I belong to four book clubs—three in person and one online. The online book club, called The Comfort Book Club, is based in England and led by YouTuber Miranda Mills. As you might imagine by its title, it’s a group that focuses on books that are relaxing, restful reads. I don’t live in a bubble, and I have my share of exposure to the “real world” reading, but Miranda’s gatherings are always a breath of fresh air and a place to refuel my energy.
One suggestion that she gave us at the beginning of the year was to think about reading with the changing seasons–immerse yourself in books that are set in the present season. She gave lots of suggestions for all the months of the year. I will definitely read more than one book a month, but I am trying to incorporate more seasonal reads into my To Be Read list this year. Below is a sampling of my January and February reading.
A Nature Diary–Richard Adams
This daily read is almost like a nature devotional (although there is nothing religious about it). Richard Adams chronicles his daily nature walks in his home in The Isle of Man. Each page features a hand drawn illustration, and I enjoy reading about the plants, birds, and wildlife on this island in the middle of the Irish Sea.
Rules of Civility–Amor Towels
I thoroughly enjoyed Amor Towels book A Gentleman in Moscow and expected a similar story from Rules of Civility. While the writing voice was similar, the story was completely different. This book begins on New Year’s Eve in 1937 in New York City. The main character is Katey Kontent, a 25-year-old woman who, by chance, meets a young man at a Greenwich jazz bar. This coincidental meeting changes both of their lives forever. This book explores themes such as wealth, and privilege. But most of all, it shows the reader how a snap decision can change the trajectory of one’s life forever.
Tom Lake–Ann Patchett
Jean Cash gave a thorough review of this latest book by Ann Patchett on a recent Book Notes column. I will just share a short reflection. This book is a gentle unfolding of two love stories. Told in a dual timeline, it contrasts young, impulsive love with solid, dependable married love. Unlike Rules of Civility, impulsive decisions made in youth did not have a drastic impact on the future of the protagonist. The escapades of her young romance serve as material for fond remembrances rather than ignite unhappy regrets. I listened to the audio version of the book and the lovely voice of Meryl Streep added to my enjoyment of the story.
The Hour of Death, The Shadow of Death, and Abide With Me–Jane Willan
I went on a Sister Agatha binge in the middle of January and read all three books in the Sister Agatha/Father Selwyn series. These charming tales take place in a Welsh convent where all is calm and bright–until it isn’t! Jane W’t! Jane Willan is a pastor who writes murder mysteries. She says she finds great subject matter amidst the ecclesiology and liturgy of church life. She is coming out with another Sister Agatha mystery in the summer. I recommend her books for light reading and a unique life at convent life.
Other books I’ve read in January and February include: Stranger in the Woods by Michael Firkel, Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson, The Girls of Stilt House by Kelly Mustian, Diary of a Nobody–George Grossmith, How to be a Moonflower by Katie Daisy, 4:50 from Paddington and the Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie, The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, Dinner With Edward by Isabel Vincent, and The Measure by Nikki Erlick.
