I was taking part in a comment thread on Twitter the other day when I came across Bronia Jane’s blog. Now, ya’all criticise comment swaps (well, some people do – you specifically might not) as “fake interaction” but I may have never come across her blog had I not joined in and it’s quickly become one of my favourites. Not only is it super pretty but she posts fabulous content – right up my street as the type of blog I love reading with a bit of everything thrown in. I promise this isn’t a whole post of me gushing over (isn’t gushing an awful word?) her blog, I’m getting to my point, I just felt the need to grovel a little bit because I’m essentially pinching one of her post ideas. Although she said she didn’t mind so it’s all gravy, baby.
I decided to do the post called, “10 books to curl up with on a rainy day” (you can find Bronia’s post here) which I absolutely loved the idea of. A rainy day is the perfect day to read – obviously – and feel warm, snug and cosy. Add a cuppa and a few digestive biccies to that and you’re on to a winner. Here are 10 of my own book recommendations which I think would be perfect to snuggle up with on a cold, dreary, rainy day! (Although I’ve only done 7 because I’m lazy. Sue me)
The Sisters by Claire Douglas: Oh my, this book was phenomenal. I read it this year and it fully consumed me to the point where I couldn’t put it down. Painfully addictive and perfect to curl up with and immerse yourself in (see my review here).
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson-Walker: I know I’m like a broken record when it comes to this book but I’ve never read a book more than 3 times, apart from this one and wanted to read it more still. A exceptionally thought provoking read ideal to read from cover to cover (see my review here).
When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman: When God Was a Rabbit is one of the most beautifully sad coming of age stories I’ve ever read. A story about love, life, family, friends and what it means to grow up (see my review here).
Life of Pi by Yann Martel: This is a really hard going book but ultimately so worth it by the end. It’s so vivid and raw and full of emotion and if you’ve seen the movie, you’ll love the book! (see my review here).
Wild by Cheryl Strayed: Similarly to Life of Pi, if you love the film you’ll adore the book. It’s the most beautifully written, sad, hopeful and life-affirming true story (see my review here).
Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart: If you like the show, ‘Miranda‘ and like Miranda Hart’s humour then I would strongly recommend picking up a copy of Is It Just Me? IT made me howl and cry-laugh. What more could you want on a rainy day? (see my review here).
A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern: I’ve read a ton of Cecelia Ahern books but A Place Called Here is without a doubt my favourite. I love the concept, it’s so beautiful and original and a perfect cosy read.
There are so many recommendations on this list that I’ve wanted to pick up but haven’t yet – I need to get The Age of Miracles and When God Was A Rabbit ASAP!
Beth x
Both amazing books! Hope you enjoy xxx
I’ve been meaning to read Wild, I do love the film and a good journey/ scenic tale. My favourite book is Kim by Rudyard Kipling, similar to Wild it is about a journey and identities but in a completely different storyline. It really transports me to India (colonial India at that) I feel like I can taste, smell, see everything right in front of me; perfect for a rainy day and liquorice tea.
Jen
xxx
That sounds like something I’d love thanks for the recommendation! xxx
Oh my gosh – The Age of Miracles is one of my favourite books! It’s so good, totally immersive and, as you said, very thought provoking. I love it! There are a couple on here I have’t read yet, so I’ve added them to my TBR wishlist 😉
I’d love to talk to you about it! I adore it xx
ahhh wild, that has sat on my bookshelf for years. I keep meaning to read it. When it was featured in gilmore girls I remembered it and very nearly picked it up… a year later I still haven’t. I think I need to read your review to convince me 😛
Hannah @ The Northern Writes | http://www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk
Read it! It’s incredible! xxx
I haven’t heard of any of these apart from Cecelia Ahern, she is one of my favourite authors! I am reading The Book of Tomorrow and I am loving it!
I will have to have a look at the rest, I love finding new books!! xox
http://www.emmalanglands.co.uk
I loved The Book of Tomorrow! xxx
I love this list of recommedations! I read the Miranda Hart book a few years ago and I loved it too! xx
http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
So funny isn’t it?! xxx
Life of Pi is definitely up there on my rainy day book list. I’d also add The Great Gatsby and pretty much all of Game of Thrones xx
Oh Gatsby is a great book! xxx
I haven’t read any of these, but I’ve been interested in Life of Pi.
