SLIDER

Revisiting the Past

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/Top Ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists!

This week's topic is "Rewind," which means that bloggers get to choose any past Top Ten Tuesday topic. I decided that I really wanted to do the "Top Ten Books I Want to Reread" list, but I wanted to alter it because that's what I do. So, without further ado:

Top Five Childhood Series I Want to Reread


1. The Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace (10 books)

This series was written by Maud Hart Lovelace between 1940 and 1955. The series follows Betsy Ray and her friends from the time she's five through her early twenties. Set in Minnesota in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these are characters that you'll absolutely love.

There is a nostalgic quality to the books because of the time period in which they are written and set, and that's one thing I remember loving when I first read them. I also remember that Betsy wanted to be a writer, and it's something that her family, friends and love interest encouraged and supported. That was something that made the book still feel so modern! Betsy deals with things that are familiar - friends moving away, finding love, seeing more of the world, etc.

I remember loving these books when I first read them, but then I gave them away in high school because I thought I'd never read these "kids books" again. Well, I'd be mad at myself for getting rid of them, but I can't be too mad because I just got to buy these pretty reissued sets. Now, I'm just itching to reread them!


2. The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (9 books)

This series was published by Laura Ingalls Wilder between 1933 and 1943, with two published posthumously in 1962 and 1971. The series is based on Laura's memories of her childhood in the Midwest during the late 19th century. Laura's daughter, Rose, assisted her mother in the editing and publishing of this series.

I can't imagine that there are very many people who haven't read at least one Little House books! Seriously, these are like American childhood classics. Was there anyone who didn't read these books and imagine living Laura's life? Who didn't dress up like Laura? Didn't live in fear of a deadly snowstorm (even if they live in the South where it almost never snows)?

I guess what I'm saying is that these books are ones that children, especially little girls, have grown up with over the years. Like the Betsy-Tacy series, I let my mom give these away at some point in the past. I don't even know why, except I think I was in middle school and thought I'd never read these again. Seriously, middle school me DID NOT appreciate my childhood favorites enough. And didn't think about the fact that one day I'd still wish I owned all of these. The only thing that's worked in my favor, like with the Betsy-Tacy series, is that I got to buy these really lovely full-color editions with thick, glossy pages. I just ordered these the other day, and I can't wait for them to arrive. Then it will definitely be time for a reread!

3. The Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery (8 books)

This series was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery between 1908 and 1939. The series follows Anne Shirley, an orphan, from childhood to having children of her own. Set on Prince Edward Island, I cannot even begin to count the ways this series has impacted me as a reader.

Millions of readers worldwide have fallen in love with this feisty redhead with a romantic heart and proclivity for adventure. She has become a classic literary heroine, and she's been featured on many of Top Ten Tuesday lists (as has her true love, Gilbert Blythe). She's loves to dream, talk, write, imagine... This is a girl that readers will identify with, no matter what their age.

I had planned to reread the entire series last summer, calling it the Summer of Lucy Maud, but I only ended up rereading the first three books in the series. I'm excited to revisit that plan this summer, and I hope to spend several warm weeks under the sun reveling in the story of this beloved character.

4. The Emily of New Moon Series by L.M. Montgomery (3 books)

This series was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery between 1923 and 1927. The series follows Emily Starr, also an orphan, from childhood to adulthood. Montgomery returns to the familiar and much-loved Prince Edward Island with this lesser known, but still thoroughly enjoyable, series.

Although there are a number of things about this series that make it similar to the Anne books, I do remember them having a slightly more serious (perhaps even darker) tone. A huge part of these books is Emily's desire to be an author.


I wish I could say even more about these books, but I honestly can't remember that much of what happens! Why? Take a look at the picture above. I'm reading Emily of New Moon on the beach, and I'm pretty sure I was maybe in fifth or sixth grade here (yes, I was always the tallest one in my class). Anyway, that was the first and last time I read this series... so my memory is a little foggy on what actually happened in these books. I'm excited to hopefully experience them again soon!


5. The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis (7 books)

This series was written by C.S. Lewis between 1949 and 1954. It's set in the fictional world of Narnia, where magic and mythical beasts are quite common. The series focuses on the children who play key roles in the history of this world.

I remember loving The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as a child, but I honestly can't remember if I've even read the rest of the series! I think that I've read a few of them, but I don't have clear memories of what happens in the whole series, and that makes me really sad. These are classics in children's literature, and they've had an impact on the fantasy genre as a whole.

