As the weather turns from ice, rain, snow and ice again; I find myself perusing my bookshelves in search of a good book. Coffee begins to perk on the stovetop and I look over by bellowed shelves laden heavy with the weight of my books.
I begin to pull several books off the shelf that have waited ever so patiently for my attention. I often find myself initially grabbing old time childhood favorites such as; Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mystery series. Other times I look to books that have continuously inspired me such as Walden and Civil Disobedience by Thoreau and Aldo Leopold by Thomas Tanner. Sometimes I look to local authors, present and past, who have knowledge of the Adirondacks such as; Woodswoman series by Anne LaBastille; Adirondack Short Stories by Jack Woods; Actively Adirondack by Randy Lewis and Over the Mountain and Home Again by Edward Kanze.
To spend the day engulfed in a book is like meeting new or old friends, over and over again. Hiding away in the comfort of my cabin, with the company of a book, aids me to not think about the erratic weather that has crossed the landscape. I can travel the world with a flip of a page and relive an adventure through the eyes of a new found friend.
So as the weather keeps us from playing outdoors, share what you read during this winter season. What is your go-to book for the days when the weather is less than inviting?
If I find myself with a lot of time, nothing beats The Count of Monte Cristo for storyline. If I really need to escape then its the fantasy The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.
Now to be completely biased I would recommend the Images of America books by Donald Williams for a little Adirondack inspiration and (literal) look at the past.
A busy schedule has sidetracked me in looking over the “Images of America” collection and I think its due time to put in a request to my local library. Thank you for your suggestion and happy reading!
I have many of the outdoor humor books by Patrick F. McManus. I know they’re not about the Adirondacks, but they always give me a warm chuckle, sitting by my wood stove, sipping on hot coffee.
Thanks considerably for another info. It isn?t straightforward that sort expertise reading through homework, i’m keeping an eye out for.
Speaking of good books, I am reading Our Wilderness by Michael Steinberg. It is about the history and preservation of the Adirondacks 4. A very good read so far.Thanks for the suggestion Kristel!!
Best book I’ve read in years is “A Northern Light,” by Jennifer Donnely. Jenifer is a native North Country writer and the book is historical fiction set in the big Moose area. You’ll love it.