The Thing about Spring
seasonal reflections, book recommendations, and what I’m knitting
April gave my family a little bit of everything here in Vermont—a couple lingering snow flurries, gusty winds to rustle our jackets and hair, a spring in the back woods of our property that is in need of a new bridge so my daughter can trek further on her explorations. Most surprising were a burst of unusually warm and sunny days, and we decided to make the most of it with trips to small, glacial lakes and creemee stops.
(Note: For those who do not know, Vermont soft serve ice cream is called a creemee, and there truly is a reason for the distinction. Much of the soft serve ice cream served at roadside stands and general stores around the state are made with higher fat content than standard ice cream, producing a creamier texture and richer taste. When done well, you definitely can tell the difference.)
I love how spring is filled with so much potential—for beautiful blooms, summer-y afternoons, long walks with friends, reading deliciously good books cozied up outside. I relish temps that are better than the glacial winter norms, while not quite reaching the stale humidity of deep summer days. I partake in bonfires, café dates, afternoon drives, and books with warmth and heart. The only tragic part about spring is that it never lasts quite long enough.
But it’s like our dear Anne Shirley says, “That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.”
Recently Read Recs
I’ve read so many great books lately, especially when it comes to historical fiction and children’s literature. First, if you haven’t yet read my past post with children’s book recommendations, you’ll want to take a peek. I’ve shared why titles like Wildoak, The Swifts, and A Place to Hang the Moon are all particularly great reads.
Other titles recently enjoyed include:
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman - “Corpus Bones!” is to Birdy what “Christopher Columbus!” is to Jo March in this short, irreverent, and earnest novel set during medieval times. Since the book is structured as diary entries (something that would be fun to compare to it’s successor, The Princess Diaries), Catherine, Called Birdy digs into the mundanity of every-day life during the 13th century, while deftly exploring female gender roles during the medieval era. Cushman knows how to craft a story that sure to capture the hearts of youth and adults alike.
Portrait of an Unknown Lady by Maria Gainza - One of my favorite novels of the year thus far, I think picking up Gainza’s short, impressionistic novel is worth the time. Not a book for readers who enjoy being grounded in plot, Portrait is a novel where the story moves forward through propulsive interior ruminations and not outward action. I love what this story has to say about the reliability of putting down histories, perceiving the truth, and the archaic nature of the art world and it’s criticism. It’s on my list to buy my own copy, so I can mull it over some more.
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams - If you are looking for a smartly written, heart-warming story about the power of books, look no further. This debut novel by English native Sara Nisha Adams is a rich, interweaving tale about how books bring us together in community. There are some heavy topics dealt with in the novel, so I recommend looking at The Storygraph if you prefer to see content warnings ahead of reading. I think the Reading List makes a wonderful summer read to toss in between hefty books. Well-crafted and inviting.
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal - There are few things in this world that make me stand up and become a “Woo Girl,” but among those are a new Lizzo album, and a announcement of a forthcoming book from two of my favorite authors, J. Ryan Stradal and Carol Rifka Brunt (and I got the trifecta in 2022 when all three happened). The premise of Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club has all the good things characteristics of any Stradal novel—food-centered fiction, a rich cast of characters, and an evocative Midwestern setting. It could be said that this particular book feels heavier than previous books (though one could argue Stradal really aims to capture the bittersweet nature of existence in every story). Saturday Night is, in part, heavier due to Stradal’s expanding cast with each successive novel. His third novel also takes aim to be an intergenerational story at a stunning pace—352 pages. But before this turns into a critical essay and not a simple review, I’ll say this—yes, bring your tissues, make a deliciously strong beverage, get ready to love this book and be moved by it’s prose. It is, after all, doing it’s best to treat the narrative of a person’s life with just treatment. I think it succeeds. (Storygraph link for content warnings)
Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash - An intergenerational and intercontinental story, Beyond That, The Sea tells the story of two families living worlds apart: the Thompson family in England who have sent their daughter away from the air raids of London to safety, and the Gregorys in America, who take in Beatrix Thompson as their ward during the war. At first, I was supremely skeptic about how another WWII historical fiction novel was necessary in 2023. However, Beyond That, The Sea struck me as moving far enough away from already explored topics of other historical novels that it felt worth giving a try.
I loved the blending of genres with Beyond That. It truly feels like a mix between a historical fiction and a rich, summer family saga. Plus—nothing is more summer-y that a cottage in Maine, of which the Gregorys own and visit for many summers throughout the novel. While there were times I wanted to strike out certain, unnecessary sentences the author added at many chapter’s ends, it didn’t dampen my overall reading experience of the novel. (You might love what I didn’t enjoy.) This feels like it will be one of the standout historical fiction novels of the year.
Summer Knitting
When I’m not working at the library, reading, or writing (which I’m doing more than I was expecting to these days!), I like to have a pair of circular needles in my hands working on some summery knits for myself. I have my hopes on finishing up a summer crop top soon by Jessie Maed Designs with my eyes on a new racerback summer crop top. I can’t get enough of nice, breathable summer tops.
In the meantime, I am continuing to ignore a second sock that’s tucked neatly in the bottom of my knitting bag, awaiting the final three rows and a kitchener stitch finish to complete it. I should just finish it. But will I?
I’ll let you decide.
To conclude
I’m notoriously horrible at wrapping things up (re: finishing sock), so instead of imparting any final conclusions, I’ll leave you with this song of longing and love, by one of my favorite artists. Until next time, happy adventures in reading (and living).
- Katie
Spring in Vermont sounds like perfection! I only wish I could beam myself there.