Does anyone else read their favourite book atleast once a year

[Hammerblow]

I've always been a big big reader, I think it stems from my creative mind (musician by trade) and the fact I was read to by my parents at a very early age. 

What are your favourite books that you must read once or twice a year? Hopefully I'm not the only one who does this! 

I could list 10 but I'll leave it free for others first. I'll name one

The LOTR Trilogy - I know that's technically three books but every year I spend a week or two immersing myself in them. My father was such a big fan and read them to me, I never quite understood them until I was a bit older, but it's not just the literature that steals me it's the memory of lying in bed, my dad doing all the voices and the excitement that always makes me return. 

 

[girlgerms]

No specific timeline but I have read Lolita by Vadimir Nabokov and In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (This happened close to my homestead ) probably 20xs each.

I have (I think) every single book written about KurtCobain and so usually if I pick up a actual book, I grab one of those.

Used to practically live in the library when I was a kid. No internet back then. I would read anything when I was little. Even decade old encyclopedias. I could get so engrossed in my books that people would have to touch me to get my attention. They could walk right up on me and start talking and I wouldnt even notice. I wouldnt go to school if I had a book that I couldnt put down. Sometimes you just have to read them straight through.

My attention span is much shorter now.

 

[PTFC]

I read Filth by Irvine Welsh, at least once a year, Di Bruce Roberton is definately one of my favourite anti-hero literary characters. His descent throughout the book is both hilarious and tragic. 

 

[newdaze]

An irvine Welsh fan! Excellent. I don't read these several times a year, but I've read the transpottiing books, porno, skagboys. haven't read filth yet. Other bizarre books I've been into - Brett Easton Ellis books, so cold and manufactured, he's good. And of course his nemesis David foster wallace.

Want to read these - the story of my teeth, burnt tongue, sexbot, raping the gods. If anyone's hears of those let me know. 

A book ii read several times was gone south by Robert mccammon it just is a great dark southern adventure story. 

 

[ElectroNymph]

Songs: Bowie, PJ Harvey, Portishead, blur, Stereolab, Royksøpp, Kate Bush etc - all year long!

Books: Anything by Neil Gaiman, or Garth Ennis. Warren Ellis too.

 

[PTFC]

I've read them all @newdaze! Indeed I have them all. There's a loose follow up to Filth set in Florida called Crime. His last two novels have also concentrated on individual characters, "juice" Terry Lawson and the latest one is all about Begbie. I recommend Filth with 5 stars. The main protagonist actually appeared in skagboys, albeit very briefly.

I'm a big fan of Christopher Brookmyre too, he's a Scottish Carl Hiassen, satirical, funny and topical. 

 

[newdaze]

I'll have to check it. I've never heard of the ones with Terry and begbie I'm a big satire head I love Vonnegut and burgess. And btw my reference to gone south is not in that vein it's just a fun book. 

First line--'-----

It wasHells season, and the air smelled of burning children.

 

[Hammerblow]

I'm more sc-fi, dystopian landscape and books with philosophical undertones. Farenheheit 451 is one of my favourite books. I'm going to be so predictable and say the George Orwell word! God there's too many! Through a glass darkly was one of my all time when I was,growing up and it still is. And I'm not ashamed to say I revisit Harry Potter when I need too. 

The only Irvine Welsh I've read is ecstacy and theyre three short stories, very graphic! 

 

[PTFC]

I never thought I would enjoy Sci fi, but I dipped into Ian Banks sci-fi stuff a few years ago, and was hooked instantly. I read all the "culture" series, plus the stand alone books. Quite a difference from his non sci-fi novels. Sadly missed too. 

 

[Smoka90]

I love reading, but fiction brings me out in a rash a bit. I don't do well with it. It's a shame, since I do absolutely adore Lord of the Rings, and I used to love the Redwall books by Brian Jacques as a kid. Harry Potter, though. Eugh. Why is it so popular? I read recently that some zoo keepers are putting it into liquid form for use as super fast-acting tranquilisers for elephants.

Back on topic though, I love History, so I love reading World War II memoirs. My favourite one of all time is 'Inside the Third Reich' by Albert Speer. I don't re-read the whole thing on a regular basis, but dip into it again fairly frequently.

 

[Hammerblow]

@Smoka90 Iactually prefer The Dark Arts Trilogy which are by Phipil Pullman. I think he is a fantastic writer. Goodness knows what they would do to you. 

