[Paul]

Like all of you, I own a lot of books. Some are great books, others are not so great. Either way, mostly, they just sit there on shelves or in boxes doing nothing, perhaps never to be read again. There are, however, a select few that manage to recycle themselves back into my reading list. Year on year, I find myself returning to these favourites; the books that mean and say more to me than the others.

I thought it might be interesting to open a thread on books we find ourselves returning to; that we’ve read three, four or more times, and know we’ll read again, and then again. They may not even be the ‘best’ books we’ve ever read, or even great works; or they may be.

I know some people disagree in principle with re-reading books, or think it's just a waste of good reading time, so we could discuss that issue, too.

I’ll start things off with four books that I’ve read numerous times, and know I will again.

The Trial by Franz Kafka: The sheer sense of awe I feel at Kafka’s vision whenever I read this book brings me back to it time and time again. It demonstrates the unremitting madness of existence, and that never changes. He has his detractors, but I still think this book hasn’t been bettered by his many imitators. I first read this when I was about 18, and have probably read it 4-5 times.

The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas: This is probably the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It’s so easy to read more than once because each time you see something new, or it means something entirely different. I read it first about four or five years ago, and have read it once a year since.

Silas Marner by George Eliot: I’m a sucker for a tale of redemption, really. And this book just makes me feel happy. Probably read it 4-5 times.

A Blackbird in Silver by Freda Warrington: I make no claim that this book is a great book, or even a good book. But this is the book that first showed me the true rewards of reading; rewards beyond gold stars and exam results. It’s a silly fantasy novel about a quest and good triumphing over evil, but it has a special place in my heart. I first read it when I was about 14, and have probably read it 7-8 times in total (!).

So, which books will you always return to?