I purchased the Barnes and Noble Leatherbound Classic version of this series recently, which compiles all seven books into one larger tome. The book itself is lovely, and it makes me that much more excited to go back to Narnia and find new adventures that I've never encountered before.

42 comments

  1. Great twist on the list theme, focusing on children books. The only one of these I've actually read is The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I'm with you in being unsure if I've read any others besides that one. It's definitely a shame since it's such a classic. I might have to get my hands on them!

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    1. I know! I can't believe that I either haven't read or can't remember reading the other books in that series. I bought the B&N leatherbound book that has all of them in one book. I'm hoping to tackle them all soon!

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  2. Out of these I've only read Narnia but only recently. I don't even know if we had others translated when I was a kid (or whether we have them now. I doubt it.).

    Nice list!

    My TTT

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  3. I don't know about the Betsy-Tacy books. (I am lame?)
    But I want to read/re-read all of these. The Emily books will be first reads as will the Narnia books (DON'T JUDGE. Seriously. It is frowned upon, haha.) But you know how much I LOVE Anne and I love Laura at least as much.

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    1. Haha no you're not lame! But they really were such sweet, wholesome books. I'm excited to revisit them soon! Yay for Anne + Laura! Plus, no way I'd judge for not reading Narnia but I am surprised. I think they seem like Asheley books!

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  4. Great list! I feel so bad, the Anne of Green Gables series and Emily of New Moon series are such staple classics here in Canada and yet I've never read them but know only of them *blushes* (visiting the Anne of Green Gables house was cool though) And yeah, never got around to the Narnia books too; I remember picking up one of them at the library but never got around to reading it...

    My TTT

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    1. Haha I'm so jealous that you've been to the Anne house! I'm DYING to visit PEI... maybe someday!

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  5. Oh another great topic! Funny thing about the Betsy-Tacy books... I used to buy one fun book after my college semesters were done and this was one of them (The Wedding so the last in the series I didn't know existed) and I absolutely adored it. I had NO idea about this series at all. How is that possible?

    I've been wanting to reread Little House forever. We read it in grade school and I don't know if I ever finished. HOW DARE I?

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    1. OMG NOW YOU HAVE TO READ THEM ALL!! And also, I'm in love with your buy a fun book after a semester thing. Seriously, I want to be in real life friends because that's so something I'd do, too.

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  6. I haven't read any of these except the first Little House book for school in like first or second grade! I do really want to read Anne of Green Gables though.

    Here's Mine @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews

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    1. There's so many great books waiting for you to read them! GAHHHH! I'm so excited for you if you ever end up finishing Little House or the Anne books!

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  7. I would love to re-read the little house books! I'm not actually sure I've read all of them, but I did read quite a few as a kid. I also need to read Narnia for the FIRST time (I did read The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe once, but none of the others) since they are such classics and I feel I'm missing out. -- great topic choice this week!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed my topic! I know I read all the Little House books, but I can't remember on Narnia. I definitely need to revisit that series!

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  8. Love this post! I've never heard of the Betsy-Tacy books before?! I've been wanting to re-read The Little House Series for ages now! I've been keeping my eye out for the collection at thrift stores because I like to own old versions of these kinds of books, but I haven't been successful so I might just have to do like you and order a nice new version! :) I too have a lovely hardcover version that encompasses all the complete Narnia series...which I also need to re-read (don't think I ever read the whole series before).

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    1. Yeah, I saw like a book here and there at my local used bookstore but they were never in good condition and/or didn't match which bugs me. So I vote order pretty new ones! I have a hardcover Narnia book, too, with the entire series. We definitely need to get on that!

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  9. Love your list.
    My plan is to relive series like these with Baby Whimsy some day. I'm hoping we'll do our own mother and daughter book club.

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    1. OMG I LOVE THAT IDEA! Seriously, I can't handle the cuteness. Please do this! Now I want to have a baby girl so we can read together, too.

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  10. I really love the Betsy-Tacy series and The Little House series! Fun topic! :) I chose Top Ten Favorite Quotes from Books: http://aliceinreaderland.com/2013/04/15/quotes/

    Alice @ Alice in Readerland

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    1. Yay for good book taste! Glad you enjoyed my topic :)

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  11. Oh man.... I loveg growing up with Anne & Laura right by my side. <3 I would love to reread them--- Narnia too!!! Way to remind us how important it is to show these classics some love.

