I’m just starting to get used to the idea of staying in and now I am finally beginning to let myself slow down. Activities like assembling jigsaw puzzles, cooking slow recipes and sitting down with a good book are all becoming part of my weekly routine. It seemed like the perfect time to put together a spring reading list! I've also included what my kiddos are currently reading!
Click on the titles below to learn more and to order a book for spring reading at home.
THE OVERSTORY by Richard Powers
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, this novel presents nine separate life stories where trees of varying species play major roles in the life paths of the protagonists and bring them together to address the destruction of forests. Elegant narrative with a nod to nature and human struggle, pull you through this award-worthy book.
THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE by Eric Larsen
Hot off the presses, this latest from yarn-spinner, Eric Larsen, tells the real account of the challenges borne by Winston Churchill and England during the Blitz. Lauded as Larsen’s best to date, the author captures your mind, eloquently conveying the reality of the moment and demanding that you don’t put down the book until it ends.
GLOBAL CHORUS - 365 VOICES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET edited by Todd MacLean
Published 5 years prior to the coronavirus, this is a compilation of commentaries about global sustainability and social consciousness by world class specialists, one for each day of the year. They are messages of concern, hope and action that we can all learn from and be inspired by during this challenging time.
THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery
Not a new book, but a fun and heartwarming look at an animal that has been greatly overlooked. Through the author’s time at the New England Aquarium and in oceans around the globe, we learn that the octopus is a creature of surprising consciousness, playfulness and discerning sociability. It is a surprising and joyful look through a small, magical porthole at one of life’s important species.
THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL from Ilex Press
No home quarantine is complete without a fabulous cocktail book. Art-inspired recipes like the Henry Mojito and the Dali Wallbanger are accompanied by cheerful illustrations by Charlotte Trounce. (Pictured above)
Recommendations from my 10 year old son:
LEONARDO’S ART WORKSHOP: INVENT, CREATE, AND MAKE STEAM PROJECTS LIKE A GENIUS - Amy Leidtke
A fun, interactive book filled with activities to keep your curious children busy and learning! Your child will create fun projects that are inspired by the great, Leonardo da Vinci like creating paint and dyes from food and making their own puzzles.
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID WRECKING BALL - Jeff Kinney
The 14th book of my son’s favorite laugh out loud series that follows the life of the goofy, and slightly naughty Greg Heffley. In this one, Greg’s family does home renovations that lead to all sorts of issues.
Recommendations from my 11.5 year old daughter:
This classic episodic novella was written by John Steinbeck in 1933. The four stories in the book are about a boy named Jody Tiflin and his life on his father's California ranch. My daughter loves anything involving a horse but she said this book was especially compelling.
GIRLS WHO CODE - Reshma Saujani
This just came in the mail from my lovely mother for our little coder and she loves it. My daughter took the national class that Saujani created to empower girls to become our future leaders in technology. This book teaches you to create your own apps, games and robots!
Shown above: Layers of the 3 Stone Birthstone Bracelet in each of the birthstones.