Sadly, I do not read as much as I’d like—it’s hard when my full-time gig is an editor … I’m usually just too spent after a day of revisions to read. But I don’t go out to dinner, run marathons or do any of those things I used to do before my life got so chaotic. But that’s OK. It’s a phase, I’m sure : ) Temporary, lol (that’s an inside joke—if you know, you know). Alas, I do have a few favorite books that have stuck with me over the years. Ones I keep visible, so I am reminded of the lessons learned or messages reaped when I first read them.
Night, by Elie Wiesel—because I cannot, and God willing never will, comprehend the horrors. Because every word was perfectly placed. He never bothered to tell the reader that “the snow was cold.”
A Tree Grown in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith—because Francie’s gumption was more than just admirable, it was inspirational.
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby—because the simple but complex characters are, I think, some of the best ever created … they make me want to be invited to their parties. To be part of their lives.
Flaubert’s Madame Bovary—while sadly things didn’t quite ever work out for Emma, her wanting for more than “average” was a noble thought at the time it published, so much so that the author was accused and put on trial for writing a book that was “an offence against art and decency.”
And Huxley’s Brave New World—if you spend any time here, then you know why.
I also have my list of those I want to read … War and Peace, The Count of Monte Cristo … and a handful of others that sit in a not so visible place … I dust those, move them from room to room, and sometimes take them on airplanes hoping to crack one open. And, it goes without saying but I will anyway, I also have books I did not like but had to read for AP English. Ones that will go unmentioned here. I mean why spoil it for others?
And then there is one book. One, I have read multiple times … one that never ceases to amaze me, make me smile, or remind me how lucky I am …
It is a troublesome world. All the people who’re in it are troubled by troubles almost every minute. So, I ought to be thankful, a whole leaping lot, for the places and people I’m lucky I’m not! That’s why I say, “Duckie! Don’t grumble! Don’t stew! Some critters are much-much, oh, ever so much-much, so muchly much-much more unlucky than you!” —Did I Ever Tell You How Luck You Are, Dr. Seuss
How about you? Have you ever read a book twice?
Today’s post inspired by the daily prompt at Word Press: What book could read over and over again? Cover image screenshot of, clearly, the book I could read over and over again.
DISCLAIMER: I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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