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    1. Thanks Betty! Gotta mix it up on my lists and shower some love on books that often get overlooked for TTT.

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  12. YESSSSSSSSSSS to The Chronicles of Narnia! I've read three or four of them, I think, but not in years. I'd love to reread them at some point!

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    1. Obviously you need to join me in re-reading/first reading the rest of that series!

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  13. Great post! I really need to go back and re-read some of my childhood favorites. Especially the Chronicles of Narnia.

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    1. There's something so special about returning to childhood favorites!

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  14. Great choices!!! I actually don't think I've ever read the Anne series, to be honest... I grew up watching the movies with my mom & sister and don't think I've read the books. I really should! The movies were such a big part of my childhood. I should read the books as an adult :)
    I definitely want to read/reread Narnia too! I think I've only read the first book, if I even finished. I wonder how I would like them now!

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    1. I love the movies, too! The first follows the first (and second maybe?) book, and the second movie kinda alters/combines aspects of the third and fourth book. The third movie is nothing that's in the books, but I still love it. Hope you do end up reading the books - they're some of my favorites!

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  15. Anne! Oh my, I love that series! I haven't finished anything past the fifth though. Narnia is also such a wonderful series! Betsy-Tacy sounds amazing! Might have to check it out...

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    1. The sixth and seventh Anne books are my least favorite of the series, but I LOVED the eighth book! And you should definitely check out Betsy-Tacy :)

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  16. OMG Little House on the Prairie I love those books more than anybody will ever know. I can't wait to read those books to my kids someday.

    My TTT: http://rachaelc94.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-ten-favorite-book-to-movie.html

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    1. I kept thinking about reading these books to future babies and was getting really excited too!

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  17. Narnia is amazing and beautiful and transcends age and time. Seriously, I cannot WAIT for you to read that series!

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  18. Laura Ingalls Wilder! Living in WI, that series was basically a must read at my school.

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  19. Fun topic and some GREAT choices! I really should re-read all of these as most of them were favorites when I was growing up. Thanks for reminding me of fond childhood reading memories :)

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    1. Thanks! Love that I was able to remind you of some favorite reading memories :)

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  20. I haven't read any of these series, I never actually read children's books, and I feel like I missed out on some stuff. I've always wanted to read the Little House series, and Anne of Green Gables. I'm hoping to get through the Chronicles of Narnia one day too, I loved the movies so I'm hoping to enjoy the books too :)

    Great list!

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    1. Oh, I so hope you get to read some of these books someday! So much goodness in store for you :)

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  21. I am IN LOVE with your entire list Hannah! You picked such amazing (and amazing-sounding) books. I'm very excited to comment on this list, obviously, so be prepared for a slightly lengthy comment...

    1. Betsy-Tacy: Would you believe I've never read this? Of course, now that you've described it, you totally made me want to read it for myself. Where'd you get the collection with these covers? They're lovely and I totally want them too.

    2. The Little House: Oh, how I LOVED this series when I was a child! This is the series I'd read at the dinner table (and my mom made me cry once by threatening to toss it out if I didn't eat first). I love it! I've read it so many times that the spines are falling apart, but I love it.

    3. The Anne series: I've read and loved the entire series, mostly because of Anne and a little because of Gilbert (okay, maybe a lot)!). I actually don't OWN the series, which needs to be remedied of course. And if you're doing a summer re-read, I am SO IN.

    4. The Emily of New Moon series: I've never read this! But it sounds pretty good, and the setting is already awesome, so I'll have to check it out.

    5. Chronicles of Narnia: YES. A thousand times YES. This is one of my favorites, particularly The Last Battle. It's such a wonderful series! I bought the leatherbound version for my little niece, and I hope she loves it as much as I did.

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    1. 1. You should definitely read these! I just snagged them from Amazon, but I've seen that at/on B&N before. I'll tweet ya a link!

      2. I loved these, too! I think I book them in a box of books to save but it was accidentally donated :( Happy to have new copies though!

      3. YOU MUST OWN THEM! But at least you've read and loved them :)

      4. Definitely check them out! I have a feeling you'll like them since you loved the Anne books.

      5. Okay, you're definitely motivating me to finish the series!

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