Reading Rants: Books to Re-read

There's just something about summer and its (somewhat more) relaxed pace that makes me want to re-read old favorite books. Unfortunately for me this summer, Moby-Dick has taken up a shockingly large chunk of my time (I can't believe we're more than halfway through July and I'm not done already), and keeping up with just my regular reading schedule has been tough.

Sadly, this leaves me making lists of books I'd love to revisit, but don't have the time to, and living vicariously through the people who buy them at the bookstore (it's almost as good as the real thing). So, if it weren't for Moby-Dick*, these are the books I would re-read this summer:

Both of Robin Benway's books, Audrey, Wait! and The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June

I just love Robin Benway's writing style. That woman can write. I love her characters, her fun, unconventional plots, and the humor infused in her narratives, even when she's writing about serious things. It's just brilliant. I wish that she had something new coming out soon, but it looks like the earliest we can expect anything is 2013. From what I've heard, they'll be a little different than her first two books, but I am excited nonetheless! If you haven't read anything by her, do so! Both books are in paperback and are inexpensive!

Read my review of Audrey, Wait! here.

Read my review of The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June here.

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

I've been reading Sunshine every July for a couple of years now, and I fear that this will be the first year I don't have time to re-visit it! It's a vampire story, but wholly unlike any vampire stories that have come out in the past few years. Robin McKinley has always been able to put her own special spin on a lot of various conventions, and Sunshine is no exception. It's a lovely, thick read that is creepy and beautifully plotted, and I adore it.

Read my review here.

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Like Robin Benway, Natalie Standiford just has that special something that makes her books so readable and just so good. My favorite in Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters, which is told from the point of view of three sisters who each have done things that they believe have upset the matriarch of their wealthy family, their grandmother. This isn't a spoiled rich girl story--it's one with a lot of heart and confessions and love.

Read my review here.

Say the Word by Jeanine Garsee

When I first read Say the Word, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. It has a struggling perfectionist protagonist, estranged family members, and a character you just love to hate. But all of the family drama and secrets come together so well, making it a really heart-rending read about the boundaries of family and the sacrifices we're willing to make for those we love. I think it's a very important one, and I've been itching to re-read it for a while.

Read my review here.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This was one of my favorite books of 2011--you can read my review here. I just am so impressed with Taylor's writing and imagination and I love, love, love the magical elements and settings in this book. I would love to re-read it before the sequel, Days of Blood and Starlight, comes out this fall!

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Another one of my 2011 favorites, this is an awesome kick-butt fantasy! I liked the myths and religion that Carson created for this one, and I love the protagonist. The sequel, Crown of Embers, is out soon!

Read my review here.

What are some of your favorite books to re-read?

* Okay, so maybe I'm throwing a lot of blame toward Moby-Dick lately. But it's such a good scapegoat.