I need to recharge. I’m having difficulty reading fantasy these days, and I have been reading historical fiction instead. When I finish with that novel, I’d like to reread an old favorite before tackling anything new. This is something I do every now and then, but I haven’t done lately because I’ve been reviewing books.
And as I recharge, I’d like to blog on the books as I read them. Therefore, I present to you, a poll. Which old favorite should I reread? I’ll toss out some candidates for you, and why I think they would help me recharge:
- The Dragonlance Chronicles. I’m talking about the original trilogy, which I have in an omnibus edition. This helps me recharge because the characters are so lovable and because it makes me laugh. I’m leaning heavily toward this one unless you convince me otherwise.
- The Deed of Paksenarrion. Paks is one of my all-time favorite characters. And I like this series because the world is gritty, but the characters are not.
- The Once and Future King. It’s been years since I’ve reread this, but I read it at least ten times during the 80s and the 90s. It has been at least fifteen years since my last reread. It’s also fodder for a Christian novel that I’ve been working on.
- Rendezvous with Rama. I gotta throw some science fiction in there, even though my present reading malaise does not extend to science fiction. I love this one because the sense of wonder in it is, well, just wonderful. And it’s been so long since I read it that it will probably feel new again. I’d have to obtain a copy of this one.
Which one should I read? Or, should I not read any of them and read something you suggest?
Tia, I vote for Dragonlance..I’ve read it 3 times so far, and I think it is one series I’ll be able to read over and over again. I also like to re-read Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, but that is quite a huge time commitment (but you can get it in ebook form, unlike Chronicles..though Chronicles did come out recently in a smaller omnibus format, which would be easier to read than the big hardcover omnibus I have)
I’d vote for either the Paks books or Dragonlance. I like Paks a lot and there is a new one recently released that you could look forward to after reading the original trilogy.
I’d vote for the first Paks book, particularly if you’re planning to blog about it, because it’s one I’ve got waiting to read on my e-reader and I’d love to read your thoughts on it first.
I have always enjoyed reading Dragonlance Chronicles, but have never read The Deed of Paksenarrion. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that book. There is something very comforting about rereading a book.
I love Paks. I always cry when I get to the beginning of Book 3. Loved Dragonlance, but it never made me cry.
I keep getting nudged owards reading Paks, myself. I suspect I’ll get around to it sooner or later, but I haven’t decided how soon that will be yet. Since it wouldn’t be a re-read for me, I’m particularly interested in your thoughts about it. {Smile}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
I’ve only read The Once and Future King, and I’ve always loved that story. Out of the others, I think the dragonlance ones sound interesting!
I’m starting to lean towards Paksenarrion because the author recently released another book, as Jessica pointed out. Not that I don’t still love Dragonlance, so the jury is still out.
I loved Paks, and have been thinking about rereading them myself since there is a new one out.
If you read that one, I’ll read it with you!
Now you’ve got me hunting for my tattered old copies of the Chronicles. Like you said, they’re just plain fun — unabashed old-fashioned party-based adventuring. I think I’ve reread the Belgariad over a dozen times for the same reason.
Paks. 🙂
Oooh, Dragonlance! Although I’ve never read this Paks book which everyone else in the comments section seems to have read. How did I miss that one?
Even with the help of a good bookstore, something can slip under the wire once in a while. {Smile}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin