What makes a book re-readable?

[dulcigal]

I've been mulling lately over just why I love the books that I love. And it gets me to thinking, what qualities make a book enduring, make you love it so much that you must read it at least once every few years? Or at least, that the characters live on so vividly that they are always coming to mind?

In some ways, it's undefinable--we have no problem saying alot about a book when we don't quite like it (we gripe and moan about this and that) but when it comes to books we love, how many of us say much more than "I loved it"?

So what is the common factor in all the books that are on your "forever" favorites list? By what do you judge a book's value, and put it down saying "wow, now THAT was a novel!" I'm curious, because I wonder if it's some part universal, but imminently subjective as well.

For me, what makes a book enduring is that it in some way reaffirms the purpose of humanity, shows what it means to be human. And I don't mean human in the humanist way, but in the who-we-were-created-to-be way. To me, the stories in the Bible do this, and all of the stories that I constantly come back to do also.

In any case, the stories that carry this same running undercurrent are the stories that I want to write (and find myself writing somewhat automatically.) What about you?

[melw]

i have re-read most books i have in my bookcase, except for new ones, (obviously) books i couldn't get into, and books that go against my beliefs (though i did read it first). I am a voracious reader so i am always reading, and if i don't have anything new i will re-read what is in my bookcase.

Often i will think about a character or story and it will prompt me to re-read that story so i can so hello to some old friends.

MEL

[DrRita]

For me, a book that has at least these qualities make it a "classic" on my shelf.

Likeable characters that I can relate to, find interesting and admire in some way. (even the bad guys can have some of those characteristics) I need to be able to relate and feel with them.

A world that plays by the rules set up by the author. But it needs to be exciting and relatable too. I like the unexpected as long as it makes sense.

A good story . . . one that has a satisfying ending. Doesn't have to end happy, I just hate endings with loose ends hanging out (unless it's a series of course).

This last one is not an absolute necessity but the other qualities better make up for it for me to be willing to make the book a classic:

Good must be better than evil. It's not that good always has to win, or even that the characters have to be "good" but evil (sin) cannot be portrayed as another type of good. I want morality to be at a high (Biblical) standard even if all the characters (including the m/c) fall short and even if they don't personally believe in the standard. It still has to be part of the world so that good/evil is judged by that standard.

[ProfessorAlan]

Emotional resonance. Since I already know what's going to happen, the depth of feeling is what I'm going for with a re-read.

[love2write]

A good story well-written

[cynthiahickey]

Characters I want to visit again and again. The story line must be good and well-written, but it's the characters that will have me coming back. Really good books, the ones where I am quickly turning the pages, always have something new to show me because I read the book too fast the prior time.

[kriswrite]

You've already got some good answers.

For me, I'm much more likely to reread something if it has layers of depth and meaning. In other words, am I going to get something new out of it if I reread it a few months later?

Unfortunately, I think it's pretty darn difficult to create a book like this on purpose. So often, when author's try to, they end up with a book that wants to be "bigger" than it really is.

Kristina

[Tarin]

You know those stories that are murder to finish simply because you don't want them to end? When you close the back cover you want to cry because it feels like you're bidding goodbye to a friend whom you will never see again... because you're leaving forever a place where you have been happy and fulfilled?

That's the kind of book I re-read. As Professor Alan said is sums up nicely in that frustratingly elusive phrase "emotional resonance"...

[peridot08]

Believable characters I can relate to, with realistic situations. Lovable characters I think is the key. Funny; easy to like - even the bad guys. "Blue collar" characters. No stuffy suited rich men and women.

I love romance books that are about romance and not sex. The kind that tug at your heart. No foul, immature language - that will make me drop a book quicker than I would a hot skillet with no hot pads!

[tlm]

I think you have heard most of the reasons.

I like a book that touches who I am. That would be different for each individual.

A book that says something is also a plus.

I also like books that are cleverly written. There are phrases from Dickens', A Christmas Carol, that are wonderfully written.

I haven't read it in a few years, but I love Steinbeck's, East of Eden. The author was really trying to explore redemption. Though it is a secular fiction story, it had some interesting points.

[Lookin^Up]

I think Dr. Rita outlined it best, and the others after her basically said the same things in their own words.

Believable characters I can relate to, with realistic situations. Lovable characters I think is the key. Funny; easy to like - even the bad guys. "Blue collar" characters. No stuffy suited rich men and women.
In my opinion, Peridot, even those "stuffy suited rich men and women" can have a place in a well written story. Someone for the protags to play off against and make them look good.

