2018 Spring Reading Picks!

Hi everyone!  Spring is just around the corner and where I live there is still snow on the ground.  In fact as I sit here writing there is a flurry of snow coming down, which will probably add another inch.  I don't know about you but one of my favorite ways to get ready for a new season is through reading so, like every year, I have gathered together some books that I think would be perfect for getting in the Spring mood.  Some I have read before and others I am looking forward to reading for the first time, hope you enjoy!

1.  Persuasion by Jane Austen

Spring is always a good fit for Austen and this year I am recommending Persuasion.  I read this a few years ago and really enjoyed it.  The story centers on Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth, a navel officer, who were once engaged to be married.  Anne receives opinion of the engagement from her friend Lady Russell and is ultimately persuaded to end the engagement.  The story picks up eight years later when Anne and Wentworth are reunited.  You get to follow these two character and see how they have both grown over time and how that might affect a future relationship.  This story also delves into family dynamics surrounding wealth and social status that were so prevalent during that time period, which is always really interesting to read about.  It's sweet and charming, as are all of Austen's novels.  Will Anne and Wentworth resume their love?  You will have to read to find out! :)

"There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison." 

- Jane Austen, Persuasion 

2.  Nevermore:  The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

This book isn't really super springy per se but I don't even care, I will recommend it any day of the year.  Also, I know I am 26 years old but I personally love to read middle grade novels because they are always so magical and imaginative.  I feel like no matter how old you get, you can never have enough of it!  Anyways, this was the first book I read at the beginning of 2018 and I already have the feeling that it will be my favorite of the year, I loved it that much!  It follows 11 year-old Morrigan Crow who is cursed and due to her curse was supposed to die on her 11th birthday.  Instead, before her fate can catch up to her she is whisked away to the city of Nevermoor by a man named Jupiter North.  In order to stay in the magical city Morrigan must join an organization called the Wundrous Society but in order to be selected she must prove herself amongst hundreds of other determined children through a set of four trials.  This book is enchanting, charming, whimsical, and so full of clever wit.  I loved every second of it!  It also gave me huge Harry Potter vibes, which is always a plus!

"The point is -- as far as the Society is concerned -- if you are not honest, and determined, and brave, then it doesn't matter how talented you are." 

-Jessica Townsend, The Trials of Morrigan Crow 

3.  Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Okay this story alone is such a great Spring read because it is so light and fun but I wanted to take this suggestion a bit further and recommend you read the Puffin in Bloom edition, which is fully illustrated by Anna Bond.  It is absolutely stunning and each illustration adds to the already whimsical nature of this novel.  They are bright and colorful, the perfect Springy palette.  It will have you dreaming of reading it in the shade beneath budding branches!  And then you can put it on your coffee table so that you can stare at it every time you pass by.

"Have I gone mad?
I'm afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are." 

-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

4.  Heidi by Johanna Spyri

This is a book that I haven't read yet but I remember watching the movie when I was younger.  I have been waiting for the perfect time to read it and the Springtime seemed super fitting.  This book follows Heidi who after losing both her parents is sent to live with her grandfather up in the Swiss Mountains.  She is content with her life in the mountains and loves her grandfather dearly but one day her aunt comes to take her away to live in the city.  I assume the remainder of the story centers around Heidi plotting a return to her grandfather and her home.  I am sure it is going to be extremely atmospheric and I can't wait to escape to Switzerland through these pages and experience lush green landscapes carpeted with wildflowers and the gentle breeze of the countryside!

"Heidi looked around with growing delight at the mountain peaks she knew so well and which seemed to greet her like old friends." 

Johanna Spyri, Heidi 

5.  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is another book that I have yet to read but I think it's high time I read this classic!  It follows four sisters and their family life as their father is away at war.  From what I have read this book actually spans across en entire year but I think it will be a fun refreshing read about love within a family and the bond between sisters!

"Life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom" 

Louisa May Alcott, Little Women 


Well, those are my reading picks for Spring!  Of course I could have added a thousand more but those are just my top five.  Please let me know if you have any other suggestions because I would love to know.  I am literally one of those people who when their husband calls from work and asks, "what are you up to?"  I reply, "oh just reading book reviews!"  I am always looking for new suggestions to put on my list so seriously, don't hesitate!  Also, have you read any of these books?  What are your thoughts?

I hope you all have the best weekend ever and happy reading!






10 comments

  1. I love these types of escapist novels mentioned. I read the Harry Potter series for the first time last year and it allowed me to escape from a difficult situation. I'll add Nevermore to my reading list for the next time I want to be transported to another realm.

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    1. YES!!! I love Harry Potter so much! I think you will really love Nevermoor!

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  2. I've a massive pile of books just waiting to be read so I'm on catch up at the moment! I have The Miniaturist waiting for me once I finish a book of essays and articles I'm currently on. But my Amazon wishlist is overflowing at the moment, there's just so many good books coming out right now!

    http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com/

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  3. I haven't checked out The Miniaturist yet! I'll have to add that to my list!

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  4. First, these books are so pretty!! Also, you can never go wrong with these classics!

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  5. I love these ideas! Thank you for reminding me how charming these reads are!

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    1. Thanks for reading! I love sharing my love for reading!

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