According to the calendar, it is officially the first day of spring! According to the weather... well, I live in Canada. Though it isn't -40 °C with wind chill anymore, and most of the snow leftover from the "snowpocalypse" in February has melted, so perhaps the weather will soon match the calendar?
Perhaps it is because we have had a harsher winter than usual (though really, it was not that bad), or perhaps I am just ready for the warmer weather, for sandals and sundresses and bike rides and flowers, but I am getting some serious spring fever.
Which is not good when you live somewhere where it can snow May long weekend.
But I refuse to think of that. Instead, let's talk books.
Yesterday, other than some marking (not enough) and a yoga class, I read for quite a while. I love to read outside (and inside, and everywhere!), and yesterday a book came with me into our hot tub (ah, bliss!), and that, along with the crisp air and bright blue sky, got me thinking of seasonal reads!
So, if you are wanting to get in the swing of spring, like I am, here are some of my personal favourite books that almost make me feel the sunshine. This list is is no particular order, and is by no means exhaustive, so don't forget to suggest some other springtime reads! (Click on the titles or book covers to be linked to each associated goodreads page.)
And stay tuned for my list of to-reads this season (spring-themed and not), coming soon!
A book about a garden coming to life? Sounds pretty darn spring-y to me.
Seriously though, I love this book. The characters and the garden - which is a character in its own right - and the themes of renewal make it perfect for this time of year. Even if I can't grow things for a couple more months, maybe I can live vicariously through Mary, Colin, and Dickon.
I just started this yesterday afternoon, and I am transfixed. There is something about letters and travel and romance that just makes this is such a great read for this time of year. And Romeo and Juliet, the ultimate story of young love, is such a classic reference for the spring.
What is it about Italy and springtime? When I went to Verona in grade 12, it was spring. Is that it? Is it only a personal connection to those flowers everywhere, that hopeful graffiti lining the tunnel into Juliet's garden? Regardless, I am loving this book enough to already highly recommend it. (And of course, I am not discounting the connection as a high school English teacher, in Canada no less.)
There are two types of dog people. Ones who can read dog books and ones who can't. I belong to the first category.
This book is lovely. The tone, especially in regards to Lily's voice, really sticks with you. And yes, the entire book is about a not-very-happy scenario between a man and his aging dog, but it is also about happy moments, and loyalty, and love, and beginnings.
Warning: I didn't cry the way I have in some dog books (looking at you, Marley and Me), but I definitely did cry.
The way that Anne looks at the world and living things is just so beautiful and contagious.
I haven't seen CBC's new series about the famous redhead yet, but regardless, the first book - or the whole series!)- has to be a good choice for the season.
I am rereading all of Austen before May (I get to go to a Pride and Prejudice ball! Squeal!). Though Pride and Prejudice remains my favourite, and I am currently finishing Sense and Sensibility, Emma, with its long walks and picnics and young love, practically drips with flowers and sunshine and spring.
Woah, woah, woah: Let me explain.
I know people either love this book or hate it. Me? I liked it. Well, I didn't particularly like the protagonist, but I did love the description of the landscapes that Cheryl Strayed encounters. Every spring I vow to hike more, and this is one of those books that really seems to propel me towards that.
I live in an incredible area for hiking. If Strayed can hike that far so woefully ill-prepared, I'm sure I can manage to squeeze in a few more local walks. This book makes me want to explore the land that is just waking up again.
"I'm going on an adventure!" (Come on, you know you just pictured Bilbo running off when you read that!)
After the initial winter draw of snowshoeing has worn off for me, I am much more content inside surrounded by books and blankets and comfort foods and warmth. So in the spring, an adventure sounds like a pretty good idea.
At least, reading about one does.
Bonus Pick:
Look at its name. I think this has to be a spring book!
Why is it a bonus pick? Why didn't it make the seven? Though I've heard of it, and it seems to show up on everyone else's "must-read" lists this time of year, I haven't actually read it, so bonus pick it is. If you have read it, I would love to hear what you thought of it!
What books come to mind right away for you for spring reading? Have I missed your favourite? Anything to recommend? Comment below and contact me here.