Snow Is Falling, Books Are Calling

/ Ally Bean

The snow has arrived.  It’s falling like salt drifting down from the sky.  Everything is covered in white, slightly sparkly.

Contented, I am enjoying the slow pace of Winter days.

Coinciding with the snow’s arrival is the end of mold and pollen, my archenemies.  My eyes are feeling less itchy, and combined with prescription eye drops, I know longer look like a drunk rabbit.  That is, my eyes aren’t pink & bloodshot, rimmed in red.

I’ll enjoy this itchy-eye respite for as long as it lasts, because I know that Spring weather will change everything.

# # #

In the meantime I’m going to start reading for pleasure.  I didn’t do much of that last year, for whatever reason.  But this year, as I move forward, I’ve decided that I’m going to make a point of reading for pleasure, and I’m going to do it with a plan.

I’m following Modern Mrs. Darcy’s 2016 Reading Challenge as my guide.  With one exception [“a book published this year”], I’m choosing my books from the piles of books that are strewn throughout our home.

To wit, my first book, which will satisfy the “a book you should have read in school” criteria, is: Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer.

# # #

This may seem like an unusual choice, but when I was in college here in the USA majoring in English, I did my study abroad at the University of Exeter in Devon, England.  My official independent research paper was on Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series.

Georgette Heyer was a contemporary of Agatha Christie.  Back then I didn’t have the time to read any Heyer mysteries, being forced as I was to focus on Miss Marple, star of 12 novels + 20 short stories.

But now, in light of this challenge, and with all the time in the month of January to make it happen, I’m going to read a Georgette Heyer mystery.

Just because I can.

31 thoughts on “Snow Is Falling, Books Are Calling”

  1. I’m so happy for you that the weather is finally cooperating and doing what it is supposed to do in January. Hardly ever do I NOT read for pleasure. I re-read Pride and Prejuduce, one of my favorites, Also just finished a book my friend loaned to me about the “real” Downton Abbey. I’m now reading a Debbie Macomber book that is very light and easy. I’ve LOVED the Diana Gabaldin Outlander series—-very good! And David Baldacci write wonderful crime stories. There are just too many books out there and not enough time to read them all. Enjoy!

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    • Beth, the snow is nice. At least it is today. I usually read to learn something, rarely just because I can. I’m hoping that by using the challenge as my catalyst I’ll get back into reading for fun. Heaven knows we have lots of books around this house. 😉

      [Your comment went into spam. I found it this afternoon. Have no idea why that happened, but it’s here now so all’s well that ends well.]

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  2. Sigh. Oh, this snow. I’m…disappointed. I guess I had hoped–So Foolishly, I know–that we would somehow escape.

    How funny that Books are on your Schedule. They are on mine as well, after a long hiatus. More on that is scheduled for the Dept. Enjoy your mystery as well as your allergy respite.

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    • nance, I like this light, clean snow. No shoveling, makes the world look so calm. After a couple of hectic, stressful years, I feel like I can take the time to read for pleasure now. Hope you checked out Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Challenge. It is a great way to think about why you read what you do– and what you will read next.

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  3. Lovely title. Quite apt for my plans today 🙂
    I haven’t heard of Heyer, and I was long ago a great fan of Agatha Christie. I think mysteries were my first choice as an adolescent reader. I do see you’ve got Wodehouse on the side here — Wodehouse is also unknown to me, and since being repeatedly recommended, is on my list for summer.

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    • joey, I read lots of mysteries, too, when I was teenager. Then somehow managed to get permission to study AC’s Miss Marple while studying abroad. Wodehouse is a classic author whose Jeeves & Wooster series are a hoot, completely absurd. You can see the BBC TV version of J & W streaming on hulu. Which, now that I think about it, would make for a nice snowy day binge-fest. Hmmm.

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  4. Ah yes, a snowstorm for us this morning too. Not really thrilled about it since it made my trip to my mammogram center a bit treacherous this morning. But it IS January so I guess I can’t complain. I like your reading plan. Winter is the perfect time to follow through with it.

    Thank you for the retweet this morning, by the way!

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  5. Books are always on my schedule so I look forward to hearing about what you’re reading – always on the lookout, you know. I do, however, prefer Georgette Heyer’s regency books to the mysteries. Not that the mysteries aren’t good, but her regency heroines are usually so smart and funny and anachronistic that well…… I’m doing it again. Book good. Me like. Try The Grand Soiphy if you haven’t read it.

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    • Zazamataz, I only know of Georgette Heyer in relationship to Agatha Christie, which is why I should have read something by her when I was in college. I’ll make sure to snag one of her regency books so that I can read it, too. Thanks for the suggestion.

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  6. I haven’t done a book challange in ages…perhaps I’ll peek over and check it out. I’m sorry you’ve lost your lust for reading, but I do hope it comes back. I had a period like that last year, but it seems to have resolved itself somewhat now. That’s a relief.

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    • J, I think this challenge makes sense so I’m trying it. I could use a bit of structure in the way I go about choosing books. As it stands, I’m pretty willy-nilly about what I read, when I read. This could get me going again.

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  7. I love snow but we don’t have any right now (it’s suppose to flurry tonight). But we are picking up our new puppy this weekend so perhaps this is the year when I will be less enthusiastic about snow as the idea of house training in the snow doesn’t sound too fun.
    Enjoy your reading!

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  8. I’ve only read GH’s Regencies (liked them!) but not her mysteries. I love a beautiful snowfall too, as long as I have good books, coffee and beer in the house. 😉

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    • Margaret, I’ll have to find one of her regency novels after I finish the mystery. I’m intrigued. Might even be able to use that book as one of my challenge books. Win win.

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  9. Oh, we finally had 2 days of sun. El nino winters are always grey, and wet here. Grim. But danced in sun puddles today.
    From here nice fresh snow sounds like a lovely backdrop for reading. I’m going to get back to reading this year …all these nice books waiting. Will check out the challenge.

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    • philmouse, fresh powdery snow is my favorite kind. Looks pretty, doesn’t impede traffic AND gives me the perfect excuse to cuddle up with a novel. Of course, dancing in a puddle sounds good, too. Something to look forward to this Spring.

      [I think I figured out what wasn’t working with My Feedly, will get your posts now. Missed you.]

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