Kindred spirit books to me are comfort books. They are dearly loved books. Stories that I have loved reading, and stories that have stuck with me, long after I close the cover. These are the books that I have a very special place in my heart for, and in which I tuck bits and pieces of them into my pocket as I go through my days. These are the books that have meant so, so much. And I'm happy to share my kindred spirit companions with you today...
In no particular order, let's begin!
For so long, I bought the bookish lie that only children could read and enjoy picture books, story books, middle grade stories, and, well, any book labeled as a "children's book". Thankfully in my mid-twenties, I overcame that lie and rediscovered the delight of a good children's story, whether it be a picture book or a middle grade novel. Brambly Hedge was one of the first picture books to welcome me back into the world of magical wonder. And I'm so thankful for these sweet stories that charm me every single time I read them. Not only do I just love the villagers of Brambly Hedge, but I am also so inspired by the homemaking and cozy living of these mice. I want my home to look just like the pages of these stories, and that's exactly what I intend to do. {{smiles}}
Because of Winn-Dixie is a story that I first fell in love with as an 11-year-old girl. This book brought me such comfort and hope and friendship as I entered the world of Opal and Winn-Dixie and their circle of friends when I was in sixth grade with no friends in my school and only surrounded by kids who bullied and made fun of me. It was my friend during the school day as I read in the safe comfort of my school desk. Reading it as an adult was a different experience, as I'm no longer that 11-year-old girl, but it was magical, and heartwarming, and just as hopeful.
Ivy Lane exudes coziness and comfort and feel-good energy. This is one book that filled my soul to overflowing and just made me smile. I loved the characters so much and loved their little found family. This is what one might call a "healing" book; I know I certainly would. Just reading this one book, my first from Cathy Bramley, made me order a stack of her back titles because I loved this one that much.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a book that delights in every way. My favorite things about it were all the bookish talk, a truly loving book club, and it's members and their friendship. I also love books set in the years following World War II, so this was right up my alley. And the fact that's written in letter form makes for extra fun reading and makes this book feel extra special somehow. I really need to find other epistolary novels.
I ventured into the world of diaries and memoirs with the introduction of Gladys Taber and her Stillmeadow books. These books are just so darn wonderful. They bring so much wisdom and inspiration and such good perspective, as you realize that there is truly nothing new under the sun...the things she wrote about decades ago are still true today. And there's a real comfort in that...I know I certainly found my heart comforted in reading her words and stories of her simple and meaningful life.
My sister recommended this book to me, as she couldn't stop telling me how much she loved it. And she was right! This is, by far, hands down, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the sweetest stories I have ever read. In any genre, for any age range. It is charming and heartwarming and so, so sweet. It's one of those books that makes you believe in the goodness of the world and that it still exists and I love (and need!) those types of stories. I wish there were a hundred more books like this one because I'd have to read them all. {{smiles}}
This is, by far, the most kindred spirit book I have ever read of the nonfiction variety. I felt that this book was written just for me, which is always how you know you've found a true gem. I was filled to overflowing when reading this book. It was exactly what my heart needed and for this book, I am so thankful. Not only is it beautiful to simply look at and flip through, but the words are exceedingly beautiful and lifegiving and hopeful and inspiring and heart-stirring. This is one of the books of my heart.
First Frost means a lot to me because it was, firstly, one of the first fiction books I'd read as an adult that really got me into stories and novels and for that, I am ever so grateful. It's also special because it just feels like me...it takes place in October in a small town in the mountains. It has magic and baking and family and mystery and a grand autumnal feast to celebrate the first frost. It just seems as though everything I love was put into a book and I love every bit of it.
Immediately upon opening the cover of this book, I felt seen. I had met a kindred spirit in Tasha Tudor and reading her love for home and nature and old-fashioned things and simple living was so inspiring. This is a book I love to pick up and just flip through for a bit of wisdom and beauty.
My pile of kindred spirit books is very dear to me. It grows slowly as I read new bookish companions that speak to me in such a way that any old book wouldn't. Every reader has their own stack of kindred spirit books, and they are as unique as the reader who reads them. These were some of my bookish companions...and I find myself so thankful for books and words and authors who write these stories and inspiring words for others to find comfort, healing, inspiration, hope, friendship, peace, happiness, and so many other things in.
I'd love to hear a few of your own kindred spirit books, so please share your favorites with me!