Books I Really Need to Re-Read

This week, Top Ten Tuesday's topic is Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About. I have quite a few of these, and most of them are on my list to re-read so I can hopefully form better memories of them the second time around.

Empire Falls by Richard Russo

I read this book when I was in college and have frequently cited it as my favorite adult novel ever. But when people ask me what it's about, I realize that the details are a bit fuzzy. I know there is a man named Miles Roby who is unhappy in his small town, and that he is in some way beholden to a wealthy family in the community, and... that's about it. It's a Pulitzer-prize winning novel, so I know I can't really go wrong recommending it, but I still really want to re-read it to find out whether I still love it as much as I did 15 years ago when it first came out.

Fables series by Bill Willingham

There was a period of time about ten years ago when I was just devouring this series. Then I lost track of it for a few years and fell way behind. Now that the series is finished, I'd like to read to the end, but it's been so long, I can't remember anything from the first few volumes beyond just the basic premise. Thankfully, they're all on Hoopla through my local library so whenever I get around to it, they are easily accessible!

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

I loved this series when it was being published, but by the time the first movie came out, I had already forgotten most of the plot. I remember a few key scenes but if someone were to ask me to summarize what happens, especially in Catching Fire or Mockingjay, I know I couldn't do it. I'm not sure yet whether my kids will read these, but if they do, I'll have to do a refresher to be able to discuss the story with them.

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

I loved this book as a kid, when we read it in school, and I recently bought a copy for our home library, but again, aside from the basic premise, I can't remember a single thing that happens in the story. I know the main character is named Omri, mostly because that is an unusual name, but otherwise, it's all a blur. I plan to re-read this one either with my oldest daughter, or just ahead of her reading it independently.

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

I read this Newbery honor book when I was in library school. When my husband read it recently, however, I realized that when he talked about it, I had no idea what he was referring to. I loved the book, and I'm a little bit worried that it won't be as good as I remember when I read it a second time, but I would like to re-read it anyway, especially since we own it.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

My 7th grade English teacher read this aloud to my class. At the time, I was totally engrossed in the story and I can remember trying not to cry in class because apparently there is a sad part, or a sad ending or something. Knowing that it might be a sad book has kept me from re-reading it so far, but I am really curious and would like to get to it eventually.

The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Another book from seventh grade. All I remember about this one is that everyone in my honors English class hated it because it was too descriptive. I have seen a number of homeschooling parents say it is a favorite in their families, so at some point, I think I need to revisit it and see if I like it any better as an adult.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

I keep saying I'm going to re-read this, as it was a favorite of mine in high school and all but the most major characters have completely gone from my memory. Part of the reason I haven't is that I'm afraid it won't be a favorite anymore when I remember the details, and the other part is that I have the distinct feeling I've blocked out something sad or distressing about the story that I may not want to revisit.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

I was assigned this book as a freshman in college and quickly realized that I did not have the proper context for seeing in it what my classmates were seeing and decided I didn't like it. For a long time, I thought I just didn't like Jane Austen, but I hear a lot about her in Catholic and homeschooling circles, and I know I need to try again without the pressure or pretentious classroom discussion hanging over my head. I probably won't start with Northanger Abbey, but I would like to read all of her works eventually including re-reading this one.

Which books have you forgotten? Do you plan to re-read and refresh your memory?