Once was enough… Books I Loved But Probably Won’t Reread

 

I don’t normally do weekly memes, but I do really enjoy reading them. As a lot of you probably know, Top Ten Tuesday had a fantastic topic this week on “Books I loved, but will never reread” and it really got me thinking does this apply to me? I mean, I’m not a huge rereader anymore (so many books, so little time!) however, I do hoard books that I love in the hope that I will get a chance to reread them someday. Nonetheless, the more I thought about it, the more I realised there are some books which I gave all the bananas to and can’t see myself picking up again. Evidently, it’s not Tuesday, but I thought I’d share my list, because why not?

Memoirs of a Geisha– I adored this book. Still, this is one of those books that I feel I read at the *exact* right moment and I don’t know that I want to ruin that. Especially since I now know how inaccurate it is- I think I might be better served staying in that world and exploring it from a more authentic angle in the future.

Facing the Light– do you ever have a book that you look back on with rose tinted glasses even if you know objectively it’s probably not as good as you remember? That’s what this book is for me. I was captivated by this when I read this as a teen and ended up fixating on the authors work (even though none of her other books ever held the same magic for me again). So yeah, it doesn’t make sense to reread it and risk ruining my memory of it.

Poison– my nostalgia is strong for this one. I can remember falling in love with this and being blown away by the story in so much detail. However, that’s in some ways to the book’s detriment, because I can’t bear the idea of not loving it as much the second time round. It’s such an unusual book that I’m even reluctant to mention it sometimes in case other people don’t love this hidden gem as much as I did- so how could I cope if I reread it and didn’t fall under its spell the second time round? Nope, as wonderful as I remember this book being, the experience of reading it is best left safely in the past.

The Book Thief– I do actually want to reread this- I’ve picked it up many times thinking I might. Yet the thing that always stops me is how much it emotionally *wrecked* me the first time round- I’m not sure I could knowingly do that again. (Who knows though, I might end up feeling like a good cathartic cry someday…)

1984– I have actually reread this one, so it’s kind of cheating putting it on here, but the first time I read it I was sufficiently creeped out to say “I’m never reading this again!” Of course, I didn’t keep to that, so who knows? I could totally end up going back on my word again for this one.

Jude the Obscure– speaking of emotional books, I don’t know many other books that are as traumatising as this. I think it’s a masterpiece- and yet I can’t see myself ever being able to reread it.

Rape of Nanking– okay this is not something I will say I loved per se, but it really fits with the “once was enough” theme. Quite simply, there are few books more harrowing than this and I can’t foresee any situation where I’d want to even think about it too much. This is one of those books that it’s worth reading once in a lifetime- and no more.

And Then There Were None– it doesn’t really seem worth rereading a murder mystery, does it? Well at least not for me, knowing exactly what happens kinda ruins the pleasure of wondering who dunnit. Besides, there’s loads of other Christie books to choose from- I may as well pick one of those.

We Were Liars– this has turned up on a few lists and I totally get why. It was beautifully written and incredibly moving- however, knowing all the twists will kinda take a lot of the fun out of rereading it I think. The first time I read it was so impactful- I don’t know that I could ever replicate that feeling.

Life of Pi– this book is so hit or miss for people, so I was nervous about going into it. Luckily for me, it was a massive hit. As much as I don’t like to be swayed by the court of public opinion, I do see its faults and I’m worried I won’t get as much out of it the second time round- particularly because I now know exactly how it ends.

And that’s all from me for today! What do you think of any of these books? Which books do you love but won’t reread? Let me know in the comments!

All-Time Favourite Classics #4

Wahey we made it to part 4!! As I said in the first week, I’m going to pause this series after this post, though I’d like to continue it someday. For now though, I’m working with a more “realistic” (*ahem* mostly) theme to round off these favourite classics:

Canterbury Tales– I was endlessly surprised to find how realistic the characters in this were- not least because this was written OVER 600 YEARS AGO! And yet the fundamentals of human nature haven’t changed. What is also incredible is how complex and layered each of the stories are, how they tales interplay with their role in the prologue and how this all builds up the character study even more.

