Happy first day of Spring everyone! With this beautiful season now officially here, I thought it pertinent to discuss books that, in my opinion, are best enjoyed in the Spring. If you are like me and enjoy seasonal reading, then you have found a kindred spirit! For those that are not seasonal readers or are perhaps new to the idea let me elaborate for a minute. According to a blog on this very topic, seasonal reading is “the practice of choosing your reading material to match the moods and seasons of the calendar (Elsie). While this is not for everyone, I have found that seasonal reading has helped me appreciate every season for what it is. Since last year I have been attempting to embrace all seasons instead of just my favorites (Autumn and Summer). So, without further ado here is my Spring reading list.
“Emma” by Jane Austen
I know I’m not the only one who, when they are reading a book, can identify the season it feels like to them. In my opinion, “Emma” feels like Spring. What makes it so is the slow build of romance, the drama and intrigue, their dresses, and the setting of regency England. Some of the scenes that specifically feel like Spring to me are:
The painting of Harriet (chapter 6)
The Donwell Abbey picnic (chapter 42)
The Boxhill Party (chapter 43)
Though the Donwell Abbey picnic and the Boxhill party are in June/July I usually associate these scenes with Spring since that is when I choose to picnic as it gets unbearably hot in the Summer. Lastly, the mood of “Emma” is light as it is considered a comedy and ends happily for everyone.
“A collection of Fairy Tales” by Hans Christian Anderson
Most fairytales spark our imaginations and teach us moral lessons. I appreciate Anderson’s fairytales as they are creative and thought-provoking. As a child, I read all sorts of fairytales and I have memories of green fields, wildflowers, soft rain, and warmer weather on the horizon. I connect fantasy, love stories, princesses, and children’s stories with Springtime. It’s the time of new beginnings, beauty, and an element of lightness. Even though there is often darkness as well in fairytales, there is a lesson to be had and it all ends happily (ever after). J.R.R. Tolkien said, in talking about fairy stories, that, ''Myth and fairy-story must, as all art, reflect and contain in solution elements of moral and religious truth (or error), but not explicit, not in the known form of the primary 'real' world'” (Tolkien). To give an example, I want to look at Anderson’s fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea.” The moral of the story, (or at least what I have taken from it) is that it is important to not judge someone based on appearance. However, if you did deeper and look into the origins of the story you can go further in an analysis. For example, “The Princess and the Pea” originates from India, and it is said that the story might possibly be speaking on the importance of the prince marrying someone of true royal blood. Another example found in an analysis of the story says that the fairy tale could be meant as a mockery to those in comfortable positions in society. Mocking their over-sensitivity to small details (like the princess feeling the pea under all those mattresses and losing sleep over it). This is the one that makes the most sense to me. With all this being said, this quirky story is light, interesting, and an easy read for a beautiful Spring day.
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
This is one I have embarrassingly not read yet. I never got into these as a child, so they are on my list to read. I have read many quotes from these stories and the way Montgomery paints pictures of the scenery is captivating. Her quotes on Spring alone make me feel everything I want to feel this time of year. So, I recommend both myself and everyone else to read this in the Springtime.
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carol
You can learn a lot of things from the flowers." — Alice in Wonderland
This whimsical fairytale by Lewis Carol is the epitome of Spring. Silly tea parties, talking wildflowers, riddles, beautiful dresses, talking animals, a white rabbit, magic, and an overall nonsensical story. This tale is completely silly, and enchanting, and feels like the perfect story to read on a warm Spring Day. I would also recommend getting yourself a beautifully illustrated copy. It is a must-have for this time of year.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
The final book is one that most of us know and love, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. This story encapsulates warmth and joy. “Little Women” is considered to be a coming-of-age novel as it is filled with lessons, new beginnings, and hardships as we see the girls grow up. Playing outside, performing plays while dressing up, and enjoying family and friendships all provide warm feelings of childhood. Overall, this book encapsulates feelings of Spring, the newness of life, and childhood joy.
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Questions
There are other books that I also love to dive into in the Spring but I’m curious to know... what’s your Spring reading list?
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References
“A Summary and Analysis of 'The Princess and the Pea'.” Interesting Literature, 28 Nov. 2018, https://interestingliterature.com/2018/11/a-summary-and-analysis-of-the-princess-and-the-pea-fairy-tale/.
Carroll, Lewis, and John Tenniel. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Aladdin Books, 2023.
Elsie. “The Art of Seasonal Reading.” Tea and Ink Society, 31 Jan. 2023, https://teaandinksociety.com/art-of-seasonal-reading/.
R., Tolkien J R, et al. Tolkien on Fairy-Stories. HarperCollinsPublishers, 2014.
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