Sunday, June 29, 2008

Rediscovering Old Friends

Right now I'm reading David Eddings' The Belgariad, and am on the third book, Magician's Gambit. I first discovered this series close to 20 years ago (my, how time flies) when I was in college. I own all five books, as well as the sequel series, and have Eddings's two series about Sparhawk too. I have probably read all of them at least once a year since I was introduced to their worlds.

I love to reread favorite books. My dad always says "haven't you read that before?", but that's the whole point, to once again enjoy something that gave you pleasure. I collect books in several fantasy series, but I rarely buy one of them until I've borrowed it from the library first. This has kept me from paying good money for something I wouldn't read again (even if I buy them used), such as Anne McCaffrey's Dinosaur Planet series. I like a lot of her work, but not those. There are some series that are hard to find used, like Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, so I have to settle for requesting them periodically from the library.

Last year I was bored and did an inventory of nearly all my books. As I mentioned I have 4 series by David Eddings, plus a couple related books. I've got all of McCaffrey's Pern books up through The Skies of Pern, plus the Lady in the Tower series and a few assorted others. Mercedes Lackey is well represented in my bookcase with all the Valdemar books except Sun in Glory, which is hard to find. I have most of the Deryni books by Katherine Kurtz as well, and I'm waiting for her next one about Morgan's past. Christopher Stasheff's Starship Trouper trilogy is great, as is his Wizard in Rhyme series. My latest collections are the Miles Vorkosigan books by Lois McMaster Bujold and the Prince Roger and Honor Harrington series by David Webber.

I could go on and on about my favorite books, but I think I'd rather go reread them. :o)

4 comments:

yellowfish said...

oooh! I also have the McCaffrey books left from childhood, and my friend just lent me the Belgariad, which I am halfway through! :)
happy reading!

Right As Rain Creations said...

I am like that with books - rereading them. Also, I have a slight addiction to books and once I buy them I have a hard time giving them up. So my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that I was so excited about this house having when we bought it 7 years ago is now full. FULL. And 98% of the books are mine.

My favorite authors are Jane Austin and Georgette Heyer. In fact, I read some of my favorite Heyer books probably three times a year.

Chris Stone said...

Any murder mysteries? That's my weak spot!

Beadin By The Sea said...

I have never heard of these books. I'm going to have to look them up! I think summer is a perfect time for reading. Last week while lying by the pool, I finally started reading "Atonement". Unfortunately I saw the movie first and didn't much like it, but not surprisingly, the book is so much better!