We're all about discovering books both old and new, but sometimes its necessary to revisit an old favorite. Multiple readings not only allow for a deeper understanding (and love!) of a particular story, but they can often feel like homecomings in times of stress or nostalgia. As Jennifer, one of our Facebook followers, very wisely noted: "Favorite books are safe havens, happy places, old friends; a comfortable retreat when your soul needs it."
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As it turns out, many of you have safe havens, happy places, and old friends in common: You'll never stop dreaming of Manderley, or having Stephen King-inspired nightmares. You're always ready to fight evil alongside J.K. Rowling's boy wizard, or navigate the Civil War-era with Scarlett O'Hara (even, says one of you, for the 107th time). Below, you'll find some of the other unforgettable books you've read once...twice...okay, probably more than three times.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your answers with us!
The Good Earth
"The Good Earth by Pearl Buck and Gone with the Wind. I read Pearl Buck when in the 6th grade and loved the story so much I re-read it many times over the years. I also read the sequels. I'm now 81 years old and still love this book." —Penny
"After reading the last sentence, I automatically turned back to the first page and read the whole book again because I just didn't want it to end...It was that good... —Kristy
To Kill a Mockingbird
"As far as I can remember, it's the only one I read twice." —Melissa
"I read To Kill A Mockingbird almost every year. I love it for so many reasons. There is its southern charm, a family dynamic that is unusual for its time period perhaps, but so endearing. And, most importantly, this book reminds me to be a better person. To know that 'the one thing that doesn’t work by majority rule is a person’s conscience.'" —Audrianne
Related: 25 Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird
People of the Book
"I so loved that book, it has stayed with my heart and mind. Cannot explain how it draws me back." —Donna
Little Women
"I have read Little Women more than a dozen times in 60 years. I believe one reason the book appeals to me is that I am an only child who had only male cousins and yearned for the companionship of sisters. The loving relationships among the family members touched me and I loved the way Ms. Alcott had her characters achieve their hearts desires. I can never read this book too many times." —Annette
Related: 8 Books for Fans of Little Women
The Great Gatsby
"Many! Many! My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. It showcases Fitzgerald's talent brilliantly, and every time I read it I discover something new. I love books that are disquieting, perhaps changing my perspective." —Lynn
"I agree!!! I am a teacher and kick off each summer break with a reading of The Great Gatsby." —Doris
Related: Why the Lost Generation Writers Still Resonate With Us
Coming Home
"She transports you into the story with characters who become your friends and settings you step into." —Beth
"I was lucky enough to have read all of Rosamunde Pilcher's books more than once, loved her descriptive writing." —Rosie
"I had forgotten the Rosamunde Pilcher books. I've re-read The Shell Seekers and September numerous times, as well as some of her other books." —Tracy
Catcher in the Rye
"Every time I read it I see it in a different light. Love it." —Drema
Related: Looking Back: Joyce Maynard on Her Career-Launching Essay and Relationship with J.D. Salinger
The Outsiders
"I read it on my own, then again when it was assigned in 9th grade English, and at least once more after that, all before the movie came out. I even wrote an English paper on S.E. Hinton which was difficult because there was very little about her at the time. Most information on her came from the book jackets, and back then there was no Google so all research involved card catalogs and books. I loved writing too and the fact that she wrote this book as a teen spoke to me." —Donna
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Firefly Lane
"Two books come to mind...The Thorn Birds and my all time favorite book is Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. Both are books of true love. One between a man and woman...the other a true friendship that spans years. Anyone who has ever had a best friend from childhood to adult life will be able to relate with the characters in Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It touched my heart in so many ways." —Carol
More on The Thorn Birds: "I guess I identified with Meg somehow." —Kris
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Out of Africa
I've read all of Pascal Mercier's books several times, Perlmann's Silence being a favorite. I've also pull Virginia Woolf's and Alice Walker's books back down from the shelf more than once. But, my copy of Out of Africa is the most worn book I've got. —Christina
Change of Heart
"I find a new meaning every time that is relevant to my life at the time I am reading it. The first time through Jodi Picoult came through my city on the book tour for Change of Heart so I was lucky of enough to meet her and she of course signed my copy." —Cheryl
"I look forward to each new Jodi Picoult book, I hate when I come to the end of one." —Keith
A Confederacy of Dunces
"Laugh out loud funny. Perhaps the funniest book I’ve ever read." —Jeannie
"If I had one book to bring on a desert island, it would be Confederacy." —Dennis
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
"I must have read the Harry Potter series at least five times. It feels like I grew up with these characters." —Jessica
Paradise
"Fell in love with the characters when I was a teenager. Have read it about every two years for the past 18 years!" —Christina
The Eye of the World
"I’ve read the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan at least once a year since 1999 when I picked up the first one in the school library. Twice a year if a new book came out. RIP Mr. Jordan...[Eye of the World] is my go to book when I’m feeling bad or need an escape." —Megan
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
"Do you know that's my #1 favorite book of all time! I know that book by heart. I'll read it almost every year. I have a really old copy of it...I read it first in the seventh grade." —Loreny
"I'm also on my second copy of A Tree. And Joy in the Morning is a lovely story. But about once a year I start thinking of pickles and peppermint chips and I have to read my old fave again." —Jen
Related: The Most Popular Books from the Decade You Were Born
Pride and Prejudice
"Pride and Prejudice read it once a year my favorite." —Sandi
"All Jane Austen—the first reading for the plot, the second for her subtle humor and social commentary." —Linda
Outlander
"Outlander Series - 5 times. 😊" —Teresa
"I recently finished Book 8 and I'm going through Jamie & Claire withdrawal. I miss them like I would miss old friends." —Barb
"I'm in the process of reading the far-reaching Outlander series too. Am currently on A Breath Of Snow And Ashes." —Pam
Wuthering Heights
"I know I've read this book over ten times, and I named my daughter Katherine." —Susan
The Hobbit
"The Hobbit. Many times. And have listened many times to the BBC dramatic reading. ❤️" —Fran
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In Cold Blood
"In Cold Blood 6X. The book just fascinates me. —Dale
Related: Secrets and Lies: 7 True Crime Books About Cases with Shocking Twists
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The Virginian
"Body & Soul by Frank Conroy. As a music lover I liked it and it is well written. Also the original western, Owen Wister's The Virginian, I read when I was about 15 years old and now 62 years and many times later I always find something new about it." —Joseph
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Featured still of "Out of Africa" (1985), via Universal Pictures