A Sparkle Of Grace
Would definitely recommend xx
I’m really embarrassed to admit that I’ve not read a single one of these but they’re all going on my list of books to pick up. I haven’t sat down and read a good book for some time now because I’ve really struggled to balance life and relaxation (which for me is reading a book) – I always get really into them when I go away but can’t keep up when I get home as I let work get the better of me… your posts really encourage me to pick one up so I might have to try tonight!
I struggle with the same thing – if I’m having a particularly bad day or bad mental health day, I neglect books when it should be the other way around. You’re definitely not alone in that one! xxx
This is a great idea for a post., I might have to do this one! I’ve never read any of the books you have mentioned apart from Cecilia Ahern – I love her books too! I’m adding these to my reading (and Christmas) list so thank you!
Liz x
I love Cecelia Ahern! And go for it, I’d love to see your suggestions! xxx
Me too, all her books are great! Time to get planning! Xxx
Already have so many books on my never ending “to read” list, but it seems like I have some more to add! Thanks for sharing there ^_^
xx Nele | http://www.thenavigatio.com
Haha whoops! You’re welcome xx
My rainy day book is Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. It is easily one of my favourite books, and no matter how many times I have read it, I can never put it down. It’s so easy to just fall back into when not having anything to do on a rainy afternoon.
I have been meaning to read Wild for sometime now (since it was mentioned in Gilmore Girls) so I may have to add that to my list now!
I’ve never read that! But I’ve heard about it so I may give it a try and borrow it from the library (: I’d highly recommend Wild! xxx
The only book on this list I have is Wild, I haven’t read it although I have been meaning to get around to it. Great post for those looking for new books! X
Would definitely recommend! It’s hugely inspiring! xxx
I love miranda harts book, she’s bloody brilliant! X
She’s so funny xx
how didnt i know Miranda had a book?! i loved her show
Her show was very funny xx
I haven’t read any of these but I definitely need to add some of the to my reading list. As I’ve said before I really don’t read enough, so I’m not currently reading any books. Xx
Ah I couldn’t imagine not having a book on the go! I don’t think I’ve not had one on the go for about 7 years! xx
Great list! I agree with Wild I was totally caught in the story and wanted to see how it was going to end!
Oh same it’s a beautiful story!
I don’t think that I’ve read any of the books on this list except life of pi which was wonderful! I’ll definitely have to check them out x
Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com
Life of Pi is an incredible book!
I really must get Miranda’s book, especially after all the great comments.
It’s definitely a fab, laid-back ready
Read**
It is a dark and gloomy rainy day in Brisbane, Australia today and I am curled up in bed with Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke. Its a quick read at 247 pages. I highly recommend it 😊
Thanks for the recommendation! 😘
I absolutely love comment swaps and they have also introduced me to so many blogs that I’m now obsessed with! I’m glad you got so much inspiration from joining in with them! The Life of Pi has been on my TBR for way too long now, I need to pick that up asap! Miranda Hart would be such a giggle to read too!
Abbey 🎄 http://www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
You need to read it! It’s truly incredible – unlike anything I’ve read before. Miranda is a completely different kettle of fish haha but still amazing! And so funny (: xxx
I’ve heard of some of these books but I’ve not read any, Miranda’s is going straight on my list!
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
Miranda was very good & funny!
Added all books to my reading list! Hope to start them soon especially because rainy days here are endless! Loved your post
Tsu xo
Perfect time to begin then! (: xxx
Yey! Some new books to add to my ‘to read list’🤗 Thank you!
You’re welcome (: xxx
It’s amazing what you can find and read on the comment swap posts, you may not have found them otherwise! I haven’t read any of these books before, so I’ll definitely be looking into them 🙂
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
Absolutely! I would never have found a bunch of blogs I read and love without comment swaps! xxx
I have never heard of any of these books. I am always looking for new books so this list is perfect! xx corinne
Thanks, hope you get your hands on some of them xxx
Miranda’s book is brilliant. So funny and she’s written it as though she’s saying it. I’m currently reading her second book Peggy & Me – not bad but nowhere near as good as Is It Just Me?