 

Great Expectations– ahh the king of realism- Dickens. And this happens to be my favourite I’ve read so far. A part of this comes down to how much I adore the story- and yet I find that somewhat imperfect- not intentionally so (I just prefer Dicken’s original ending where *spoiler alert* he doesn’t end up with Estella, it made more sense from a narrative standpoint). But mostly, because I cannot get over that image of Miss Havisham, sitting in her wedding dress. It’s both tragic and horrifying.

 

Catcher in the Rye– this one will surprise people straight off the bat, because it is such a Love-it or Hate-it book. I for one won’t pretend that I liked Holden Caulfield- in fact I spent a good deal of time disliking him- and yet… there was something so compelling about him. I could not deny the realistic tenor to his character. Nor could I say that I didn’t grow sympathetic to him over the course of the book. That change struck me and took me by surprise- it felt like getting to know an actual person. Yes he may be whiny and difficult on the surface- however strip away the layers and there is so much more to him. So feel free to love him or hate him, but you can’t deny that this book captures something very real.

 

To Kill a Mockingbird– I genuinely do not have any words for this book. The realistic characters, the finest fictional father figure of all time, the story, the beautiful writing, the message- ah it makes me speechless. If you do not know why it is on this list, then quite simply you haven’t read it.

 

 

King Lear– okay, yes I’m following with a shall-we-say less good fictional father? (yes, I will admit I didn’t know what book to put next). But on the positive side this play made me cry… wait a second… JK- what I mean is this is a deeply moving play (not that I’m a masochist who seeks out stories that will make me cry… okay I totally do that- whatever 😉 )

 

Brother’s Karamazov– speaking of dysfunctional families (gosh I ought to make a “favourite dysfunctional families” list) In all seriousness, this book is magnificent- not least because this has some MAGNIFICENT characterisation. I have to say that I love the intellectual tussles between Ivan and Alyosha (#teamAlyosha… which is weird because I should rightly pick Ivan… whatever I’ll psychoanalyse that comment later 😉 ). Incidentally, anyone that knows me might be surprised to have found no Dostoevsky’s my favourites so far- never fear, this part has three- pahahaha!

 

Hamlet– but if what you’re looking for is philosophical questions, why not get to the crux of the existential issue. To be or not to be– damn I get shivers from that speech every time. There’s a reason it’s quoted a million times. And sure, Hamlet might procrastinate for half the play about whether to avenge his father, but all his romps through faux madness and his eventual spurts of violence are so worth it… err… sort of. Stay in school kids.

 

Waiting for Godot– well since we’re on the subject of existential despair, we may as well go in for a penny in for a pound. And okay, this slightly surreal play is kind of the opposite of the realism theme I’ve been leaning towards here. Despite the strangeness of the play, however, it’s very clear that the themes it plays with- the passage between life and death- are very tangible issues. Some could say the most real of all. And of course, I could give any number of reasons for this being on the list- but what I will say is that what makes this play special is how it makes you feel alive with laughter one minute, and then, all of a sudden the warmth fades away, and you are left with nothing but a chill.

 

Notes from the Underground– I actually studied this for a “Novel and the Collapse of Humanism” course (I know, cheery stuff). Here Dostoevsky explores the paradoxical nature of man- both alien and atypical of his society. It is a work of pure genius- exhibiting the internal chaos of humankind- as we struggle to find our place in the world (and if you’re in any doubt as to how seriously cool this book is, this 19^th century book smashes through the fourth wall, like a Deadpool comic)

 

The Idiot– and yet it is The Idiot which probably takes the spot as my favourite Dostoevsky. I’ve mentioned time and again how I love the hero, Prince Myshkin (#relationshipgoals), because he is one of the most saintly characters ever written… and that’s his greatest failing. Which leads me onto my rather bizarre favourite thing about this book- it kind of fizzles out at the end- yes, it’s unintentional, but that’s what I like about it- it’s a failed book about failure.

