Hi friends,
Happy April. A new month. The height of spring (I hope).
At the time I’m writing this, we’ve had nonstop rain for three days. I remind myself that this is just what the earth needs so the flowers can finally open with the return of the spring sunshine. I enjoy walking in the spring rain, but sometimes staying cozy at home is more appealing. Here are ten book recommendations from my home library, perfect for reading on a rainy day, with windows cracked open to savor the fresh air, a steaming mug of tea cradled in your hands.
But first, if you missed my last surprise post, you can read it here. In it, I offered a free book of poetry as a thank you to all of you for supporting my work as a creator. Seashore Poems is a tiny chapbook I created for my readers with a mix of previously published and new poems. I invite you to read it and share it with anyone you think would appreciate it.
10 Rainy Day Book Recommendations
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The perfect spring read with so much of the story focused on the earth awakening in the spring and the magic of nature.
Devotions by Mary Oliver
I will always and forever recommend Mary Oliver’s poetry. Devotions provides a sample of her poems from several of her books. It’s a good place to start if you aren’t familiar with her work.
Lord Emsworth and Others by P.G. Wodehouse
If like me you have a tendency to be melancholy on gloomy days, a humorous collection of short stories is a necessity. A short story collection is perfect for when you can’t focus on a novel, as you can read one story at a time.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott
I’m sure many of you have seen the televised series, but have you read the books? They are so wholesome, charming, and utterly wonderful.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
How about a book in the magical realism genre? This is the first book in a series, and while the second book is my favorite, I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much had I not read this one first. It’s a book about a single mother who just so happens to be a witch whose main tool is chocolate. It’s the perfect indulgent, escapist read.
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.
This is a memoir by the naturalist Gerald Durrell about his childhood when his family left Bournemouth (where I lived as a child) to move to Corfu. It is a humorous look at adapting to life in a new culture with a family of eccentrics.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
This is a contemporary middle grade book that I have read to my kid multiple times. Whether you are a fan of MG books or not, give this one a go. It’s a heartwarming book about family banding together to make the most of a situation. The children in this book are so lifelike and each one has their own strengths and weaknesses. Together they are a mighty force. Plus, the New York City setting is what initially drew me to this series.
Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace
I adore all of the Betsy-Tacy books, but this one is fun on a rainy day as it allows you to travel the world alongside Betsy.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
I adore all of Jane Austen’s works but am recommending this one as it seems to be one of her least popular ones and many people believe that Fanny is weak and spineless. That is simply not the case! I would argue that Fanny is actually the strongest of all of her characters. Considering her station in life and the precariousness of her situation, the way she sticks to her morals is admirable. This one could be considered a Cinderella retelling, which is perhaps why I love it so much. (My favorite will always be Emma though)
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
I had to choose a play as my last recommendation because for some reason plays aren’t very popular and I think that should change. This is one of my favorite plays of all time. Oscar Wilde was a brilliant writer, and this is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.
What books would you add to this list? What are your favorite rainy day reads? Share as an email reply or in the comments if reading on Substack. Thank you for reading!
With Love,
Caitlin Gemmell
Bio: Caitlin Gemmell is a poet, writer of magical stories and novels, and fairy godmother- in-training. Her poetry has been published by Rue Scribe, One Sentence Poems, Minison Project Zine, Querencia Press, Capsule Stories, Kind Over Matter, and Bella Grace magazine. Her poetry chapbook, True North, is available to purchase right here.
I have fond memories of my mom reading All Creatures to my sister & I when we were little. What a great list! I’d add Howl’s Moving Castle as a comfort, rainy-day read.
Love love love Devotions by Mary Oliver! Her poetry just sings to my soul. 🤍