Biblio-Files

I’ve had a pretty long break. But I’ve had a pretty good excuse. I’m brushing up again—after more than a decade of hiatus—on baby books and building baby Spencer’s library (with more than a few of big brother Evan’s books that I clung to even though he’s now a pre-teen). Couldn’t be happier. Looking forward to restarting this blog and hitting the books again!

Just a quick post to wish all my bookish friends a happy holiday. I just finished (and loved) Stephen King’s 11.22.63 and have passed it along to my husband who is devouring it, too. Next up for me is SAUL and PATSY by Charles Baxter. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone’s reading in the new year. Cheers!

Books near my fireplace.

It’s been raining A LOT in Iowa this summer, but I’m not complaining. Rainy days can be a bit like getting a free pass on a day otherwise packed with to-dos; sort of like the excitement you might have had when you were a kid enjoying a snow day off from school. As a lover of gray days, rain on a gray day is like icing on the cake. The sound of a steady summer rain makes for an ideal time to nest indoors next to a window (or better yet, outside under a covered porch) and curl up with your favorite book.

Most readers I know have books they pull out on such occasions, authors who feed them comfort with words. Here are several of my go-tos:

Sometimes, though, I like to use a rainy day to “shop my shelves” at home and reach for a book I haven’t read–one I’ve been putting off for no real reason (I’m looking at you, Tropic of Cancer) or one I bought on recommendation from a friend or one that seems appropriate for a rainy afternoon (Little, Big; and The True Story of Hansel and Gretel). Then, there’s that book I’ve been looking at for weeks now on my bedside table (The Paper Garden) but have been putting off until I finish my library book that’s due next week. Here is that list (followed by the titles and authors, below).

What about you? What’s on your rainy day reading list? Do you read old favorites, head to a bookstore (and it better be an indie!) to pick out a new one, or do you peruse your own shelves for something that suits your mood?