I love romance books that are about romance and not sex. The kind that tug at your heart. No foul, immature language - that will make me drop a book quicker than I would a hot skillet with no hot pads!
I absolutely and wholeheartedly agree! Go for realism, of course, but Christian ethics must be at the forefront, even when the novel follows the "edgy" route. As stated in other threads, the impression of foul living for non-Christian characters is more important than putting in every sordid detail of his/her existence.

[paulchernoch]

I like your answers - characters I can relate to, engrossing world, philosophical depth. I particularly like people who are alienated from their group because they are different, but in the end save their group from a great threat despite the way they were treated. (Half of all literature, probably.)

- Paul

[dulcigal]

Wow, this is fascinating--so, gathering from what everyone posted, the common threads are:

1) Emotional resonance (as Prof Alan put it so well)
2) Relatable characters
3) Well-treated story elements

:) Great food for thought!

[writegirl1949]

I agree with EVERYTHING you guys have said.

But I also want a book to make me feel something. And, a book that touches my senses ... one that makes my mouth water when food is described; makes my skin crawl when something mysterious or suspenseful happens; something that literally takes my breath away or really makes me cry; where I can almost smell the scent of summer rain or I can feel the velvety petals of a gardenia; where I can hear the quiet of a late afternoon of an autumn day.

I'll read and re-read those books and they'll remain on my bookshelf forever.

Blessings, Francine

[righter1]

I think that the same things that will make me re-read a book are the same reasons I will continue reading a book series: Interesting plot, characters that are believable and that I've come to love and feel I know.

Here's another reason why I'll re-read a book, and it's for more than enjoyment. To learn from the author. This holds true for many of my favorite series and individual books. I will re-read to learn how they may have plotted, kept the pace of their stories alive. How much to reveal and when/how to do it about anything from plot points to characterization. Now, I may not actively be making notes about a given book I re-read, but I'll make mental notes. And, I'll see this filter through in my writing. I was noticing this today in a Robert B Parker audiobook I was listening to at work for the first time--I noticed how he used his character to tell the reader about the place that the character was at. A little here, a little there. I'm sure that will filter it's way into my writing eventually, too (and it would be better than the info dump I tend to do!)

[JadedFire]

I've never really thought about it, really, until reading this thread. Books that can be picked up again are very influencial, I find. Once, after reading the Black Stallion the book made me fall in love with horses. The story was well written, the description sucked me in, the characters were marvelous and human--it was a book I ended up reading countless times.

Also, I enjoy reading books with mystery and intrigue in them; the more I read the same book, the more things I can see in it that I hadn't noticed before.

[jacks girl]

I don't think I've ever read a book twice since i was a kid and fell in love with a story about horses on an island, that's all i can recall. (not counting my own writing)

I think characters does it for me but of course you have to have a great story in there too. Something that grabs you and holds your attention so much that you want to do it all over again.


Now i have listened to the same story over several times in the audio form so I will comment about this topic, a good reader will cause you to enjoy a story, he or she can make or break a book. Brad Pitt is a great reader, and Scott Brick could read me the telephone book and I'd listen to him.

The alphabet's murder series I've listened to many of them over an over and Louis L amour I absolutely love Rain on the Mountain Fork, i used to drive my hubby nuts listening to this one over and over, the guy that read Chick Bowdrie was great.

I've listened to all of these authors many times ( I know my spelling sucks)
Tony Hilerman
Lisa Scotolinie
Robert parker Slow waltz in ceder Bend great book
John Jakes
to many more to even think about

[peridot08]

But I also want a book to make me feel something. And, a book that touches my senses ... one that makes my mouth water when food is described; makes my skin crawl when something mysterious or suspenseful happens; something that literally takes my breath away or really makes me cry; where I can almost smell the scent of summer rain or I can feel the velvety petals of a gardenia; where I can hear the quiet of a late afternoon of an autumn day.

I'll read and re-read those books and they'll remain on my bookshelf forever.



I like to savor every moment, too- Give me some folks stranded on an island any day! Let me smell the salty water; feel the mist from the ocean; the sting of the sun; the rustle of leaves in the trees. The smell of a storm. I want to feel the warm, erie breath - of whatever is lurking behind me - against my skin. I want chill bumps; heartpounding events.

