Kim Harvey, owner of The Mad Hatter Bookshop in Burford and Creative Director of The Burford Literary Festival shares her latest reading suggestions.
February is the month of love, whether you have a Valentine, a Galentine or choose to love yourself, let’s celebrate with books that shout love from the rooftops. Winter may still have a firm grip on the thermostat, but the days are getting longer, and spring is just around the corner.
If you are planning to send a dozen long-stemmed red roses to your special someone, hearty congratulations – but remember just the view of snowdrops bobbing their heads is enough to gladden all our hearts. Put another log on the fire, fan the flames of love, and add the latest selection of Madhatter recommendations to the bedside table.
You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry
This story has been released on Netflix, but we all know the book is always better. Emily Henry is the current Queen of the Romantic Comedy, and this book is perfect for Beth O’Leary fans and anyone looking for a happy ending. Buy yourself a bottle of fizz and a box of chocolates and read it in one sitting.
Love Letters: Intimate Correspondence Between Famous Lovers Edited by Andrea Clarke
In an era dominated by mobile phone connections, this exquisite collection of original love letters transports us to a cherished time and highlights the profound expressiveness and insightfulness of the written word. Traversing centuries, cultures, and continents, these letters encapsulate every nuance of love, ranging from the elation of falling in love to the anguish of unreciprocated affection. Collectively, they remind us that nothing compares to receiving a personal handwritten message from someone you cherish.
Poppy Cooks: The Potato Book 101 Recipes From the Potato Queen by Poppy O’Toole
I can’t possibly write anything about love without adding a little something about food. This year forget about the oysters or the strawberries dipped in chocolate, Poppy O’Toole, the High Priestess of The Potato, gives us dishes that are sexier than Nigella! Up your spud game this Valentines Day.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
One of my favourite love stories of all time. Anna Karenina by Russian classic master, Leo Tolstoy, convinces me that human nature exists and that some aspects of it are essentially unaffected by culture and history. Every few years, I read it again and each time I discover things I never noticed before, maybe because I'm older and have more life experience and therefore observe the world more intently, or maybe it is the symphonic, orchestral feel of the text, parallels, and recurring variations.
The Little Book of Love by Kahlil Gilbran
If you cannot figure out how to tell them you love them whilst ensuring you avoid all the usual tired cliches pick up a copy of this beauty. Write a dedication on the end paper, preferably in ink, just your names and the date will be enough; wrap it in a sheet of paper – this can be as simple as from today’s newspaper; add ribbon or string and a smile, then stand back and watch their face light up. The simple words of Kahlil Gilbran are timeless, illuminating and inspirational and of course books are the perfect gift at any time of the year.
Happy Reading and love to you all.
Whatever you do this month, find time for yourself and pick up a good book.
The Madhatter Bookshop
122 High Street, Burford OX18 4QJ
01993 822539
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