Hey, could you all use a distraction? Well I sure could. It's snowing like crazy here in Newfoundland and not only can I not go anywhere (for fear of never seeing my car again) but I've been worked to the bone this whole week prepping for Sci-Fi from the Rock 2016 and Exodus of Angels (the third Infinity book) both of which release April 1, 2016. Who thought two releases on the same day was a good idea? Me, for some reason.
Anyway, I could use a good distraction from all that. And in the spirit of the season, let's run down my top 5 picks for the best books to stay inside with on Valentine's Day... you know, in case the snow doesn't stop and we all have to. ;)
5. Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson There are few things in this world -- or any other -- more lovely than Anne Carson's Autobiography of Red. It tells the story of Geryon, a fragile young boy who is also a winged red monster, and his struggles to find love, cope with heartbreak, and deal with his own complex emotions and sexuality. This book is not written in standard prose, it's a short novella in poem form. If you're stuck inside with somehow, try reading it aloud and share in the experience together.
4. Archie, Vol. 1 by Mark Waid There's something about Mark Waid's return to Riverdale that just makes you fall in love, or rather, remember those feelings of what it's like to fall in love again. Waid understands why we look back fondly on youth and the nostalgia in it and captures it perfectly here while still managing to keep the title current, funny, and interesting. This title will have you hash-tagging #lipstickincident by the mid-way point. This book is not strictly romantic in the adult sense, but in the less conventional sense of the romance we all feel rewards our pasts and the people we left there. Highly recommend this.
3. London Calling by Chelsea Bee A modern love story in a way that most romances would never dare to be, London Calling presents the obstacles to the central relationship as being the sexism and toxic masculinity that exists in our cultural systems: specifically, in the theater system. Bee pours on the charm, making the romance aspects of the plot as equally compelling as the character development and the more action-mystery aspects of revealing the truth behind the mysterious stage director. This book blends romance with #MeToo, and it works, reminding me of the best of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2. Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald Speaking of, F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't really write romances so much as he wrote tragic romances. Keep that in mind as you read this one, because it certainly doesn't present the same rose-colored look at love and relationships as some of the other titles on this list. Its theme, after all, is how one person can use another to make themselves better. Still, there's plenty of passion and Fitzgerald's accustomed use of flowery dialog, so if you're stuck alone you're in for a treat... just don't read this one prior to a big date. It may lead to awkward dinner conversation.
1. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Without a doubt the most flawless, hopelessly romantic book on my shelf right now. Pick it up and be taken on a romantic journey through first meetings, progressing relationships, and... well that would be spoiling. Pick it up and read it yourself.
Well those are my 5. What are yours? Let me know and I'll add them to my to-read list for next Valentine's Day. Until then, stay warm. <3
Image copyright © 2019 Kit Sora Photography, used with permission. Logo and distinctive ‘oval spike’ design copyright © 2007 Engen Books.
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