Top Ten Tuesday – Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Top Ten Tuesday has been one of my favorite memes ever since I started blogging, so huge thanks to Jana for taking over the hosting duties!
This week’s TTT topic is Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time. This is a more challenging topic than I thought it would be. Mostly what comes to mind are either fantasy books that completely blew me away in terms of their worldbuilding and unforgettable characters or books from my childhood that truly captivated me and gave me my love of reading. Needless to say, my list is going to be a bit of a hodge podge. 🙂
Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time
1. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis – My favorite book in the very first fantasy series I ever read. This series was for me what the Harry Potter series has been for readers younger than me. I’d love to go back and discover my love of rich fantasy worlds all over again.
2. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by T.J. Klune – This is a recent read that was just so adorable, whimsical, and feel-good that I’d love to read it for the first time over and over and over again. Like Groundhog Day but with an amazing book, haha!
3. THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morganstern – I actually have a sad reason for wanting to read this one for the first time again. I recently tried to re-read it and even though I deem it as a favorite, it just wasn’t the same as experiencing it for the first time. I got bored and gave up on it so yeah, would definitely love to turn back time and experience it with fresh eyes.
4. THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden – I loved the intricate worldbuilding in this series, especially all of the Russian folklore. I read this 5 years ago and it still stands out as one of the most unique fantasies I’ve ever read. Since so many of them seem like carbon copies of each other, I’d love to go back and experience the refreshing feeling of reading this original tale.
5. A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE by George R.R. Martin – This series has some of the most incredible world building I’ve ever read, not to mention some of the most unforgettable characters. I’d love to rewind and experience Westeros for the first time again and of course meet the Starks, the Lannisters, the White Walkers, etc.
6. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee – I read this for the first time in 8th grade Honors English. It was my first “grown up” book and I remember feeling very mature and empowered to suddenly have the freedom to read books that explored topics like racism and abuse. It felt like a whole new world had been opened up to me and I’d love to feel that way again.
7. THE LUNAR CHRONICLES BY MARISSA MEYER – This was the book that hooked me on fairytale retellings so I’d love to revisit that heart-eyes moment when I fell in love with the idea of putting new spins on classic tales.
8. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Roald Dahl – My first experience with reading this book was in elementary school when the librarian read it aloud to our class. She sang the Oompa Loompa songs and everything. It was pure magic and I’d love to go back to that day and hear it all over again for the first time.
9. CHARLOTTE’S WEB by E.B. White – This was the first book that made me cry my eyes out. I think it gave me my life for books that rip your heart out, lol. Probably sounds crazy but I’d love to go back in time and experience that loving of a character so fiercely that it breaks you when they die.
10. THE RULES OF MAGIC by Alice Hoffman – I picked this book but honestly any of Hoffman’s books fall into this category. Every story she writes is pure magic for me. If I was a writer, she’s the person I’d most wish I could write like. So yeah, I’d love to discover her gorgeous prose again for the first time.
* * * * * *
I’m thinking about reading the entire Chronicle of Narnia series. I’ve only read Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe and Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
It’s sad when you can’t get into a book you’ve loved in the past.
It really is sad. One of these days I’ll probably try that one again just to make sure my feelings have changed.
Reading about Westeros and all those amazing characters for the first time was definitely a reading treat! That’s definitely a series I like rereading because there’s so much detail to pick up on.
Yes, I feel like I come across something new every time I read it.
The Bear and the Nightingale was for sure a unique fantasy compared to what was coming out at the time. I loved it too and reading it with fresh eyes would be so much fun.
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks so. 🙂
Aww, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a great pick. I loved that series in elementary school.
Me too. It was definitely a favorite.
Great list! I didn’t read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory until my kids came along, and I loved every delicious moment.
When you get the chance, I hope you stop over at my blog and take a read: https://readbakecreate.com/10-books-i-would-love-to-see-as-a-movie/
It’s such a fun book!
Narnia- excellent choice! The sense of wonder in those… and Game of thrones as well. Wow, I always catch something new.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- yes! They read it to us in school too and it was magical.
I’m the same with Game of Thrones. It’s impossible to take it all in with just a single read through.
Ooh, The Bear and the Nightingale is a book that actually would’ve made my list today cos I rated it 5 stars (I think lol) but I was in such a weird reading mood that I now can’t remember much of it anymore? I reckon if I read it again it’d probably feel 60% brand new to me 😂 I would LOVE to read Cerulean Sea for the first time again though. That book is just 💙 Great list!
Cerulean Sea truly was magical!
Charlotte’s Web makes me so nostalgic. I remember reading that one with my mom as a child. Oh, the tears!
So many tears!
I was going to say “any Alice Hoffman book” too, lol. I still remember the first one I read, Turtle Moon, and that was it for me, I was hooked😁
LOL. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Charlotte’s Web was one of my favourite books as a kid, I’d love to be able to read it again for the first time!
Such a great book. I loved reading it with my son and watching him experience it for the first time.
This weeks topic was a tough one, you have some great choices! I agree about The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, I’d love to experience that again for the first time. And thats interesting about The Night Circus – I was so lost and confused the first time I read it, but when I came to the end i loved it and wanted to reread it immediately because suddenly everything made sense – but I never did end up rereading it. I wonder how I would feel if I did reread it – its definitely feels like one of those books that its real spark of magic is the very first time you read it.
It crushed me that I got bored with The Night Circus the second time through. I keep hoping maybe it was just a mood reader thing and that if I try again some day, I’ll find the magic again.
The House in the Cerulean Sea made my list as well. Would definitely not mind a Groundhog Day-like thing with this book either 🙂 Also, yes to Cinder!
I noticed The House in the Cerulean Sea made so many lists this week. 🙂
All those kid lit books were great, but Charlotte’s Web gutted me. I can still feel my broken heart.
Same! I cried so many tears.
I put The House in the Cerulean Sea on my list as well. I just loved it. I’m going to read Charlotte’s Web for the first time next month.
Aww yay. I hope you love Charlotte’s Web. Definitely have some tissues handy!
I have seen several of these on lists today 🙂 I agree with Charlotte’s web and the classics!
Charlotte’s Web is so great. I loved reading it again with my son a few years ago and watching him experience it for the first time.
I still have to write my post but The House in the Cerulean Sea will be on it!
Such a great book!
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is a great choice! Here is my Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
Thanks!
I didn’t do a list for this week’s TTT; it was too hard for me to come up with a list. But I’m with you on The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Night Circus, too. Reading those books for the first time was truly magical. 🙂
Glad to hear they were both magical for you too. 🙂
I cannot wait to read The Bear and the Nightingale and The Night Circus!
I hope you love them both!
I need to just plain reread The Lunar Chronicles again one of these days. I’d love to try it on audiobook.
Check out my TTT
Oh yes, I bet it would be amazing on audio!
I couldn’t agree more on Cinder! I’ve actually read it twice. Such a good book and great series. I fell in a huge black hole when I finished it.
It definitely one of my favorite series. I’d like to re-read it on audio some day.