It must have been serendipity that the morning I planned to read this delightful winter story that I woke to not just falling temperatures but snowflakes lazily drifting down. I was immediately taken in by the cover as that blue tint mirrors the way the cold snowy days here in Alaska so often look to not just the eye but my camera. I started out diligently taking notes and jotting down phrases I particularly enjoyed. They were lovely but soon I just sat aside the pen and pad and read. I'm glad I did. Full of personal memories of winters, particularly in Scotland, it felt like I was simply sitting in my living room sharing winter stories with the author. As such, it could be said it's rather a rambling narrative, but that's part of the charm.
You'll get stories about not only winter but how the writer's own thoughts and writing processes so often mirrored the seasons, imaging as she looks out her writing room window watching "gnarled and arthritic oak trees" and veering to stories of bridges, family history, birds, train travel, including into Russia, and even some well crafted writing tips. As an Alaskan, I particularly enjoyed the section on the puffins, and comfort foods. And, oh, yes, even a winter trip to New Orleans. Having been there at Marti Gras time when it was so cold the bridges froze and were so unsafe that they closed them down just behind us rang particularly true. It was her descriptive and often poetic sounding tales of winter that pulled it all together, even when we veer from childhood memories to near present day ones, that made it extra special. Toss in some delightfully simply illustrations that perfectly capture the soul of her words and this one was a winner. Thanks so much #GroveAtlantic for allowing me this early peek at this delightful book. I'm not sure I can hang onto that magical infatuation with all things winter through the long winter days of Alaska's winters but it opens my eyes to seeing the wonder rather than simply the inconvenience. Wintertime is truly a magical season and kudos to the author for sharing her thoughts and memories. Now, what did I do with my winter gloves?
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