Set Your Mood for Valentine’s
When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day for book lovers, there is nothing quite like curling up with a good book and a cup of tea on a chilly February evening. You are set and ready for pages to turn forgetting all else but the world you hold in your hands. Nothing lightens my mood like a well told story!
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners. But in this blog post, we will explore how books and Valentine’s Day can be the perfect pair to celebrate the holiday of love.
“It is well known that reading quickens the growth of a heart like nothing else.”―Catherynne M. Valente
Romantic Fiction
One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with books is to read a romantic novel. From classic literature like Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” to contemporary bestsellers like Nicholas Sparks’ “The Notebook,” there are countless romantic novels to choose from. Escaping into the world of love and romance is a perfect Valentine celebration whether you are young, old, single, or partnered.
Sometimes a single person may find the holiday difficult. Books open to everyone and often bolster our moods when feeling lonely. Reading is a great way to focus on something that is enjoyable and fulfilling. A book will never make us feel left out!
For couples, reading a book together can be a great way to bond while spending quality time together. Many couples choose to read a book together and then discuss it afterwards. This can be a great way to start a conversation and to learn more about each other’s perspectives.
Books for the Young
Who can forget all those boxes of fun/funny valentine’s cards loaded in your school bag when you were a kid? For children, Valentine’s Day can be an exciting holiday. Children’s books are a great way to introduce the concept of love and Valentine’s Day to children. From picture books like “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, to chapter books like “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling, there are countless children’s books that can help children understand and appreciate love for friends and family.
Nonfiction has heart too!
Another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with books is by reading a book about love and relationships. From self-help books like “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, to memoirs like “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, there are many books that explore the complexities of love and relationships. Reading a book like this can be a great way to gain insight into your own relationships, and to reflect on what you value in a partner whether current or future.
So…chocolate, flowers, or books?
Of course, you can choose them all, but for those who are looking for a unique and personal gift for a loved one, a book can be a great choice. Whether it’s a classic novel that holds special meaning, or a new release that your loved one has been dying to read, a book can be a thoughtful and personal gift that shows you care.
Here are a few recommendations (in case you’ve already read all of mine!) from this book lover.
- Inglestone Manor by SS Saywack is written for children middle school age and older (which this adult also found to be a terrific read). Three siblings in war-torn England are sent to live with an unknown benefactor. The manor is in a state of dangerous disrepair but it does not keep these brave children from exploring its secrets. The masterful storytelling is full of mysteries, villains, and love.
- The Breakup Project by Carolyn Miller is a contemporary romance woven around the sport of hockey. Those who play it. Those who love it. And those who love those who play it. A sweet, faith-filled book with plenty of twists and turns that do not require skates or hockey sticks.
- Kingdom of Ash and Soot by C.S. Johnson is a fantasy adventure blended with historical fiction of 1870 Prague. Filled with intrigue, lost (and found) fortunes, and true love, consider this selection for you or your special someone if you are a fan of travel, history, and a bit of swashbuckling. One caveat here, this book is part of a series and ends on a definite cliffhanger.
Best Way to Celebrate!
In conclusion, books and Valentine’s Day are the perfect pairing to celebrate the holiday of love. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, books can provide an escape, a way to bond, and a way to reflect on the complexities of love and relationships. So, this Valentine’s Day, grab your favorite book and spend some quality time with yourself or your loved ones. Happy reading!