I’ve mentioned before that I don’t re-read books much; in fact, other than the Bible, I’ve only read one book multiple times in the last 5+ years that I’ve been maintaining a comprehensive reading log. I was a bit surprised though to see that I’ve read multiple books by over 50 authors (though just over half had a count of only 2). I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t that. So today, instead of writing about 4 specific books, I’m sharing 4 of those repeat authors.
Louis L’Amour has been on my dad’s shelf for as long as I can remember, and probably longer than I’ve been alive. The simple but enduring brown leather binding fits the contents well. L’Amour’s western novels are his most famous work, especially his Sackett series, but I prefer his “Old World” novels better – Fair Blows the Wind, The Walking Drum, and the first couple of the Sackett series. Perhaps my favorite aspect of his work is that it’s reliably clean; no language or content warnings needed for his books, and the mild romance that is present serves the plot rather than the other way around.
James Bradley writes history, particularly that focused on WWII and the Pacific. His books are not necessarily easy to read; Flags of Our Fathers, about the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, in particular contained some graphic and difficult descriptions, though none that were gratuitously so. The span of time is what I found most helpful; one of his books (The China Mirage) covers a span of 70+ years, and from his other three, one gets a good view of pre-WWI events on through to past the end of WWII.
Helene Hanff was a playwright and screenwriter living in New York. Her best-known books are 84, Charing Cross Road, comprised of letters between her and a bookseller in London; and The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, based on diary entries from when she finally visited London. Both of them are hilarious and light, but also evocative and emotive.
Jen Wilkin is an author, podcast host, and speaker. She’s perhaps best known for her Bible studies written for women; signing up for one of those is committing to truly work. Even her study questions are on the mark and make one actually think about it. Three books in particular from which I’ve benefited and have reread: Women of the Word, None Like Him, and In His Image.
So there you have it: 4 authors to which I’ve turned multiple times and have appreciated each time. If you’ve read something by any of these authors, drop me a note and let me know.
As you know I frequently reread several books, either because the storyline appeals to me or that I haven’t been able to purchase any others. The Walking Drum and To Tame a Land are two of L’Amour’s that I have read several times over the years. I wish he would have been able to complete the sequel to the Walking Drum.