I would to read that one too, to kill a mockingbird…I have never read it but my student said it is a good book
I totally agree with you about The Book Thief, it really is a beautiful book.
I’ve still got to read both of those so it sounds like I’ll have a good first time!
I still have The Book Thief to be read! Exciting. To Kill a Mockingbird is a good one, although it’s been so long since I read it that it might be almost like the first time again!
I chose ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ too!
I tried ‘The Book Thief’ and couldn’t get into it. Just wasn’t the right time for me, I guess. I’ll probably try again at some point.
The Book Thief is a great one. Wonderful, wonderful book!
Oh I have quite a list.. If only I could erase the memory or reading them so I can read them again and be surprised! That would be AWESOME 🙂
These two books would truly make great first reads the second time around!
BTT: Second a first
Both books would be great second firsts!
The Book Thief is a great choice!
I would love to read To Kill A MockingBird again some day.
Me too (re: Mocking Bird).
I have never read To Kill A Mockingbird.
Here is A Second First Time
Oh, I’ve got The Book Thief in my tbr pile…can’t wait to read it!
I have To Kill a Mockingbird on audiobook so I’m going to listen to it sometime during this year. I’ve heard some mixed opinions about, it would be nice to experience it myself.
The Book Thief is on my wishing list 🙂
Here is my book 🙂
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books. I would love to read it “new” again, especially since the first time I read it for my high school English class, which definitely ruined the experience.
I’ve heard fabulous things about The Book Thief but I haven’t read it, yet!
Happy BTT!
I played too
To Kill a Mockingbird is a good one just for the reasons you cited. Especially not knowing the outcome. I picked The Name of the Rose.
I’ve only just finished The Other Hand by Chris Cleave and I’d love to read it again for the first time. I heartily recommend it. Visit my blog to see why. Happy reading!