The Shelf that Knows Me Best

What book could you read over and over again?

Some people say your bookshelf is a mirror—it reflects not your face, but your soul. If that’s true, mine must be a mosaic of magic, mythology, moral stories, modern messes, and monks on a mission. The books I could read over and over again aren’t just bound paper—they’re time machines, therapists, drama queens, and old friends in disguise.

There are many books which I would love to read—the list is long, but the topmost are the below:

Let’s begin with the Bible.

It’s not just a book, it’s a lifelong conversation. It whispers courage on your worst days and reminds you that even a mustard seed can move mountains. I mean, who else can raise Lazarus with just a shout and still offer the best wine at a wedding? Now that’s a character arc.

“The Bible is not man’s word about God, but God’s word about man.” – John Barth

Then there’s the Harry Potter series—an invitation to Platform 9¾ that never expires. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to fly on a broomstick, turn rats into goblets, or eat jellybeans that taste like earwax? And Dobby? He’s not just a house-elf, he’s a lifestyle.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore

Reading Harry Potter again is like sipping Butterbeer with a blanket around your soul.

Next stop: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. A midlife crisis never looked so calm. This book is like therapy served with herbal tea. You start off feeling guilty for not meditating, then by the end, you’re rearranging your goals like zen garden stones.

“Your ‘I can’ is more important than your IQ.” – Robin Sharma

Honestly, I reread it not to become a monk, but just to feel like I have my life together for 12 pages.

Enter Ramayan—the epic where loyalty, bravery, and the world’s first long-distance relationship unfold. Ramayan isn’t just mythology—it’s a 24K gold mine of lessons on leadership, love, sibling bonds, and that timeless battle between ego and righteousness. Hanuman? He’s the original superhero—no cape needed. Every time I read the Ramayan, I find a new perspective—sometimes I relate to Sita’s grace, sometimes to Lakshman’s protectiveness, and occasionally, during those tough parenting days… to Kaushalya’s quiet endurance.

“Dharma is not just about what is right, but also about how you choose to do what is right.”

Then come the heartwarming tales of Sudha Murthy, who can turn a lunchbox, a train journey, or a schoolyard into something unforgettable. She doesn’t need dragons or dark lords; she finds magic in humanity.

“Simple living and high thinking aren’t just principles in her stories; they’re plot twists.”

And yes, the After series by Anna Todd—think emotional rollercoaster meets fanfiction fever dream. It’s chaotic, romantic, and just the right amount of “what-is-even-happening” to keep you turning pages. Dramatic? Yes. Relatable? Worryingly so.

“Just because he can’t love you the way you want, doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you with all he has.” – Anna Todd

Sometimes, rereading these is like going back to a messy relationship just for the thrill (minus the emotional damage).

Thought to Ponder: Books aren’t meant to be read once and shelved—they’re meant to be lived, relived, and allowed to grow with you. Each reread reflects who you are at that moment. You don’t just read the book; the book reads you back.

“Maybe the stories we return to aren’t perfect, but they’re ours—stitched into our laughter, our tears, and the parts of us still searching.”

What book knows you best?