Season Reads

Posted on by litwithalibrarian

Have you ever picked up a book and thought “This is a good read for (insert season)” and then waited until that season to read it? I have quite a few times. Why is that? Shouldn’t readers be able to enjoy books at any time of the year?

Well, in theory, yes. But some books give off vibes that are better enjoyed in certain seasons. For example, the term “beach read.” Most people wouldn’t pick out murder mysteries to take with them on their beach trip. No, most people would take a light-hearted read with a happy ending because that is the feeling that summer gives people.

So, what about fall/winter reads? Do people tend to lean more towards cold, mysterious novels or do they want to cozy up with a romantic getaway story? Well, I think it depends on the person.

I asked a couple of fellow librarians what they prefer to read around this time of year and my favorite response was:

“Anything that looks like a cozy read. You can really tell by looking at the cover what kind of vibe you are going to get from a book.”

My friend who said this tends to read mysteries year around, but she admitted to reading the more romantic mysteries around this time of year. Is that the vibe readers get from cold weather- romance? Or do we just want to feel warm and fuzzy like our jackets on the inside? I mean, if we’re going to be cold our hearts might as well be warm.

Image result for winter books

*Image credit: https://foodtank.com/news/2017/01/food-tank-2017-winter-book-list/

Personally, I tend to lean towards more dramatic storylines when the weather gets colder. Whether that drama comes from trauma or relationships, I like it all.

Another thing that I tend to do around Christmas time is re-read some of my favorite books. I’ve already started re-reading my favorite series, Vampire Academy, and I love it as much as the first time I read it. Reading something familiar that I love makes me happy and I will read every single line as if it is my first time reading it.

If you are looking for a new book to cozy up to this winter, here is a really great list categorized by genre. I’ve already picked a few off of it, myself.

Until next time- Go find a winter read!

-Lit Librarian

‘Tis the Season to Explore New Genres

Posted on by litwithalibrarian

Although I tend to stick to the Young Adult Genre when I read, I do enjoy exploring different genres on long, slow days at the library. Things really start slowing down at work around the time of Thanksgiving and it stays slow until after the New Year. People are busy eating and partying- I get it.

But what is a bored literary enthusiast to do on slow days surrounded by books? Why look for new things to read, of course!

As of late, I have been really into the magical realism genre. Magical realism, according to is “an alternative to an accepted reality.” Who doesn’t want that in life? I had never heard of this genre before two months ago, and it might be a new favorite of mine.

I read Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders a few weeks ago, and it is fantastic! I knew from the description it was going to be an interesting novel, but I had no idea how much I would love it and the questions that Saunders poses in it. This novel will really make you think about what happens to your soul after death and how it affects your loved ones when you are gone. That sounds morbid, but trust me, it isn’t. Saunders has a beautiful writing style and does a great job of roping readers in from the beginning.

Image result for lincoln in the bardo

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/231506/lincoln-in-the-bardo-by-george-saunders/9780812985405/

Another novel I read recently that fits in the magical realism genre is Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing. I didn’t love this novel as much as I loved Saunders’, but it is still an interesting read for those who are just getting into the genre. Ward’s characters make you question what is real and what is only desired to be real. It is beautifully written.

Image result for sing unburied sing

   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32920226-sing-unburied-sing

I hope to explore this genre more as the holidays approach and I’ll have more time to read for fun. Both of these novels really peaked my interest in the concept of magical realism, so I highly recommend both if you are interested in exploring this genre, as well.

Until next time- Go explore a new genre!

-Lit Librarian