Books You've Read More Than Once

[DRFC1879]

I was watching a quiz show the other day and there was a literature round. Two questions in a row came up that I answered and said that I'd read the book in question twice. (Dracula and Great Expectations). Which got me thinking, with so many books out there to read and a naturally inquisitive and acquisitive nature it's quite rare for me to have the desire to revisit books that I've already read but some of them really justify a second go. The reference to potentially re-reading Catch 22 above jogged my memory to post this. What's everyone else's experience of re-reading and are there any titles that you return to time and again? Do you relate to them differently on re-reading?

Off the top of my head my list includes the following:

- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the whole "trilogy in five parts"). I've read the lot three times but the last time was around a decade ago and I'm considering another go. As it comes up quite frequently as a cultural reference I've found new meaning, points of reference and humour in it with each reading.

- The Count of Monte Cristo. Again I've read it three times. Probably my favourite book and my son is named after one of the characters. I just love it. Even the long old slog in prison at Chateau d'If.

- Dracula. As mentioned above I've read it twice (maybe three times). I could have quite easily been a bit of a goth and Whitby is one of my favourite places so it's a no-brainer.

- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Read twice, fairly short and easy to read, moves at a good pace and again is a bit gothic horror in style.

- Great Expectations. Read twice; once in my early twenties and again mid thirties. Different perspectives on it as life experience changed etc.

[DRFC1879]

MC Bodge said:

"Danny the Champion of the World"

Three times at primary school and with each of my children.

A superb book.

Oh aye. My favourite RD book which I've read several times. The Twits a close second and read plenty of times.