13 Books I wish I could read for the first time again

Sometimes I just want to reread a favourite book but at the same time I wish I could read some of them for the first time all over again because they were just so good.

Here are some that I’ve been craving to reread lately.

The Nearly-Weds by Jane Costello

This is my favourite Jane Costello book. It’s really funny and sweet. It follows Zoe who runs off to America after being left at the alter because she doesn’t want pity from her friends and family. She goes to work as a nanny for Ryan who is struggling to cope with his new life as a single dad.

I remember loving the romance in this novel and the relationship Zoe has with Ryan’s children. Though it’s a fun book, there are some heartwarming and tender moments too.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I really want to reread this series before I read the prequel that’s due to come out this year.

It’s set in the nation of Panem, where the rich and wealthy live in the Capitol and the rest of society are split between 12 other surrounding districts. The Capitol hosts an annual televised game, where children between the ages of 12 and 18 are selected to participate in a fight for their survival. The last one left standing wins. Katniss, 16, volunteers herself as tribute when her younger sister’s name is picked out.

This was one of my favourite series as a teenager so I’m really intrigued to see if I would enjoy it as much as an adult.

The Toy Makers by Robert Dinsdale

This is one of my favourite books. The Daily Telegraph said it was “unforgettable” and that’s something I definitely concur with. It’s a magical, enchanting read that will make any reader regain their childhood imaginations, in such a beautifully told historical story. 

It starts in 1917 and is set over the course of the main character Cathy’s lifetime as she battles the hardships many faced during the war. These include the worries she faces when her husband is sent to fight for his country and the financial difficulties.

My full review can be read here. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook too. 

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is my go-to author alongside Lindsey Kelk. I’ve read all the books she has ever written and am always eagerly anticipating more.

Samantha is a workaholic who doesn’t know how to relax. One day she makes a huge mistake at work, knowing full well her chances of gaining partnership at the law firm is over. She leaves the office in London and grabs a train to a random place.

When asking for directions, she gets mistaken for a candidate applying for a cleaning job. She takes it. The problem is  she doesn’t know how to do anything and isn’t domesticated in the slightest. She doesn’t even know how to use an oven.

This is a really entertaining read, with a cute romance side-story thrown in too. 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling

Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? I think I read this at least once a year because it’s so nostalgic and brings lots of wonderful memories. It’s a story that never gets old. 

It follows Harry’s journey after discovering on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. The orphan sets off to Hogwarts, a school specialising in witchcraft and wizardry and meets others who are just like him. It’s a story of self discovery, as the boy uncovers what truly happened to his parents and the scary reality that is dark magic.

I particularly love the scenes where Harry  starts learning spells for the first time and how to fly a broomstick as he’s so in awe of a world he never knew existed before. His friendship with Ron will always be a favourite aspect of mine too. 

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

This is probably one of the biggest releases of 2019. It’s so much fun and really delightful and entertaining read. I’ve loved it so much that I’ve looked for similar novels to read, but can’t find any. So if you know of any, please let me know!

Tiffy works during the day and Leon works nights so when he needs to earn some extra cash, he decides renting his room is not as odd as it would seem. They will never meet because they’re never home at the same time. It seems like the perfect scenario. That is until the plan goes wrong and they do meet.

This is one of the most adorable books I have ever read and would recommend it to everyone who wants a nice uplifting novel to read. 

When All is Said by Anne Griffin

This book will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s truly heartbreaking but also impossible to put down. It’s one of the best books I have read in a long time.

It follows Maurice, an 84-year-old Irish man, throughout the course of one evening. It’s set in a hotel bar in Meath, which holds a lot of memories in the man’s past.

The farmer raises five toasts to the people who have impacted his life the most. Each chapter is a new toast, revealing how each person shaped the man he has become.

Read my full review here. 

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer

I don’t think I truly appreciated this book when I first read it as a teenager. But even then I was gripped by the plot. Jeffrey Archer has a knack for creating an engrossing story with a really satisfying ending. 

Danny is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shortly after proposing to his girlfriend he is arrested for murder. If he had decided to propose on a different day, things may have turned out differently. He is sentenced to 22 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Beth tries her hardest to get justice for Danny who is out for revenge on those who put him behind bars.

I particularly like the way Archer looks at the disparities between class in society and how coming from poverty can make life a little more difficult where judgemental people are concerned. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt is a mastermind. The Secret History is one of those books people can only wish they had written themselves. The plot and characters are so interesting to read. I’m wondering if a reread would mean I might see some of the twists and turns before they happen too, which is one of the reasons I fancy reading it again.
 
The psychological thriller follows a group of classic students who all in their own way just want to belong somewhere. As the story unwinds, it’s interesting to see how far each of them will go to protect themselves and how this slowly causes further destruction. 

Read my review here.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones and The Six is one of my favourite books from last year. It’s based entirely in interview format which makes it all the more special. It looks into the lives of the fictional band and why they split up. After reading this, I honestly thought it was a true story, that’s how well it’s written! 

There are so many characters with various flaws but they have an interesting back story and most are really likeable. I heard lots of bloggers say the audio is great too so I’m thinking of giving that a try. The book is a really fulfilling read and I was not expecting that ending at all. It wrapped it up nicely. 

Read my full review here.

I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk

While I love her other books a lot, this series is by far my favourite. Angela is such a strong-willed character to look up to. She sets off to America after discovering her boyfriend cheated and starts and entirely new life for herself, with almost none of her belongings. 

Even though there is a great romance, I think the best part of the novels, including this one, is the importance of friendship. The progression of Angela and Jenny’s friendship is just wonderful to see. I also love how Angela always focuses on her career and ambitions too. 

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

I have read this way too many times (if that’s possible) and it’s still one of those books I look back on with such fondness. Dessen goes above and beyond with her plots and this one is no exception. Even though it’s not explicitly mentioned, there are dark topics in this novel, which some people might find difficult to read.

Annabel used to be one of the cool girls in school, with a modelling contract and a group of good friends. That is until one summer changes that forever. 

When she returns to school, everyone hates her but she befriends Owen who slowly helps her through her troubles with a collection of his favourite music. I love the dynamic between Annabel and Owen, especially how different they are but also how good they are for each other too.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

I first read this in school and I think I was one of the few people who actually enjoyed reading it. I really like the kindness that exists in George and Lennie’s friendship. They don’t care about their differences and they don’t discriminate against each other. 

Lennie is different from most people. He appears to be child-like and doesn’t understand the world around him. They begin work on a farm with the hope of a bright future ahead of them.

This book tackles a lot of issues, including racism. Even though the ending is heartbreaking, it is one of my favourite classics as it’s just a lovely story. 

Read more about my favourite classics here.

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What book would you like to read for the first time again? Let me know by commenting below. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram too – @bookwormgirl_24