Reading these books is like taking a deep breath and running headlong down a dark tunnel, with sporadic pools of light, at full speed. I’m constantly taking little breaks to get some air and a rest. Then it’s right back to the action.
It’s like coming home when I read these books. Like I can feel my younger self reading them while I reread. All those initial shocks and emotions still there for me to feel, layered now by my current, older self’s perceptions of the story.
The full poly cast was present and involved. Each spectacularly playing their roles. Even Richard was a joy to have around. And Jason always lightens the mood.
The metaphysics are a thing of beauty in these stories. The way Hamilton can bring to life the feeling of having an animal exist inside of you. How pulling up magic that is a part of you can be effortless and dangerous. The way she describes being able to feel the thoughts of people around her and the off-balance feeling that comes with being cut off from them.
I’ve taken to writing a list of featured, recurring characters and an important plot point or two in the front of every book. I recall getting to a point where I was struggling to remember how long certain people had been around. I couldn’t remember how they came into the story. The world just keeps expanding and I like my helpful lists.
I’ve got three Anita Blake books left on my shelf, so I’m going to have to start buying them again to be ready for whenever my mood lands on comfort vampire series. I borrowed the rest from the library and then stopped reading anything for several years; I think I have eight books yet before it’ll be all brand new for me.
So cheers to rereading old favorites and reconnecting with your younger self!
The Accidental Domestic Goddess 