I agree very very sadly missed and a brave leap from Banks but he done so well. Fiction is escapism into a different world some use tv, but there's nothing more detailed, vivid and simply magical than our own imagination. I never want to lose that even though I read a lot of non fiction too. Hitch being one of my favourite writers/polemicists that's graced this good earth. Dawkins and Harris not far behind..,different fields but a common enemy.

 

[newdaze]

I'm more sc-fi, dystopian landscape and books with philosophical undertones. Farenheheit 451 is one of my favourite books. I'm going to be so predictable and say the George Orwell word! God there's too many! Through a glass darkly was one of my all time when I was,growing up and it still is. And I'm not ashamed to say I revisit Harry Potter when I need too. 

The only Irvine Welsh I've read is ecstacy and theyre three short stories, very graphic! 

Have you ever tried reading any Anthony Burgess? Clockwork Orange and the wanting seed are great dystopian novels. I also read player piano by vonnegut. In the same vein. And then, not as good but decent fantasy, is Stephen kings darktower series. 

 

[2earls]

Maybe not annually, but I have read my faves many times. A lot of them mentioned in this thread. LOTR, Lolita, in Cold Blood. All great books. To Kill a Mockingbird is a sentimental favorite.

I read every night and love getting new recommendations. I will definitely try some from this tread and see what my buddies are into.

 

[Hammerblow]

I've read the wanting seed but the others no but I shall add them to the list. To kill a a a Mockingbird is also a sentimental favourite of mine. I might have to revisit that too. Jostein Gaarder was such a great author for me growing up I can't help but re-read some of his work.. Stephen King has never appealed to me although i do have a few of his books given to me as recommendations. I have a long list! 

 

[ElectroNymph]

I mainly read graphic novels (Vertigo are amazing and very adult). Apart from that, I love good Roman and Greek history books. Have read many several times. x

 

[Smoka90]

@Smoka90 Iactually prefer The Dark Arts Trilogy which are by Phipil Pullman. I think he is a fantastic writer. Goodness knows what they would do to you. 

I agree very very sadly missed and a brave leap from Banks but he done so well. Fiction is escapism into a different world some use tv, but there's nothing more detailed, vivid and simply magical than our own imagination. I never want to lose that even though I read a lot of non fiction too. Hitch being one of my favourite writers/polemicists that's graced this good earth. Dawkins and Harris not far behind..,different fields but a common enemy.

I've heard of Philip Pullman, but never actually read any of his work, but I know they have a lot of respect. I sort of put him in the same league as another writer whose name has escaped me. Argh! He's so well-known...I'm so thick sometimes. He has a high-profile battle with Alzheimer's, if that rings any bells... I need to know!

Some of the names you've given I'm not familiar with I'm afraid, but I love Christopher Hitchens' work (Rest in peace) and Richard Dawkins. Dawkins especially, I love his wit and his refusal to bow to political correctness. Should say I have an open mind to religion, though. Yeah, I'm one of those wallies who calls themselves 'agnostic', I'm afraid... But I always admired Christopher Hitchens because of his battles with alcoholism, I guess I could relate to that. I think it's admirable that despite his problems, he was very functioning. Functioning is an understatement really!

But, for me, WWII memoirs...they hit me on such a deep level. Some of the things I've read...they stay with me, to be honest. I read a lot of memoirs from those who served on the Eastern Front in particular, which was hell on earth for all concerned. Honestly, some of the sufferings I've read about...it really makes me grateful for what I have...maybe that's why I read about them...

 

[Hammerblow]

@Smoka90 Terry Pratchet. I agree, re; hitch, Dawkins, it/it's not so much about the religious aspect but how beautiful a writer he was and his views on Kissinger, Teresa etc. I love an author who isn't afraid to speak their mind but not for a sensational byline to sell the book.

 

[2earls]

@Hammerblow I always have a huge wish list on my Kindle. When money is tight, I dip into my decent sized library. The hardest part is deciding "what next". A lot of classics, mixed with bestsellers and a peppering of nonfiction.

One of my favorites of the last couple years is "The Goldfinch " by Donna Tartt. Good story, beautifully written. "The Orphan Master" was a real eye opener if you don't know much about North Korea (and I didn't).

 

[Hammerblow]

@2earls another one to add to my list. I'm fascinated by North Korea, not in a creepy way. More how,the infrastructure really is and where the power truly lies. I'll look it up and see if I can seek it out of this month's amazon wishlist. I'm not a,kindle convert yet but I'm soon going to have to be. I'm creepy that way, I love the excitement of getting a new book, the crisp pages and the smell of the paper. Just collecting something that's not collecting you at the same time. I have technology issues at 32, I think it's because I work in a studio most days.