This might be a fall book tag, but it’s winter here in Athens. It’s been raining for two days straight, there are sharp winds and lots of cold. I hope, during the next week we get our fall back. Nevertheless, this is a great excuse for fluffy socks, hot beverages and kitty cuddles!
The whole summer was a dry spell for my writing and my reading but as September uncurled and I came back from vacation everything felt a little better, a little brighter. This why when I saw yesterday this tag at Adventures of a Book Reader, (which was created by Tall Tales) I thought it would be a cozy way to sneak my way back into blogging. What better way of diving into reading again than remembering what makes you love books in the first place?
Let’s talk books 🙂
1. In fall, the air is crisp and clear: name a book with a vivid setting!
Kameron Hurley’s The God’s War. It’s been years since I’ve read this book (and I’m yet to read the final one of this trilogy) but the setting, the lavender sky and the deserts, make your neck feel a little drier. Also, bugs. Many bugs. Bug-based technology.
2. Nature is beautiful… but also dying: name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic like loss or grief.
Oh, this is so easy. Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I love the way the forest is a character in this story, so vivid and alive and very, very dark.
3. Fall is back to school season: share a non-fiction book that taught you something new.
I’m currently reading The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford and I enjoy all the information about the mongol culture. In the book, Weatherford argues that Gengis Khan’s sons were incapable of continuing his legacy, thus he appointed his eight daughters as rulers of the regions he conquered.
4. In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend some time with the people we love: name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d like to be a part of.
The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles. I mean, how much fun would it be to sit in a corner and hear Lucien Vaudrey bickering with Stephen Day? *claps hands excited*
5. The colourful leaves are piling up on the ground: show us a pile of fall-coloured spines!
I went to my bookcase and picked those books based on their book cover (I haven’t read the Winged Histories, yet, but the other two, I recommend). Say hi to Teto sleeping on the couch 🙂
6. Fall is the perfect time for some storytelling by the fireside: share a book wherein somebody is telling a story.
Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZafĂłn. The story takes place in Barcelona around 1980, where our protagonist meets Marina, and, fifteen years later, he narrates us the story of their adventure. I’m currently reading it, so there isn’t much I can say, yet, but for the fact that I love the opening pages and the atmosphere.
8. The days are getting colder: name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.
The slow regard of silent things by Patrick Rothfuss. Those who have read the books of the Kingkiller Chronicles, they’d know about Auri. This book is basically a short story about a week in Auri’s life, in Auri’s head. It’s indeed slow, but adorable.
9. Fall returns every year: name an old favourite that you’d like to return to soon.
I would love to return to The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin. I read it some years ago and I’d love to go back and reread it now that I know what happens in the story and I’m more mature.
10. Fall is the perfect time for cozy reading nights: share your favourite cozy reading “accessories”!
A couch, a handmade blanket, a cup of coffee and two cats. ^^