Which book have you read over and over again and why?

[waltzingparrot]

What makes us read the same book over and over when we know what happens and there's nothing new to learn about the characters?

Mine's 'The Painted Veil' by W Somerset Maugham. I've read it 4 or 5 times now and feel I need to dust it off in time for summer. I can't even explain why it resonates so.

I like the historical period (1920s cholera ridden china) but I've learnt about that now.
The main character is not particularly likeable (don't want to be her or live her life).
It doesn't have the ending I hoped for/expected.
Every emotion under the sun in one character - she's irritating and fickle and annoys me.

Why do I need to keep reading this book?

What's your book and can you explain why you want/need to re-read it every so often?

Wuthering Heights when I was a teenager, back then I thought Heathcliff was lovely. He was really an abusive twat.

Elizabeth Aston/Pewsey's six Mountjoy novels. I love the sense of humour, the light touch, and the world she builds. They are comfort reads.

To be honest the only books I've read over and over have been childhood favourites, like Tom's Midnight Garden. I think there's more of an emotional connection to books that really mattered to you as a child. I may love a book in adulthood but I rarely re-read them as I feel there are so many books and so little time.

I haven't read The Painted Veil actually, but remember watching the film version with Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. Did the adaptation do it any justice?

Pride and Prejudice, because, well , Lizzie Bennet.

The Night Circus because it’s soooo magical.

When I was a young teenager, it was Rebecca - I drew maps of Manderley, made lists of stationery I would keep in pigeonholes in my morning room, sauces I would have with different kinds of meat, types of vases for types of flowers - you name the obsessive behaviour, I did it.

When my ex-husband and I agreed to get married, I was furious because he didn't say 'I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool!'

Jane Eyre because although I view Rochester differently now as an adult it is a very intense love affair. Also Pride and prejudice, a secret History and the time travellers wife because I enjoy them so much.

And there are some Georgette Heyers I have read numerous times with Frederica being top of that list.

The mystery of the invisible thief
A summer birdcage
Imogen
Yesterday’s voices

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It makes me laugh out loud and is also very clever in its references. A great book if you are feeling a bit low and need cheering up.

My favourite childhood stories, like Tom’s Midnight Garden and The Secret Garden. My most read adult story is Therese Raquin. (And a bit of Jackie Collins but that’s a secret.)

Noughts and crosses. My favourite love story with racial conflict

Stephen Kings IT and his short stories collections.

Mine is quite low brow compared to my normal book style but if I'm having a crap time I always read Coming Home by rosamunde pilcher. It's like getting into fresh pyjamas and having a hot chocolate. Everything and everyone is exactly as it should be.

Always childhood favourites - Harry Potter. I was a teenager when they came out, but I have fond memories of reading them to my decade younger sister at bedtime.

As a teacher, I also think the writing is excellent for the age range!

Me too BlueMerchant. I read IT or parts of it regularly and I have brought Skeleton Crew to bed with me tonight

I don't generally reread books, but I've read Brideshead Revisited several times.

Pride and Prejudice- I'm not alone apparently!

I have this weird thing whereby I cannot read a book twice, ever. I don't have a photographic memory, but if I start to read something and I've read it before it's like I read it yesterday. The entire thing just comes back! Really weird.

@TipseyTorvey, Coming Home and the Shell Seekers are perfect 'under the weather' books. And Maeve Binchy's 1950s set sagas.

SgtFred Great minds...

@zootrope Good Omens is coming out on Netflix I believe very soon with David Tennant and lyrics by Mr F mercury

The Far Pavilions by M M Kaye, I read it first when I was 10 and have reread at least once a year since.

I suppose for me it was the historical period, the wonderful characters and the pictures in my head after reading it.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles, for reasons I'm not sure of.

Oh god, loads!

The Last Days of Jack Sparks
All the Thursday Next books (Jasper Fforde)
An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
Riders, Rivals, Polo
To Serve Them All My Days
To Kill A Mockingbird
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy - the 4th book is dreadful!
Hitchhikers
and most of Ben Elton - the later ones aren't great though

Pride and Prejudice for me as well. I find something new every time and I read it at least once every 2 years..
Also The MIniaturist - loved the characterisation and the secrets- but I hated the TV adaption. The Reluctant Fundementalist - I have read it twice and found it thought provoking both times