It’s time for another Top Ten list from That Artsy Reader Girl. The topic today is “Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time.” Several books came to mind almost immediately when I saw this topic, so it wasn’t too hard to fill the list. Though apparently it wasn’t too easy, either, since I stopped at 9. Most of the books on the list I wish I could forget because something about the plot, story, characters, or climax was grand, epic, or twisty and made the first reading spectacular in a way that no successive reading can possibly be (at least until I’m old enough to have memory issues…and then I could probably read all of my favorites like it was the first time again). In no particular order, here are 9 books I wish I could completely forget so I could read it for the first time again.
1. The Oath by Frank Peretti
This has long been my absolute favorite book, written by my single favorite author. I’ve read it many times in the last 20ish years, but would love the chance to read it again with fresh eyes. See my review here.
2. Three by Ted Dekker
I first read this book at least 15 years ago. I actually started it, put it down before the end of the first chapter, and took quite some time to get back to it. But when I started it again, I got into it. This is one of those stories with a Big Twist at the end that I, at least, did not see coming. The way the whole thing played together was great! And while it can be fun to read it again and see all of the clues, I wish I could wipe my memory of the ending and be surprised again. See my review here.
3. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
I actually read this book based on the recommendation of a fellow TTT participant, and I really wish I could remember who it was so I could thank them profusely. I loved it, and have already read it a second time. It’s another one with a twist, and while I actually saw the twist coming, I just loved how it all worked together. I wish I could read it again without any foreknowledge of it and relive the joy of getting to that ending. See my review here.
4. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
The mystery in this book was interesting enough, but the way it was presented and unfolded were unique and pretty amazing. It was such a great ride that might not be quite as exciting the 2nd time around. See my review here.
5. Holes by Louis Sachar
The beauty of this book is the way multiple seemingly unrelated storylines come together by the end of the book. I’ve read the book and seen the movie quite a few times, so I know the story really well, but I think it’d be fun to be able to experience the whole thing for the first time again. See my review here.
6. 4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace by Johan Twiss
I was amazed by this book, a little-known gem that was self-published by the author. There’s no huge twist in the story, but the way it plays out is beautiful and touching. I am already looking forward to re-reading it some time, but it probably won’t be the same as the first time. See my review here.
7. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Oh my gosh, this book…I loved this book so much. It made me laugh, cry, and cheer. I know I will enjoy re-reading it, but nothing will ever compare to that first time the story unfolded before me. My husband recently listened to the audiobook, after strong prompting from me, and seeing it through the eyes of a new reader was the next best thing to reading it again for the first time myself. See my review here.
8. The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson
As the culmination of an epic middle-grade fantasy series, this book had all the feels. Seeing the triumph and tragedy for the first time was amazing, and I know it can never quite be that way again. See my review here.
9. Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
This is a divergence from the rest of the books on the list. It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned this in a TTT post, but I did not like the narrator of the audiobook, at least the version I listened to. The story itself wasn’t bad, though, and I can imagine really liking the series. I have plans to give the books another try, but I worry that I won’t be able to forget how this narrator made me dislike the main character. It would certainly be helpful if I could re-do the first reading of this book. See my review here.
10. Outcast by Kristi Drillien
Another divergence from the most common reason I wish I could read a book for the first time again. I’m sure I’m not alone here amongst authors in wishing that I could see my story through the eyes of someone who doesn’t already know the story.
Have you read any of these books? What books do you wish you could read again for the first time?
A Journey of Words 
I haven’t thought about Holes in years! 🙂
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently read it for the first time in a long time, and loved it just as much as ever! Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I JUST finished Project Hail Mary. So good. 🙂
My list is here: https://fiftytwo.blog/2021/08/24/ttt-ten-books-everyone-should-read/
Happy TTT!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pretty sure it’s going to turn out to be my favorite read this year. It’ll be hard to top it. Happy TTT to you as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a few immediately come to mind but then struggled as well. If I had thought about the classics and stuff I read as a teen, it would have been easier! Here is my TTT if you are interested in popping over: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/08/top-ten-tuesday-reread-for-first-time.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly, most of the classics I read when I was younger didn’t really impress me. The only one of those that I’ve re-read more recently is Fahrenheit 451, and boy did I not see it the same way as an adult that I did as a teenager.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand that. My son recently read Fahrenheit 451 but I still haven’t read it.
LikeLike
Did he read it for school? What did he think of it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He did and he enjoyed it. He likes Dystopian books though, he gave it 5 stars.
LikeLike
Yea to The Oath and Three. Both are excellent reads.
I still need to read The 7 and a half lives of Evelyn Hardcastle.
Excellent list and thanks for visiting us earlier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both of those books have been long-time favorites of mine! I read 7 1/2 Deaths about 2 years ago now, and I think I’m ready to read it again soon. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
Holes would be fun to read again! Here is my Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holes is such a comfort read for me. I love how it all plays out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m old enough to be having memory issues, but they haven’t gotten quite bad enough yet that I can re-read old favorites and not remember ANYTHING. I’m getting close, though! LOL.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, by the time I have that bad of a memory, I’ll probably have re-read books from this list too many times to really forget them enough to feel like it’s the first time again. Happy TTT to you as well!
LikeLike
You cannot duplicate that first reading experience with books like PHM! I gasped the moment he first saw Rocky!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many moments in that book that I wish I could re-live. Every time my husband messaged me while he was at work to exclaim over another part, I got at least a small vicarious thrill. But now I can only hope another book will capture me the same way as that one did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Book hangovers are real! I recommended the audio book to my daughter and SIL and I keep texting them to what part they are on! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely the only way to deal with withdrawal after a great book, lol, re-live it through someone else. I’m very fortunate that my husband loved it as much as I did, so we could add to each other’s enthusiasm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My hubs and I loved it, too! So fun to share good reads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely need to read Project Hail Mary
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw it on several lists this week. I suppose that means it’s in danger of being hyped to the point of turning people off, but all I can say is that I loved it and have recommended it to everyone I know that likes that kind of book.
LikeLike
Great list! Holes was such a fun read! I read it shortly before my oldest daughter read it in school, I think she was in grade 3. Then we watched the movie, and we both loved both the book and the movie.
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/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suggested my daughter read it when she was around 10, and she loved it enough to read it more than once and suggest it to at least one of her friends. We’ve watched the movie together at least once too, and we both agree that both the movie and book are great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holes is such a delightful book! It would be fun to experience how clever it comes together again. Thanks for stopping by my TTT earlier 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely one of my favorite middle grade books!
LikeLiked by 1 person