At Baa Stool, we’ve been thinking about the relentless pace of life. It doesn’t let up does it! Sometimes, I think we all need to take a deep breath and slow down. We need to take some time to be mindful and relaxed, away from all the hustle and bustle. And one of the things we can do to ensure we slow down is to pick up a good book. Reading is healthy for us in so many ways: it takes us out of our own lives so that we can walk in someone else’s shoes for a while, it’s intellectually stimulating, allowing our imaginations to run wild, and it gives our bodies time to rest. Reading is like a mini hibernation! So, with this in mind, we turned to local writer and editor Pat Sumner (pat-cilan.co.uk) to come up with a list of reads to make us feel cosy and uplifted this winter. This is what she came up with. I think you’ll enjoy them. In Pat’s words, take a look at these cosy reads for Winter…
1. Where the Crawdads Sing
By Delia Owens
A beautifully written story that’s completely gripping. Although Kya, the ‘Marsh Girl’, of North Carolina has a sad, difficult and lonely life, having been abandoned at a young age, she develops a personal and mesmerising relationship with her natural surroundings.
I think that’s what will remain with me for such a long time after reading this novel – that detailed and intimate sense of place. The light, flora and fauna of the marshes became home for me too for a while. I think the New York Times Book Review sums up this novel well: “Painfully beautiful… At once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative and a celebration of nature.”
I have to say, I struggled to get anything else done while I was reading this book!
2. A Gentleman in Moscow
By Amor Towles
If you enjoy losing yourself in a good-sized, chunky novel, written by a talented and witty wordsmith, then you’ll love this novel by Amor Towles.
The reason I’ve chosen it for this list of ‘cosy’ and ‘heart-warming’ reads is mainly because of the protagonist, Count Alexander Rostov. It would be impossible not to like this gentlemanly and kind-hearted character who has a wealth of knowledge about food and wine, etiquette and diplomacy.
3. The Little Book of Hygge
By Meik Wiking
This gorgeous little book is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, selling over a million copies worldwide, and I know it’s a favourite at Baa Stool!
Hygge is sometimes defined as “cosiness of the soul” or “the pursuit of everyday pleasures”, but it’s the secret ingredient to a happy and comfortable way of life in Denmark. And Meik Wiking should know as he’s the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen!
This book contains lovely photographs, recipes, interior design ideas and much more.
It’s a feel-good read that will make you slow down and consider the possibilities.
4. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
By Haemin Sunim
Continuing with the theme of slowing down and taking time to think, this book by Haemin Sunim, a well-known Zen Buddhist teacher, is a little gem.
Promoting the philosophy of mindfulness, this book contains quotations and reflections for when life feels like it’s all too much.
It offers advice on all kinds of topics from relationships to getting enough rest. The author’s short messages of advice are accompanied by beautiful illustrations.
It’s a book to be savoured; it provides reassurance and soothes the soul.
5. Wilding: The return of nature to a British farm
By Isabella Tree
This book is a must-read! Not only does it investigate the ecological topic of ‘rewilding’, it offers great hope for the future for those of us who are passionate about, and concerned about, the environment.
Realising that intensive farming methods were unsustainable on their land, this factual book describes the ‘Knepp experiment’ in West Sussex, whereby free-roaming, grazing animals were used to create new habitats for wildlife.
6. Devotions
By Mary Oliver
For poetry lovers, this book is a taste of heaven! Mary Oliver is one of my favourite American poets; I love her simple yet profound style and her deep love of nature. It’s a perfect cosy read for winter
She manages to describe the interconnectedness of all living things, and she manages to get to the heart of matters.
‘Devotions’ contains much of this Pulitzer Prize-winning poet’s work, spanning more than five decades.
7. The Wind in the Willows
By Kenneth Grahame
A list of cosy, uplifting books wouldn’t be complete without an enchanting story to read to your children or grandchildren (or to enjoy yourself!).
This classic children’s book, originally published in 1908, never gets old, and the well-known characters of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr. Toad are both charming and relatable.
Enjoy reading about the animals trying to help Mr. Toad, who always seems to get into trouble, especially when he becomes obsessed with a motorcar!
You may even be able to get hold of a beautifully illustrated copy of the book. I know this book will keep on being read in my family for generations to come.
8. Jack Joliffe Goes Forth
By Henry Chancellor
This large novel is for slightly older children (8-12 year-olds). If your children enjoyed the first Harry Potter books, then they will adore this story!
Although not as famous as J. K. Rowling’s collection of novels, this captivating story has all the magic, creativity and mystery you could hope for.
A secret, hidden world – full of dragons, jabberwocks, evil fairies, ghosts, and a rather strange royal family – lies beneath St James’s Palace in London.
Henry Chancellor, an award-winning filmmaker and the author of the Tom Scatterhorn books, is a superb story-teller and illustrator, and you (never mind the kids!) won’t be able to put this book down.
9. Simple Decorating
By Melissa Michaels
A list of cosy reads for winter for Baa Stool wouldn’t be complete without some interior design!
This pretty little book by Melissa Michaels is full of common-sense and easy-to-afford ideas to add interest to your home.
If you feel your décor needs some freshening up or a little inspiration, this book might just be the answer (you may also wish to follow Melissa Michaels’ blog).
The book contains 50 straightforward tips on subjects like colours, window treatments, layering, texture, furniture choices and accessories.
Sitting down by the fire on a wintry evening with this little book in your hands will reassure you that making small changes to your home will make a big difference.
10. The Promise of Dawn
By Patricia Sumner
You may also be interested in this book of my own. While I usually write children’s stories, this book, commissioned by Veneficia Publications, is a bit different.
This is what the blurb on the back of the book says: “The Promise of Dawn: Rites of Passage for all Beliefs contains sensitive and beautifully crafted readings and poems for all of life’s milestones, from birth to death…
With an emphasis on the wonder and sanctity of nature, you’ll want to keep this collection close at hand to see you through life’s highs and lows.”
The book contains chapters on birth/naming ceremonies, coming of age and leaving home, handfasting/marriage, miscarriage and the death of a child, birthdays, middle age, and funerals/mourning.
Although only recently published, I’m pleased to say the collection has already received some great reviews, for example: “I have never read anything so moving, meaningful and sensitive. It is beautiful!”
If you loved this post how about 50 Relaxation Quotes for Mind And Body next, it’s a good un! Or 10 slow hobbies for self care.