Sometimes, you read a book that leaves a big mark on you, but after that, you never want to read it again. These books might be too heavy, too sad, or just don’t fit your mood anymore.
This article helps you understand why it’s okay to let go of certain books and move on from them. You don’t have to hold on to every story forever, especially when it’s time to explore new ones.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
If you’ve ever tried reading Les Misérables, you know it’s a huge book. It has 365 chapters, so it can feel like a massive time commitment.
The story follows Jean Valjean, who tries to escape his past as a prisoner. There’s a lot of detail about justice, love, and hardship. You might find it interesting, but most people don’t pick it up twice. It’s just one of those books that can take over your reading time.
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
You might have read Adventures of Sherlock Holmes at some point. It’s a collection of twelve short stories about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
If you enjoyed it once, you might find it hard to pick it up again. The stories are clever, but once you know the mysteries, they lose some surprise. Maybe it’s time to let it go.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
If you tried reading A Wrinkle in Time again, you might find it a bit confusing now. It follows Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin on a strange trip through time and space. The story mixes science fiction with fantasy, which feels special but also a little old-fashioned.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
You might find The Count of Monte Cristo is a long read, but it pulls you in with its story of betrayal and revenge. It follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who faces a tough prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit.
If you like stories about justice and clever plans, this book has plenty of that. But after one read, you may not feel the need to dive back in again.
The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell
If you’ve ever tried reading The Alexandria Quartet, you know it’s a slow, detailed ride. The four novels—Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, and Clea—dive deep into life in 1940s Alexandria, Egypt.
You might find the writing rich but heavy. It’s a lot to wade through if you want something straightforward or quick. This series isn’t for everyone’s taste.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
You might find Never Let Me Go a slow read. It’s part love story, part mystery, and part science fiction.
The story follows Kathy and her friends as they grow up in a strange school with dark secrets.
If you like books that make you think and feel quietly, this might be worth a try. But it’s not for a quick, fun read.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
If you’ve ever tried reading Perfume, you know it’s intense. The story follows a guy obsessed with smells, which leads him down a dark path.
You might find the book’s mix of mystery and obsession hard to return to. It’s not an easy read for fun, so maybe it’s time to let this one go.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
If you’ve read this one, you know it’s full of weird humor and odd ideas. The story starts just before Earth gets destroyed, and you follow Arthur Dent as he’s saved by an alien friend.
It’s fun but also kinda strange, with lots of random jokes. You might not feel like picking it up again after the first time.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
If you’ve already read The Handmaid’s Tale, you might find The Testaments interesting but not something you’ll revisit. It continues the story years later with new characters and perspectives.
You can read it on its own, but knowing the first book helps. If you didn’t love the original, this one might not change your mind enough to read it again.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
You’ve probably read this one in school, which can make going back to it feel like a chore. The story mixes childhood fun with tough topics like racism and injustice.
It’s a classic, but you might find it hard to connect with it when you’re older. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go of books that felt more important when you were younger.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
You’ve probably read Pride and Prejudice more than once. It’s easy to get caught up in the characters and their drama.
But if you know the story inside out, rereading it might not add much new for you. Sometimes, it’s okay to put this classic down and move on to fresh reads.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
You’ve probably heard about The Great Gatsby as a classic read. It’s full of rich characters and ideas about money and dreams.
But once you know the story, it might not feel worth rereading. The themes and the ending are clear on the first go.
If you want, you can always watch the movie instead. It covers the main points without needing to dive into the book again.