Reading what eventually becomes a favorite book for the first time is such a unique experience. Even years later we tend to remember exactly where and when we were reading the book, even what the air smelled like.
This was a fun topic that had us delving into some of those memories again. Thanks to That Artsy Reader Girl for the pick!
Indiana’s five
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R.R. Tolkien
I have memories of painstakingly trying to read the first chapter at my family’s dining room table as a kid. I also have memories of my mom reading it to me, after she’d read me The Hobbit.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My mom lent this one to me after a trip she’d taken where she’d read the entire thing on the plane. I was hooked from the first chapter and remember making myself read just one chapter a day to savor it. I’ve reread it many times since and with each read I get something slightly different out of it. I’d love to go back to that first read through though.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I started this one on a beach in Alaska while visiting a friend and the sound of waves and whales crashing about made for the perfect soundtrack.
Fable by Adrienne Young
This one was an impulse buy at some point during the pandemic (the months blur after a while) and it was the ideal mix of adventure and magic I was looking for. I have yet to reread it but I’m sure it would hit differently the second time around.
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
From the first chapter I knew I wanted to savor this one and once again I tried to restrict myself to just a chapter or two a day, usually accompanied by a small glass of Irish cream.
Pete’s five
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Though I haven’t reread it yet, the mystery of this book was a delight to discover.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
The unfolding wonder of this book led me to read the first 30 pages in the bookstore, and I’d love to dive back into this magical novella blind.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
I credit this epic fantasy novel (alongside The Name of the Wind) with getting me back into modern fantasy, and while I enjoyed rereading it recently, it didn’t compare to the experience of discovering the world of Roshar for the first time.
Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever? by Dave Eggers
This was a single-sitting read for me when I worked at a bookstore in New York City (and was allowed to read books on the job)—I’m sure if I could wipe my memory of it, I’d finish it in a matter of hours again.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
It was clear early into my initial read why this book is hailed as such a classic, and I’d love to experience that feeling again.
Lit Lens 
I loved The Alchemist! And I love your memories of reading Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as a child. I remember The Fellowship of the Ring being a lot more difficult than The Hobbit. But falling in love with both 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my TTT earlier!
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So glad you liked The Alchemist too! I want to do a reread of it in the next few weeks. Thank you for stopping by my TTT too! ☺️
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It has been a while for me as well. Definitely worth the reread 🙂
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