Spring Reading List (& other spring-inspired bookish + travel things)
Seasonal living book recommendations + travel inspiration — spring 2024 edition.
Spring is officially in full swing.
For the last few weeks, I have been parked in a beautiful forest in British Columbia, Canada. Each morning, when I climb out of bed, the air is crisp and cool. The floor still shocks my previously warm toes a little as I make a quick dash to pull on my favourite turtleneck sweater and thick knit socks to light the fireplace.
Waiting for the fire to take the edge off the cold morning, I have taken to curling up on the couch to take stock of the springtime flux. I pull open the curtains, searching for small changes echoed on the evergreens, bracken and the looming mountains that cast their long shadows over the valley. Each morning I notice a few more birds; The bracken loosens itself from the melting snow; The ground begins poking through the off-white snow in dark, muddy patches. Then, as the soft morning light pools in through the window, I pull out a book.
That is spring to me: wet, muddy, mossy and forever in flux—no two days the same—perfect for a morning spent curled up with a book.
Over the years, I have found small joys in seasonal living (and reading). I try to honour the ebbs and flows of the world around me through my daily motions (and yes, that includes reading books that embody the season I am in.) I recently used this as a fantastic excuse to jump onto the #ACOTAR train. After taking stock of my own springtime world, it felt so fitting to pick up a book set in the eternally magical Spring Court.
I’ve discovered that reading at least one seasonally themed book (amongst my other miscellaneous fantasy/fiction binges) gives me another layer of appreciation for the seasonal flux of the weather outside. It gives me a new lens through which to look at the world around me—one small way that I, the perpetual “head in the clouds” girl, can keep one foot connected to the pulsating beat of the Earth.
So, whether you also like to do a little seasonal reading or want some generally juicy nature-inspired reads to add to your TBR, I have you covered with this list of my favourite/TBR springtime reads!
Books to Read in Spring:
Here's a list of books across various genres that are perfect for spring reading. Whether you want to read about new beginnings and transformation or settle in with a book with rich descriptions of the natural world, you’re covered.
Fiction
"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
This is a tale of a young girl who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. This novel combines a coming-of-age story with a compelling mystery and is often described as a love letter to the natural world. (I have yet to read this one, but it’s on my spring TBR!)
"The Overstory” by Richard Powers
This book is described as a “paean to the natural world,” following the lives of nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address the destruction of forests. (Again, I have not read this one, though from the reviews, it seems like it’s a book that should be enjoyed in slow, mindful bites—but it's a great way to sink your teeth into the sultry descriptions of springtime.)
Non-Fiction
"The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben
This fascinating book reveals the complex life of trees and forests. This is one book that is bound to foster a deeper connection with nature (It is also currently listed on my Kindle Unlimited store —so be sure to check if it’s on yours too!)
"Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed
This iconic memoir describes some of the most beautiful landscapes of the East Coast of the US. It is an ode to healing and self-discovery as Cheryl Strayed sets off on a solo hike—speaking to the transformative power of nature (it is also a timeless classic, IMO).
Poetry
"Instructions for Travelling West” By Joy Sullivan
Rebirth and nature has never sounded as good as it does when Joy Sullivan makes it into word magic. I adore her poems, neckerchiefs, and Substack Necessary Salt, so I can’t wait to dive into this “ode to travelling brave and free.” This debut collection of poems comes out later this week—you can pre-order it for the next few days until it is released on April 9, 2024.
"The Sun and Her Flowers” By Rupi Kaur
This collection of poems is divided into five sections, reflecting the lifecycle of a flower: Wilting, Falling, Rooting, Rising, and Blooming—how does it get more springtime than that?
I read this collection at a time in my life when I was going through some huge shifts. It was a guidepost to lean into, and I love just picking this up and reading through the section I feel the most called to at that time. i.e. Rooting and Rising would be a perfect springtime read! (PS. This also is currently on Kindle Unlimited!)
Travel in Spring:
For me, spring is all about getting my ducks in a row. I take the whole “spring clean” thing very loosely, but I find it a helpful reminder to tie off loose ends and get things in order after my usual deep rest of winter. That usually means staying close to home (or, if I’m travelling, staying anchored and exploring in one smaller area). It is rainy one day, sunny the next, and the weather is genuinely perfect for taking things slow, one day at a time.
(However, if you prefer a little springtime travel palate cleanser before the summer, check out this great post on the best springtime travel destinations!)
Do you have any other springtime book recommendations, other bookish things you love, or any travel destinations/rituals for this season? Let me know in the comments.
This had cozy warm feels.