 

Jude the Obscure– okay, let’s be honest, if we’re going to talk “doomed from the start”, Jude really takes the biscuit. I’m not saying that this is a dark book, I’m saying THIS IS THE MOST DEPRESSING THING I HAVE EVER READ IN MY LIFE. I really don’t blame people for not liking this one to be fair- nonetheless, for me, this is one of the most memorable books I have ever read. I can never shake the images it has planted in my brain. So I guess all that’s left to say is: hey Jude, don’t be afraid… watch out for women who try to trap you in marriage, just sayin’

 

Richard III– okay to leave off on a more positive note- let’s talk about someone who actually deserved to get their comeuppance. Cos let’s face it, from the opening speech, we can be certain Richard’s the baddie. And I know, I know, some historians and novelists have tried to rewrite the character in a more sympathetic light BUT there’s no following Shakespeare. He is “determined to prove a villain”- and what a villain he is! Too bad he couldn’t get hold of a horse.

Previous Posts:

All-Time Favourite Classics #1

All-Time Favourite Classics #2

All-Time Favourite Classics #3

I will admit that over the course of these posts I did add to this list, but I’ve decided to give it a rest for now. Anyway, have you read any of these? Do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!

Unforgettable Bookish Memories Tag

Well today is pretty unforgettable for me because this my 500^th post and I just saw that I reached 2500 followers– so first of all THANK YOU ONE AND ALL for following in the first place, sticking with me for all my ramblings, and for just being your *amazing* selves!

I was tagged for this a while ago by the wonderful Lisa @A Book Calls, the creator of this tag (and all round blogging brainiac- seriously her discussion pieces are great!), and I just thought it would be a lot of fun to do!

No. 1: The First Book You Ever Read (Or Was Read To You)

Gosh, I’m afraid I don’t remember the first book that was read to me or the first book I ever read. Here’s a selection of picture books I remember liking:

All highly recommended for little ‘uns.

No. 2: The First Book You Ever Bought With Your Own Money

Nicola and the Viscount– I bought it cos it said “by the author of PRINCESS DIARIES”- being a barely literate child I thought that meant it was the Princess Diaries (emphasis on the barely literate part). I ended up liking it more than I ever liked Princess Diaries- so I guess that’s a win?

No. 3: A Book You Stayed Up All Night Reading

Every good book ever 😉 But I’ll go with this one:

No. 4: What Book Or Series Will You Never Forget?

I just checked goodreads and this only has a thousand ratings?! OH MY GOODNESS THIS BOOK IS SO UNDERRATED- WHY?!?! Based on true events, this is one of the best stories of humanity and hope I have ever read. It also comes with some intense *feels*, so get your tissues ready.

No. 5: A Book You Frequently Think About

Because I think the philosophy espoused is so powerful and positive and it’s just a wonderfully impactful book. It also doesn’t hurt that its philosophy has permeated into a lot of work I admire.

No. 6: A Scene That Has Haunted You For Years After Reading It

The *one* from Jude the Obscure– if you’ve read it, you know the scene. If you haven’t read it if you want to be slightly mentally scarred, I guarantee you’ve never read anything like it.

No. 7: An Unforgettable Character

Rebecca- which is possibly an odd pick cos she’s not really in the book- but we get so much characterisation through third parties that she grows into an enigma that she starts to overshadow the heroine… Gothic genius at its best.

No. 8: A Book That Changed Your Opinion About Something

I don’t know that I’ve ever read a single book that’s changed my opinion drastically- I feel like books are better at *waking you up* to things you didn’t know and help you fine tune your thoughts. So with that said, I’m going with:

I was about 11 when I first read it and this made me aware of things I had no idea about. I was actually discussing with a friend just a couple of days ago what a remarkable book this is- if you want a book about putting yourself in other people’s shoes then this is nothing short of perfect. It’s still one of my favourite books from childhood and something I definitely recommend for people looking for speculative YA.

