Sometimes the best things in life are a rainy day, a cup of tea and a good book. These books are ones that are better read on a rainy day, when there isn't much to do, because once you open them, you may not come out again until you reach "The End".
1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
In the history of books transformed into movies, this was one of maybe five that I can name that did a fantastic job. Even so, nothing can replace reading the original book. The language is so beautiful and relatable and the little things that the movie leaves out are actually some of the most important things in the story.
2. Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
This book is the first in C.S. Lewis' science fiction series, and takes a very different approach from his classic series The Chronices of Narnia. It takes some time to get into and is not for the faint of heart, but if you love new worlds, strange creatures and deep thoughts, this book is well worth an afternoon of reading.
3. Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
If hardcore fantasy fiction is your thing, then the first book in The Goldstone Wood series for you. Anne Elisabeth Stengl is arguably one of my favorite fantasy authors because her characters, while being extremely fantastical, become so real as the story weaves its way into your heart. Her writing makes you want to read the sentences out loud and savor them on your tongue, like fantasy poetry. But warning, once you enter the Wood, you may not come back out again, and if you do, you will not be the same...
4. Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale
Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I love Shakespeare. He has a great style and flair for language and is funny to boot, but the thing that really captures me the most is his ability to get inside the human mind and see all of our motivations and desires and fears and loves, and portray them on a piece of paper. The Winter's Tale is one of my favorites of his numerous plays because while everything seems dark for a time, in the end, happiness reigns.
5. Maus by Art Spiegelman
My new love in the realm of books is graphic novels, and the graphic novel that was the birthplace of this love was Maus. It is the story of a Holocaust survivor, as told through the eyes and ears of his son. The people are portrayed as different symbolic animals, and the beautiful art and masterful writing creates a picture that will never leave your mind or your heart.
6. To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
People go, "Oh Virginia Woolf! Nope not going to read that." Virginia Woolf's style of writing makes people balk at the thought of reading her works, I think, because in her characters we so much of ourselves and it scares us because she bares our souls with her words. The story of To The Lighthouse explores the relationship between the desire to rebel against the social norm and the pull to assimilate to it. It is full of deep characters, funny circumstances, and a unique outlook on life. If you were ever going to read any of Virginia Woolf's works, read this one.
7. The Book Thief
This is another book that has a great movie rendition and if you have time, watch that too! But there's something special about reading words in a book about a girl who learns to read words in a book in a time when books were censored. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be moved, but it'll be worth it!
8. Pride and Prejudice
Because why not? It's a classic and as much flack that Jane Austen gets from modern day feminists, this book really does offer strong female protagonists and a complex story about human nature. It's a great read and definitely better than watching either version of the movie.(not hating on the movie tho, I love the version with Kiera Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen!)
So if you find yourself with nothing to do on a rainy afternoon this spring, try picking one of these up. I promise they won't let you down!
