Why do people hate February so much? I've noticed that once January is over, the posts of winter's splendor and magic are lost to the archives. In their place I'm seeing memes and posts that wail complaints and lament Grinchy winter thoughts. It seems we're over it.
I Googled, "Why does everyone hate February so much?" and the first link had me coughing with laughter. Here's an excerpt of this February rant:
February, is a loathsome month of wall-to-wall clouds, damp, cold air, snow, rain, sleet, rain and ice. It's a month that strings together twenty-nine amaranthine days of churlish, bone-chilling, gnarly weather. Spring seems is so near you can almost imagine it - yet it is so far away. Then, when we get through all sixty-two days of February, we'll get bashed in the mouth by a windy, cold, rainy, morose March.
Bashed in the mouth by the weather. I certainly know that feeling and man, that made my morning. But probably only because I don't actually mind Februaries anymore.
It was a different matter when we lived on the Oregon coast and February was the sixth month of rain, with four more to go. It was also the sixth month of homeschooling and we were feeling the need for a break. But it wasn't break time yet, so on we slogged, trying to find things that could rally our energy for one last big push to the finish line. The dreary, gray, non-stop coastal rain wasn't helping. I remember staying inside while it rained and stormed for two week stretches, with no breaks. Finally giving up, I went grocery shopping and became completely soaked-through by the walk from my car to the store, then again from the store to the car, then again from the car to the house. I was thrice water-logged--not unusual to an Oregonian.
Now that we live in Southern Idaho, I have developed a totally new relationship with the weather. I was made to live in a four-season climate! Idaho summers are for gardening, kayaking, and sitting out of an evening with a glass of ice cold sweet tea. Spring and fall are for hiking, road trips, and house projects. And winter, well, winter is for all the cozy things. All the delicious, warm, nourishing things. For winter playlists, baking, and candles; afternoon cups of coffee and reading. Board games and puzzles and decorating with charming thrift store finds. Movies, sewing, snowy photo shoots, and twinkle lights, too. I could go on. Actually, my winter list is longer than its summer counterpart. And it's the only season that I take time to rest.
I really enjoy the month of February. I wonder if I'm the only one?
Moving on from my thoughts on the winter season, let's talk about the books that I'm looking forward to reading this month. I think there are some good ones in the stack (well I know there is one good one). As usual, you can click on the image of each book to be taken to its Amazon page. Let me know if you've read any of these, or if you're planning to read them! I'd love to talk with you.
The Midnight Library: This is our first in-person book club pick!
"The Midnight Library" is a book that I have read twice already but am so excited to read again as it has been two years since I last read and loved it.
*Content warning: Suicide, depression, and one minor intimacy scene.
The Personal Librarian: The Modern Mrs. Darcy pick for February.
One thing that I'm especially excited about with this book club is that the authors often join in for the book discussions on Skype. Last month there was a great conversation with the author of "Joan is Okay," Weike Wang. I love learning about the nuts and bolts of writing!
*Content warning: I read that there is an instance of sexual violence described.
A Woman is No Man: I started this book on audio last summer but DNF'd it because I was looking for a light-hearted summer book to listen to while I gardened. Five minutes of listening told me that this was not it.
Then in December, a friend put this title on her best of 2023 list. That's enough for me to give it a try! I decided to read it during the winter, to see if it's a better fit for me. I read the inside cover of the copy that I thrifted and it sounds interesting
The Road: 2024 Close Reads book. Scheduled from Feb 26 to March 18.
Close Reads podcast hosts battled it out to decide which books we would read in 2024 and all of them were adamant that this book be in the lineup.
Another Pulitzer Prize winner. Audible is offering this book free to its members right now, so that's a bonus! I'm looking forward to this one, even though I understand the plot is emotionally heavy.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis: A historical fiction book based on the life of poet Joy Davidman, who married C.S. Lewis in her mid-life. I'm always nervous about Christian fiction but always willing to give it a try. This one has received a lot of praise, so I am hopeful!
How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told: I've already started listening to this one and am completely, totally rapt. I'm only a few chapters in, though, so don't take that as a recommendation just yet.
*I feel like I should add a note to anyone reading this: Don't worry about my marriage! We're doing great, haha. I just thought this sounded interesting and it's proving to be a fantastic story. So far, like "The Midnight Library," its effect on me is one of affirming great appreciation for my incredible, faithful, kind, and (he would want me to include) hilarious husband.
The Women: Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors and has a new book releasing on February 6th!
I've pre-ordered my copy and am so excited to read it, but before I do I'll ask my book club if they are interested in reading it for our March pick. Just wanted to give it a shout out!
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