Well, today's Booking through Thursday prompt is certainly timely. It asks:The northern hemisphere, at least, is socked in by winter right now.....So, on a cold, wintry day, when you want nothing more than to curl up with a good book on the couch... what kind of reading do you want to do?
We have had more snow so far this year than I think we have had in the past three years combined! AND...they are predicting snow to start falling (again) this afternoon and continue through Saturday! Normally I am quite fond of snow days, but at this point if we have to miss another day of school due to weather, we will need to make them up, and I get very cranky when my free time is infringed upon. Hopefully the streets will be clear in the morning and we won't have to concern ourselves with such thoughts.
I absolutely agree that there is nothing that I enjoy more than to curl up in my nook with a great book while the winter weather wreaks havoc outside my window. BUT....I must say that there is not one particular genre that I necessarily read at this time. It very much depends on my current mood.
In the past I have been prone to select books that require a bit more thinking - or perhaps slowing down - on days such as this because I don't feel the pressure that I "should be doing" something else; I can guiltlessly read and not feel rushed. Books that focus on complex character relationships rather than fast paced plots would be more my style. Books that allow me to languish over beautifully written phrases are particularly warming on these brutally cold days. Novels that I have recently read that would fit this category include The Help, The Swan Thieves, and Alice I Have Been (review coming soon).
Today, however, I am in the mood to read more about writing: my latest passion/obsession. I discovered a lovely book that seems to meet me where I am in this writing journey: Turning Life into Fiction by Robin Hemley. Not only does the author discuss the fundamentals of relating real life in literary terms (it doesn't have to be play-by-play description in the exact order in which it happened), but he gives concrete examples of taking a true event and brainstorming different ways to embellish and transform it into a fictional narrative. I NEED this. I need to be shown some concrete examples so that I can then learn to do it on my own. I am a very literal, visual learner!
So on this soon-to-be-snowy Thursday evening, after all lesson plans are completed, I plan to read more of this how-to book and perhaps dabble with a little true life transformation techniques myself.
How about you? Is there a particular style book you enjoy reading when the weather outside is frightful - or you are more likely to go out there and enjoy the winter sports associated with this time of year?
Hi Molly, Over here in MA we've gotten alot of snow too. I hope your snow doesn't end up as our snow too! :)
ReplyDeleteKris
Our snow seems to have stopped for now, but I doubt we are out of the woods yet.
ReplyDeleteI love all these interesting writing books you keep finding. I am loving No Plot, No Problem.
Juicy mysteries seem to work well for me when it is cold outside. We had the coldest January here in Florida that we have ever had in recorded history. Global warming my rear end!
ReplyDeletenice blog I will be go follow your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI yearn for snow, as winer is my favourite season. Living in the midwest I should have snow, but hardly any has been seen. :( My BTT: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/02/booking-through-thursday-genre.html
ReplyDeleteYes, like Sandy, I must admit my fall back on comfort reads are a nice mystery. Snow, a cup of tea and a good mystery is a fine day in my book.
ReplyDeleteWinters have ended here. And tea is always welcome. I read a lot of romances. However, I read pretty much anything, anytime!
ReplyDeleteBTT: Winter Reading
I wish you luck and safety with the snow, and hope you don't have to make up off-days! My BTT is at The Crowded Leaf.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you've had more snow than usual. Here in SW Ontario, Canada we've had less snow than usual.
ReplyDeleteHere's my BTT Answer
Dang groundhog!
ReplyDeleteHere's Mine
Getting cozy with beautiful written phrases sounds good.
ReplyDeletehttp://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/02/booking-through-thursday-cold-winter.html
We had a little snow last weekend, but I missed it because I was in Alabama. We have a slight chance again this weekend. I, for one, have had enough of winter. I prefer warm weather when I can read on my front porch.
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys get a break from the snow soon!
ReplyDeleteI tend to like books where I can escape completely into another world when the weather is horrid. So, I tend to prefer science fiction, dystopian fiction, or really good historical fiction that draws me in.
I'm lucky to live in California, where winter is fairly mild compared to most of the country. I would curl up with a good book with a good plot on any given day. :)
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing on snow days--totally accept that as a day I get to do whatever I want. I really should use it as a day to get caught up on housework or some such thing, but who wants to do that?! Which I could have had the six days off this year that my kids have had!
ReplyDeleteI will gladly take some of your snow away from you if it means that I can get a snow day! We haven't had one single one this year, and I am definitely ready for at least one free afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI like heavier books too, but only ones that have an engrossing plot that will keep me from thinking about all the things I should be doing!
I love that there is a point where too many snow days starts to stop being great and starts ruining summer! Here's to no more snow days.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the ideas you describe in the Hemley book ... I like having concrete examples too.
I'm like you, it seems that in winter, on days when the sun seems to set a bit earlier that I want something that takes a bit to unfold. I am more patient and willing to spend the time with characters or ideas.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, on spring like days, like today (67, sunny and wispy clouds) I grab my Sonic Drive-in soda and the latest Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol. The day just seemed to call out for a little faster paced book.
Enjoy the day - make the most of what you're been blessed with - I could use a snow day right now. Thank heavens it's almost the weekend!
Here we are having rain. Lots and lots of rain. I'm playing catch up on my books. My answer is here.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you have had that much snow! We have had 50% less snow than the year with the record for the least amount of snow....so we've had none!! Not that my board ever really calls when anyway...we trudge in no matter what. I think we've had 2 snow days in the last 10 years!!
ReplyDelete