Tears, real ones. Characters and events that make me laugh - out loud! Feeling. Emotion.

Writergirl - you said it best! !thumbsup!

[Ransom v. Unman]

I've been mulling over this since reading this thread, and here's one thing I don't think I've seen anyone mention, but I think is essential in getting me to want to read something over and over again...

And that, to me, is beautiful writing and language.

A book can have all of the elements people have already mentioned, but unless I enjoy reading the writing itself, I really don't care to read it more than once.

[Tarin]

So what are some of the books you all re-read? What are the books that fulfill all these lofty ideals for you?;)

For me, these are the ones at the top of the list:

1. The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter. I was probably ten or eleven when my dad first read me this classic tale of the Scottish War for Independence. (Think Braveheart only cleaner and less historically accurate.:p ) The sweeping, larger-than-life saga broke my heart then and still breaks it now.

2. The Long Roll by Mary Johnston. A very lean, taut, omniscient view of the first half of the American Civil War, told from the Southern viewpoint. Its lyricism, its detail, and its understated pain is amazingly beautiful. (The sequel Cease Firing isn't as good, but still necessary reading, IMO.)

3. Emma by Jane Austen. I love George Knightley - such a man of principle. Austen's sophisticated wit is unparalleled. Pride & Prejudice is great too, of course.

4. The Firebird Trilogy by Kathy Tyers. Good solid science fiction, with a stunningly wrenching view of sacrifice and surrender to God's will. The third book fades a little, but the first two are amazing.

5. The O'Malley Chronicles by Dee Henderson. Her stories have their share of structural flaws... but I love her characters to pieces. I always feel like I'm losing a friend when I close the book on one of them.

Of course, there are many, many more... but these top the list right now.:)

[Ransom v. Unman]

Well, for me, there are the two predictable and natural ones... Anything by Tolkien, and anything by Lewis.

I also love reading Beowulf, Fight Club, Paradise Lost, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Canterbury Tales, anything by Shakespeare, and most anything by Dostoyevsky.

[dulcigal]

Hmm...I'm in the process of becoming well read...but here's what's made my return pile so far:

The Frencolian Chronicles - Christian fantasies published early nineties, I think, but out of print. These have every element that I love!

Chronicles of Narnia

Judith Pella and Michael Phillip's The Russians series - more specifically the later ones by Pella only - great characters, great resonance, great history

Nightsong by Tricia Goyer - an absolutely beautiful story

Dune by Frank Herbert

Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene

Threshold and Fire of Heaven by Bill Myers

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

[Naomi Musch]

You guys, this is so interesting!
Re-reads: I'm with dulcigal on the "Russians" and "Zion Covenant" series, also Thomas Williams' "Seven Kingdoms Chronicles", and most of Angela Elwell Hunts books. And Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" serie.

The thing with each of these books and authors is that same "emotional resonance" which always seems to me to be marked by depth of character development. Also, these authors seem to always find new ways of saying something so we don't feel that we are being fed a lot of trite, genre-driven lines. Their research brings the story to a level of realism that draws us in and involves us as well.

[Alice]

Emotional resonance is a great way to put it!

For me, characters are the driving force. If I like the characters in a story enough that I get lonely for them at some point, it tends to be a story I'll go back and read again. (Or, at least I'll read my favorite parts of it again.)

Sometimes I write stories like this, but that doesn't mean they would resonate with other people. Since I created the characters, they are almost bound to resonate with me. :D

[mahatma]

Wow, interesting topic. Personally I have never read a book twice, although sometimes I go over the same pages or certain passages again and again.
I have heard of some people who are re-reading my books however, someone even told me he was reading it for the fourth time! That blew my mind! I wondered if he missed the point or simply had trouble understanding my broken english. I am certainly no eloquent writer, writing in a language that is not your own, has its limits, believe me! So, let me add another element that makes a book re-readable: the Holy Spirit! I asked people why they started reading all over again, and the common response is: "I find something new all the time, something I did not notice before." Well, I would say that the element of surprise, the words behind the words, the touching of the readers heart, is something I don't purposely put in my writing, but it is there anyway! I can't take credit for it...:D :D

[mel3]

When a book reads well and is emotionally engaging with memorable characters, I will re-read it.
Also, a book with good dialogue is often kept on the shelf for a second visit!

[DearPrudence]

I rarely re-read a book, even the ones I love. My memory works to well.

But the books I keep, all have something to say that no other book has said.