No. 9: Share Another Random Bookish Memory 

When I first saw this question I had *no clue* what to answer, so I started casting my mind back and back… and I stumbled on a memory of the first time I read the Hobbit. Now, everyone knows I loved that book. It had everything I ever wanted in a book: dragons, adventure, elves, wizards, eagles! Picture me, a young and immature ape of about 9, so enraptured by this magical world that I couldn’t think of anything else. All I wanted to do was jam my head back between the pages of a book and read MORE. My mum, however, didn’t think it was good for me to be cooped up in doors, so she dragged me out of the house to go for a walk and we ended up in a little wood near where I lived. Now, I don’t know if you know this, but Tolkien based a lot of the landscapes on England, so naturally when I was out and about in something resembling a forest… I yelled “OH MY GOD THIS IS MIRKWOOD!” and ran off into the trees. I never came back 😉 (at least my mind didn’t). The end.

With that- I tag:

Sam, Noriko, Katie, Beth, Nel, Book Beach Bunny, Liis, Mischenko, Step into a Book World, Kelly, Literary Weaponry and Stephanie

And anyone else who wants to do it! Do you have any random bookish memories? Let me know in the comments!

Jude the Obscure Book Review

*Warning: if you read this book, expect to be depressed for a minimum of two weeks*

This book is somewhat of a legend in my family. It began an undefined number of years ago when my mother was a child (my mum would kill me if I said how long ago that was!) and her best friend told her “only read it if you’re in a really good place in your life”. She has subsequently never read it, worried that even if she’s in a good mood, it will bring her down. Of course, I never heeded this advice, and read it at the ripe old age of seventeen. When I finished Jude that first time, I literally just sat for a full hour, staring at the walls. My brother walked in, saw my peculiar state and thought I’d completely lost it. He did not understand until four years later when he read it. Then he was left wandering the snow-laden streets of Jerusalem for about a week, weighed down by that same despairing novel, before he phoned me up to discuss it at length.

Because while it is the kind of book that tears at your soul, it is also a book rich in meaning and full of all the wonderful traits that makes Hardy’s novels so memorable. Like his other work, the atmospheric tension pervades the narrative. Wessex comes alive as a character in its own right. Against this backdrop, the characters take perfect poetic form, holding a dichotomy within themselves, whilst mirroring their moral counterparts perfectly. For every character trait there is a conflicting attribute and for every character there is a counterpart. So, not only is Jude an oxymoron of hope and despair, but he also emulates Phillotson in his ambitions. Likewise, both Arabella and Sue are both fakes- Arabella’s whole appearance is a sham and Sue pretends to be more “enlightened” than she really is. This is literary genius at work.

The images in this book are so powerful- I will always picture Arabella unwinding her snakelike hair whenever I think of phonies. Not to mention all the spoilery images that I won’t mention. There are so many subtle nuances in the book that make it not just an enjoyable read, but also well worth delving into and really exploring. The themes of failed aspiration and marriage were bold and really challenged conventions- not just contemporary Victorian conventions, but also the modern idylls of marriage and university that we hold dear today. The enduring nature of this book, not what it meant to audiences in the past, is what really makes this a classic.

I remember reading Hardy’s rebuttal at the opening, about how so many people missed the point when it was first published, and I remember thinking that was partly true. Yes, the story at its core is a tragic romance. But it is also designed to shock. And boy does it do that well. Some of the scenes in this book are still the most shocking I have ever seen/read- even the Red Wedding can’t compare. These scenes are not just shocking for the sake of causing a scandal alone however- no what is brilliant about them is that these scenes are crafted to drive home the message and horror of the story. It brings the consequences of social injustice into sharp relief.

Hardy’s hardly upbeat to begin with, but this is definitely his darkest work. Still, this is one of my favourite books and definitely my favourite Hardy. I don’t know what that says about me- but I just can’t help it. It’s just one of those books that no matter what you do, you will never get out of your head (and will probably leave you emotionally scarred to boot). So it should come as no surprise that I’m giving it…

5/5 bananas

(Just be careful with those banana peels- because one thing Hardy definitely taught me is that you never know what minor calamity Fate may seize upon to make you suffer!)