Right?! It’s like she’s talking to you through the pages haha ah I have Peggy and Me on my Kindle. I love dogs so hopefully I’ll love this just as much xx
I haven’t heard of a lot of these so thank you for sharing, I’ll have to check them out. Life of Pi is one that’s been on the list for a while but I’m such a slow reader that I haven’t got to it yet. I’m currently really into reading non-fiction books that are motivating or about being happy or productive. I don’t know if I actually FOLLOW any of the advice these books offer but I am into reading that at the moment and then will go back into fiction books I need to read soon haha.
Reema | http://www.aumsome.co.uk
Would highly recommend Life of Pi. I’m a fairly slow reader as well but there’s nothing wrong with that. Hope you can get around to it soon xxx
I haven’t come across any of these titles so I shall have to look into them. As for my favourite books, they’re quite long, several afternoons worth (!) but here goes with three of them:
Wolf Hall – Hilary Mantel
All The Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr
This Thing of Darkness – Harry Thompson
Great idea for a post, Jenny, loved reading this! X
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
You’ve never heard of Life of Pi?! Or Wild?! LISA! Do you live on Mars? I’ve heard some things about All The Light before – that title definitely rings a bell! Thanks for the recommendations 😘 xx
I have When God was a Rabbit as my next book to read ! I love to curl up with a good thriller or mystery novel. Do you have a Good reads account?
Nat // dignifiable
Omg yes! I so hope you enjoy it – it really is wonderful. I do, I don’t know my link or username but in my sidebar I have my “currently reading” shelf. You should be able to find it through there (: xxx
When God was a Rabbit sounds like my cup of tea, love a good touching story! I personally loved a dictionary of mutual understanding, a touching story of a mother and daughter affected by the Hiroshima atomic bomb </3
sophieannetaylor.com
Oh wow that definitely sounds like something I’d like too – I like books that make me think and cry xxx
Such a lovely post Jenny, I love these covers of the books!! I wanted to read The age of miracles, but I didin’t get a chance x
Would highly recommend, it’s a very good booo xx
Book **
I love the sound of theses books Jenny! I’ve only read Wild (and seen the film) and thought it was such a good story. I’m going to check out your recommendations ☺️. I have a feeling my Amazon Wish List is going to get much longer! 😄 Thank you for sharing 💕 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Haha whoops! Wild is absolutely fantastic – I have so much respect for Cheryl. I hope you enjoy some of the others 😘 xxx
I think we must have similar taste in books as The Age of Miracles and When God was a rabbit are two of my very favourite books! I always think I’m a bit like the sassy aunt in when God was a rabbit.
Ah really!!! Those are two bloody good books. I’ve read AoM 4 times! 🙊 I’d like to re-read When God Was a Rabbit sometime soon too! xxx
I love Miranda, I’ll definately have to put this one on my list 💕
Hope you enjoy! It’s very funny ☺️ xxx
Not only do the books sound fabulous but I love that you found a new blogger to follow!! I definitely think some people are in it just for the comments, as I’ll happily comment with a decent and relevant but sometimes receive four words in return – but for those of us (like you and me) who genuinely take a moment to pay attention we find all sorts of fabulous blog gems!
Claudia xo
Haha for sure I love comment swaps and have found some amazing bloggers through them but the 4 worded half assed comments don’t have get on my nerves! xxx
I’ve got Miranda on my Kindle waiting for me. I’ve never seen her show, just because slapstick comedy isn’t for me, but I love her as a stand up!
I think if you like her stand up you might like her show – it’s similar humour! But I love her stand up too, she’s hilarious 😂 hope you enjoy the book!
I really like Miranda Hart. She is great in her own show and Call The Midwife.
I love her show! I spend many a night crying (with laughter) at that. Her book is just as funny!
I’ve added all of these to my reading list! I’ve just started reading ‘not like the movies’ and I’m really enjoying it. I do like reading wintery related books when it starts getting a bit chillier with a hot chocolate too! x
G
Wintery books can be really cosy! I’d recommend A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin for this time of year. Especially if you like dogs! xxx
Oh I haven’t seen Wild but I do want to read the book!
I’d highly recommend both! It was a brilliant adaptation of a brilliant book ☺️ xxx
I’ll have to check them both out! Might watch the film first haha!