A small layer of snow covers the branches of the trees. The trees are bare. They slow down and save their energy for the next season. So do we. The winter season is the right time of the year to embrace a slower pace of life. The days are short and dark, so we naturally need more time to sleep. During the long nights, we can use the time for slow activities. Journaling, writing and of course reading. Make a cosy reading space in your home, grab a warm blanket, get a cup of hot green tea, if possible, make sure your cat is around you and of course, get a book.
In this blog I will share five books for the winter season. The books I have selected don’t have a specific winter theme, but they are extra nice to read in this time of the year. They give a feeling of warmth and cosiness. Enjoy your reading.
# 1 Big Panda & Tiny Dragon by James Norbury
This book is about the friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. They are on a journey through the seasons of the year. On their way into the wild they often find themselves lost, but they also discover unexpected sights. Together they explore the thoughts and emotions, hardships and happiness that connect us all. They learn how to cope with the challenges in life, together.
The text and the illustrations are both made by James Norbury. The book is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality. With this book he wants to share the ideas that helped him through difficult times in his life and hopes they can help you too.
When you have the book in your hands, it feels like a gift. It is a book to cherish and to read slowly. You can enjoy the essence of simplicity. The drawings are simple but beautiful and it is the same with the texts.
# 2 The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. According the myth, if you are kind to them, the cats will return the favor one day. If you are kind to the right cat, you might find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop under a full moon. The coffee shop is run by talking cats. This coffee shop has no fixed location and seems to appear randomly in people’s lives. At the moment they need it the most. Every person who visits the shop has been feeling more than a little lost.
The book is translated from a Japanese bestseller and reminds us that it’s never too late to follow our stars. Although it is a short story, the details are described well so you can imagine the story.
# 3 Best Wishes from The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
This is the second book in the series of The Full Moon Coffee Shop. The story continues and the coffee shop is showing itself under a Christmas time full moon. This holiday season, the people in this story are standing at a crossroad, confronting their past and present struggles. With the help of cats, each one of them will choose their path to a better life.
The book is also a translation of a Japanese book. The book matches the holiday season.
# 4 The Amazing Story of the Man Who Cycled from India to Europe for Love by Per J. Andersson
Pradyumna Kumar, also known as PK, was born into a poor untouchable family in a small village in eastern India. An astrologer’s prophecy about him is saying: ‘You will marry a girl who is not from the village, not from the district, not even from our country. She will be musical, owns a jungle and be born under the sign of the ox.’ One evening, he meets a young Swedish woman, Lotta von Schendin, and this will change their lives forever.
The true story is about a young Indian man with nothing more than a handful of paintbrushes and a bicycle made his way across Asia and Europe in search of the woman he loves.
It is a warm story that shows that many things are possible when you follow your own heart.
# 5 The Gift (of Anger) by Arun Gandhi
In this book, Arun Gandhi shares life lessons by his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi. He shares his memories of his grandfather. They reveal a rare insight into the man behind the icon. The life lessons are nowadays even more important than ever.
The stories are simple but recognizable. Arun is also using examples of the current time where we can still use the lessons of his grandfather. We need it now more than ever.
What is your favorite book for this winter season?
Sources:
Jane Regina Sauer 