Reread, Rewrite, Burn Book Tag

Continuing in the vein of YouTube book tags I started on Wednesday, I’ve decided to steal one that circulated about a year ago—the Reread, Rewrite, Burn book tag. If you are familiar with the game Kiss, Marry, Kill (otherwise known as Kiss, Marry, Cliff)—where you are given the names of three people and required to choose which one you’d kiss, which one you’d marry, and which one you’d kill—then you will probably be able to figure out how this tag works. (If you would like to see the video that inspired me to do this, here’s the link.) 

Basically, for this one, I wrote down the names of fifteen books on little slips of paper, put those slips in a cup, and then drew them in groups of three. This leaves me with five stacks of three books. These will be my victims for today’s tag. 

In order to make this tag more traumatizing, I mainly chose books I'd given five-stars or four-stars, with only a couple lower-star books thrown in for good measure. (Just so we’re clear though, I’m not actually going to be burning any of these books. And as a further disclaimer, this tag in no way gives my complete and final opinion on each of these stories. It is meant purely for fun.) 

Group One

THRONE OF GLASS: After much deliberation, I would have to say I’d burn this one—not because I dislike it, but because, out of the three listed, it left the least impression on me. It also carries the least sentimental value. Sorry Celaena! *weeps in corner* 

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO: I would reread this one. Hands down. I’ve been planning to reread it in real life, anyway, so that works out nicely. 

LEGEND: I was on the fence for a while about whether I would burn this one or rewrite it, but I’ve decided I’d rewrite it. As stories go, I wouldn’t consider LEGEND hugely spectacular, but it does have a wonderful feel and a lot of potential. With a rewrite, it could really shine (in my opinion). Also, I read this while I was studying the twilight sky for my classical astronomy class (it was a time-lapse thing—I wasn’t shirking schoolwork, don’t worry), and I like rereading it every now and then to capture some of those peaceful memories. 

Group Two

ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD: This was a really, REALLY difficult decision. I loved ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD—I loved the atmosphere and the characters and the plot (I’ll be reviewing this one soon, if all goes well). The sequel, GIRL OF NIGHTMARES, is high on my list of priorities. And, to top it off, the cover is unfairly gorgeous. But I guess, out of these three, it would have to be the one I’d burn. *sobs* If I had to make this decision in real life, though, I would end up deeply regretting it. I’m sure of that. 

DIVERGENT: I would rewrite this one. For whatever reason, I connected with this book on a deep level when I was reading it for the first time, and I remember having a stronger emotional response to it than I ordinarily have when it comes to books. It might have been mood, or timing, or a dozen other factors that have nothing to do with the book itself. But I do know that I love the plot and the atmosphere, the setting and the characters. I loved the themes that Veronica Roth tackles (like forgiveness and separation), and I love Tris’s voice and struggles. But, I do have some issues with the writing itself, and I think DIVERGENT could benefit from a bit of revision. 

THE HUNGER GAMES: This one would be a definite reread. I reread THE HUNGER GAMES pretty much every year anyway, so the isn’t even a stretch. (If you’re curious as to why I love it so much, here’s a link to my review.) 

Group Three

THE HOST: I’d have to say that I would reread this one, since it’s one that I reread frequently. Of course, there are probably a few parts that could use some more polishing, but not enough to warrant a full rewrite. And I think any alterations I made to the story would only backfire. So I guess I would rather keep it as is, imperfections and all. 

WOOL: This is SO hard, but I would have to burn this one. I loved this story—it is deep and thoughtful and painful, and it feels strangely nostalgic. But, again, it’s the one I would be most able to part with. *wails of agony* 

RUTHLESS: I would rewrite this one, but it would be a very minimal rewrite. I would just, you know, change Ruth Carver’s name to Liz Brooks and talk a bit more about how awesome and gorgeous and kickbutt this Liz Brooks is. Also, I would include an excessive amount of coffee consumption, because coffee can make just about any story 1000% better. 

Group Four

UNDER THE NEVER SKY: As odd as this sounds, considering that I only gave this book two stars while I gave the other books in this group five stars, I would actually choose to rewrite this one. While there was a lot that fell flat for me, for various reasons, I loved certain aspects of the plot, and I really, REALLY loved the world it was set in. At this point, I’ve probably spent too much thought time considering how I would have tapped into that potential had I been the author. So yeah. I think it would be fun. (Also, I ordered the sequels, so I will be reading those as soon as they come in the mail!) 

CINDER: I would burn this one. I know, I know—I’m so sorry. I clearly don’t know what I’m talking about. My reasoning for this is that I could probably enjoy my memories of this book without ever rereading, and the temptation to rewrite UNDER THE NEVER SKY is too strong. I could also never be persuaded to alter or part with ILLUMINAE, so, unfortunately, CINDER has to take one for the team. *collapses into puddle of tears* 

ILLUMINAE: I would reread this one. Actually, I’ve been fighting the urge to do just that since the moment I finished reading it the first time. I may end up rereading it when GEMINA comes out so my mind is set on all the details. AIDAN is my favorite psychopathic computer of ever, and I will love him till my dying day. Also, the Pathos victims beat zombies when it comes to fear factor, so there’s that as well. Basically, if you haven’t read this book yet, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life (just kidding, you probably have a wonderful life). You can find my review here. 

Group Five

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES: I would have to burn this one. While I thought the idea of it was super fun, and while I’m glad I read it, it’s the one that would hurt me less to lose. So, in the fire it goes. *hurls book into fictional flames* 

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE: I would rewrite this one. Not much, definitely. But I would probably make the mating scenes a tad less explicit, and I would add one or two extra scenes to give a more in-depth feel to the culture as well as to give a better understanding of the progression of moral degradation aboard the ship. (I’m reaching here on that last bit. I don’t WANT to rewrite ACROSS THE UNIVERSE at all, but I especially don’t want to tamper with IMAGINARY GIRLS, so we must all make sacrifices.) 

IMAGINARY GIRLS: Lastly, I would reread this one, which—to parrot myself—I have been planning to do in real life anyway. It is atmospheric and creepy and the ending is satisfyingly ambiguous. 

And, that’s it for today. I have a bunch more books on my shelves and on my Kindle, so please, let me know if you would like to see another round or two of Reread, Rewrite, Burn in the future. I would be happy to oblige (and I might anyway, whether you ask me to or not). Even though I’m stealing this tag, I am going to nominate a few people because I would love to see your answers. So, without any further ado, I hereby nominate (in no particular order): 

Opal @ Opal Swirls // Aimee @ To the Barricade // Katie @ A Writer’s Faith // TT @ Intro to Blurb // Heather @ Sometimes I’m a Story // Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons // Ashley @ [insert title here] // RM Lutz @ The Book Hound

The rules are simple: just pick fifteen random books (or fewer, if you prefer), divide them into groups of three, and have fun. 

If I have not tagged you for this, and you would like to participate, please, consider yourself tagged. And if I have tagged you for this, and you wish to forgo the trauma, that is perfectly fine as well. 

And that’s all for today, little coffee beans. What do you think? Do you agree/disagree with my decisions? What would be some of your choices? Feel free to pick one of the groups and give your own choices in the comments.