10 Books I’ve Read More Than Once
I was two years old when my mom bought me my first book, a beautiful limited edition of Folktales from Around the World, printed on thick paper and illustrated by various artists. I read this book to pieces—literally. Although I have no memories of this event, my mother, never having gotten over my childhood mishap, has recounted it to me multiple times.
I’m grateful she didn’t stop buying books for me, as they became a significant part of my life a few years later. Over the years, I’ve read books that made me smile and cry, challenged my thinking, and changed my perspective, allowing me to grow both intellectually and emotionally. Only a few, though, hold a special place in my heart. Here are ten books I often revisit while searching for a new title.
The Three-Body Problem, Book 1
by Cixin Liu
I have always been drawn to science fiction, despite the challenge of finding authentic literature in the genre. This book had such a profound impact on me that I considered abandoning my office job to become an astrophysicist. After learning about the demanding path that would allow me to look at the night sky, however, I quickly dismissed the idea. Still, I often reach for the novel and immerse myself in its captivating narrative.
Middlemarch
by George Eliot
While both Wuthering Heights and Middlemarch are products of the Victorian era and staples of high school literature, I feel that Wuthering Heights enjoys greater cultural prominence. This is likely due to George Eliot’s bold portrayal of a new kind of woman—one who challenges the conventions of the traditional English lady by embodying intellectual curiosity and strength, demanding equality in marriage.
Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Andy Weir won me over with The Martian, but Project Hail Mary inspired a completely different kind of adoration. It’s a rare book you can dive into at any point and be instantly captivated by two characters collaborating to save their worlds. Beyond the engaging plot, it’s genuinely heartwarming and funny, and the audiobook is a true masterpiece.
The Seventh Function of Language
by Laurent Binet
As The Guardian noted in their review, “[It’s a novel where] semiotics meets the whodunnit in a satiric romp through Parisian intellectual life.” For fans of sharp, sarcastic wit, this book delivers. However, to fully appreciate its brilliance, a basic understanding of literary criticism and some familiarity with Roland Barthes are essential. Oh, and you’ll also learn a fascinating lesson on the elusive seventh function of language. Dopamine, indeed, is real.
The Left Hand of Darkness
by Ursula K. Le Guin
I have always struggled to capture the essence of this novel, but its impact has been undeniable. It reshaped my worldview and my perception of humanity. The book challenges the Western aversion to altruism—especially today—and self-sacrifice, presenting a vision of what I would call universal love: boundless and unconditional acceptance.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt consistently delivers compelling stories, despite the fact that she doesn’t publish often. This particular book uniquely combines a gripping murder mystery with a fascinating exploration of ancient Greek culture, particularly the bacchanal ritual (which has nothing to do with excessive drinking). The “secret history” aspect proves utterly captivating and pushes the reader to learn more about the dark rituals of the past.
The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
The novel’s measured pacing, which some may find a bit slow, is, in my view, its greatest strength. It offers a melancholic exploration of social class decay and familial loss, achieving a subtle, almost serene gothic atmosphere, unlike the heightened drama typical of the genre. It’s like a gently flowing river—both comforting and mysterious.
Euphoria
by Lily King
While Writers & Lovers propelled Lily King to bestseller status, Euphoria, which was released a few years earlier, remains my favorite. Its historical setting, along with the beautifully rendered location and characters, serves as the backdrop for a forbidden love story. Have you considered a career in anthropology or archaeology? After finishing this book, you likely will.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
by Haruki Murakami
My love for magical realism, discovered in my teenage years through One Hundred Years of Solitude, was reaffirmed when I read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. After five readings, it continues to fascinate and surprise me. It’s not merely a story of a man’s search for his missing wife; it’s a profound exploration of the historical trauma left by World War II.
Lame Fate | Ugly Swans
by Arkady Strugatsky & Boris Strugatsky
One of my favorite quotes from the book is this, “Because a mother wolf can say to her cubs, ‘Bite the way I do,’ and that’s enough, and the mother rabbit teaches her bunnies, ‘Run for your lives the way I do,’ and that’s also enough, but if a man teaches children, ‘Think as I do,’ it’s criminal.” Does anything else need to be said?