I'm scared to reread these books

i'm scared! but i also loved all on the list? also -- a poll below.

If you want more, join us on Wednesdays & a Monthly Round Up, or buy me a coffee to support The Sunday Reads. Thank you.

I’m not going to lie; there are books that I won’t or don’t want to read again no matter how much I loved them. They are beautifully written and some of the most impactful books on me personally. These are books that made me sob, made me sick, and (sorry) made me a little bored even. Let’s dive in.

1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

   I once read somewhere that she spent ten years writing this book, and it shows. Each word is carefully selected. The unraveling of the characters speaks to her knowing them intimately. This book truly feels like a song. It feels like reading lyrics. And frankly, I cried so hard at the end that I couldn’t speak. That’s why I’m scared to reread this.

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
   You know, I’m not sure if the reason why this impacted me so deeply was that it was my first Kristin Hannah and first historical fiction or simply the book itself. I truly love the genre. This book is about two sisters in France in WWII. It’s beautiful and sad and horrific. I cried so hard I burst a blood vessel in my eye. I do want to reread this because I’m interested to see how my perspective will change with more of her books and the genre under my belt, but it can be hard to knowingly subject myself to something that makes me feel everything.

3. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
   This book has me all sorts of conflicted. It is undoubtedly beautifully written. The story of the boys is unfolded in such a natural way and walking alongside them as they grow up is so utterly real as a twenty something. Following along with their lives is heartbreaking. It is beautiful, and it is terrible. I will never read this again. This book is rather dark. Proceed with caution.

4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
   I love this book. I promise, I really do. I am truly obsessed with the first part of the book and like the end, too. But the middle? Personally, I slogged through it. The pacing was so slow for me that it felt like wading through mud. Not to mention, the book itself is just massive. So, while I deeply loved this book and even want to reread so I better understand it, I am scared and reluctant.

Ah! So, these are four books I’m scared to reread. I would say mostly because they are quite sad, but also because some are dark and some just don’t seem to be my cup of tea no matter how much I loved the overall book. I’m curious — do you feel this way about a book too? Let me know.

---

All links to books are affiliate links through bookshop.org to help support indie bookstores.

1. Coffeeshop in an Alterate Universe by CB Lee (YA Romance): July 1, 2025

2. Do Not Disturb by Frieda McFadden (Thriller): July 1, 2025

3. A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan (Fantasy): July 1, 2025

4. Edge of Honor by Brad Thor (Thriller): July 1, 2025

5. The Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang (Literary Fiction): July 1, 2025

6. The Letter Carrier by Francesca Giannone (Popular Fiction): July 1, 2025

Books I’ve compiled from a variety of bestseller lists. I add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

1. The Robin on the Oak Throne by KA Linde (Fantasy)

2. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (Romance)

3. Behind the Badge by Johnny Joey Jones (Memoir)

4. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel (Historical Fiction)

5. Not My Type by E Jean Carroll (Memoir)

If you have a book recommendation to share, send me a DM or email me at thesundayreads@gmail.com!

1. My deepest apologies, but I have barely read this week. So, what book recommendation do you have for me?

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy

Loved this? I share cozy life dumps, reels, and bookish thoughts over on @thesundayreads. Come say hi!