In reality, the author has no control over what makes a book worth reading -- that is all upto the reader.

[intricatic]

it's always been a big thing with me to have a book that's clear in what it's trying to communicate. I've read books in the past that were good, but I'd probably never read them again because they failed at this point.
To say that a book is clear in what it's trying to communicate is not to say that it's not rich and complex, just that the content of the story is clear from an initial reading. The complexity is what draws a reader back in for a second reading. Take The Lord of The Rings for example, which is an excellent image of what I'm talking about.

[treesalt]

I love books with layers and twists that you can't take in with just one reading. That said, one of my most re-read books is the Princess Bride just for the shear ease of reading and the wonderful acerbic wit. It puts me in a good mood everytime without fail.

[eleazar]

I know I have also enjoyed many stories, anecdotes, fiction, biographies and bible stories. Yet strangely, I am not drawn back to many, with the exception of stories that have related so deeply to my own life that I have almost become a familiar friend of the main character. Notably I think of Jacob, whose life has spoken such volumes into my own life. His experiences just made so much sense to me at critical times in my life. David has also had that effect and his prayers, psalms and groanings seem to reach out through the centuries to touch our modern world in a timelessly relevant way.

More recently I have been reading all the chronicles of Narnia to my sons during morning devotions. Aslan has brought a whole new dimension to Jesus, portraying Him rightly as regal, always there, personal, forgiving, at our side, wise, inspiring ... I could go on forever. I think that is the only fictional character that ever stayed with me long after I finished reading, because in a sense it awakened me to the way that Jesus walks quietly in and out of our personal experiences and guides us through life's adventures, just as that great lion did for the various characters of Narnia.

I have found that the bible itself has so many layers, so many dimensions that come alive in personally significant ways at various stages in our lives, often offering insights that we have never seen before.

So, in response to your own musings, I propose that a great story is one that touches a deep chord in our lives at some specific moment, potentially regardless of the skill of the author. I think God just uses such stories to speak into the moment and because it is so relevant, the ideas linger. Its because, like Aslan, He walks with us through our life experiences and when He speaks into our circumstances He brings a personal touch that only someone who understands us so deeply and personally, could ever do.

Thus, I think that a story told from the heart and shared from a personal and real walk with God, is likely to resonate with other hearts, just as surely as the lives of Jacob and David have resonated with people throughout history.

[DraperJC]

To be a rereadable book you have to be Watership Down.

[eleazar]

According to 2 Corinthians 3, to be a good book, you need to be a letter of God, read and known of all men. Life veils the truth in layers of humanity, compensation and self-awareness, and thus eclipses the glory of God. It also tends to settle for things that ultimately add to our woes as the law did in Moses' time. But the life that, having walked with God, is able to cast away pretentions, sees not the laws of God, but the God of the laws and having known Him, we find liberty and see His glory.

I remain persuaded that the living word, around which worlds were created and order rose up out of chaos, will also speak through the pens of ready writers to instill peace in storms, life in death and hope in hopelessness.

[eleazar]

Would love to know meaning of above, but I do like the way your site is designed - very interactive ad lively. I have so much to learn about blogging and how to ensure a site gets visible. Could you share more of your own learnings in this?

I see you are a military man, so am I ... well I was in the army anyway, where I fought for what we believed was a righteous cause, but which was in fact a very inappropriate cause that cost a lot of taxpayer's money, destroyed a lot of lives and was eventually lost in politics. I am also aware that being a believer is fast shifting from a season of manoevres and shadow boxing, into an all-out war at the climax of our age. It is a war where the common man will display an uncommon valor as one of the virtues of a real world faith. It is a struggle where we will not sow confusion, but cast light into darkness and life into death.

[pajarita_deDios]

I agree with ransom...if it's beautiful...I want to read it over and over. Also, to me it's SO important that every aspect of the story is there for a reason. If everytime you read it, some different aspect of the plot hits you...Or when you finish it, you feel as though you've only begun to understand what it was really all about...Then you just have to pick it up again.
For me, that book is the first book in "The mark of the lion" series...The very first lines are so enticing...and everytime I read it, I understand a little more of the message in it.

[Dee for Him]

I love a story that draws me in and makes me a part of their lives. It starts by introducing you to the characters and makes you love them or hate them and then takes you with them into their plight. A story that helps me want to learn from these characters and be a better person then before I read it.

Characters that are real, living examples of the greatest faith!

Thanks, Dee