As I contemplated which books would put me in a Thanksgiving mood, I realized that my reading could really go in four different directions:
First, books that will make me hungry. Let's be honest, Thanksgiving is a gluttonous holiday. Unlike other candy-driven holidays, this one focuses on rich and heavy and warm and satisfying foods. I think I've mentioned before that I don't really love to cook, but I love to eat, and I also love to read about food. In that vein, I have two food books on the agenda this month: Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl (the former food critic for the New York Times) and Dinner: A Love Story by Jenny Rosenstrach. I've already started Garlic and Sapphires since it is my book club's November pick, and I am gobbling it up (heh, heh). Ruth Reichl's rich and vivid descriptions of food make me mouth water.
Second, books that will make me think of America's beginnings. I am a big historical fiction fan, so I thought November would be the perfect time to read about the Mayflower, Puritans, and the first Thanksgiving. But I am drawing a complete blank on this one. Except for The Witch of Blackbird Pond, I can't think of a single book that takes place in America during the 17th century. I definitely would welcome any suggestions, and for all you aspiring authors out there, this looks like a niche that could use some filling.
Third, books that will make me feel cozy. As the weather turns cooler, there's nothing I like better than curling up in a blanket in front of the heater vent (we don't have a fireplace) with a good book. So many books could fall under this category, but the boys and I are reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, one of my very favorite children's books and which has just the right hint of nostalgia and sentimentality to fit the cozy bill. Plus, reading with two little boys squished up beside me is infinitely more cuddly than reading by myself.
Fourth and finally, books that will make me feel grateful. No genre does this better for me than memoirs. Two that I've read in the past that I would highly recommend for adding a little perspective and gratitude to your life are The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls and Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson. Another one that I've had my eye on for the last year or so is Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin. I hope I get some extra time to read it this month.
Hopefully, these ideas have sparked some ideas of your own. Please share any yummy, historical, cozy, or grateful books, and at the end of the month, I will compile all of them into a perfect November reads list. I know you must have ideas, so even if you've never commented before, let this be your reason to do it! Share!
