What We Love: Rainy Day Reads
As the trite saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. As we wait for those signs of life and beauty to spring up from the Earth, rainy days are the perfect time to cultivate growth within our own minds. What better way to do this than through a thought-provoking book? Below, you will find some of our favorite novels and stories that have gotten us through those gloomy (and, somehow, lovely) rainy April afternoons.
Carolyn: The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
When I was a campus minister at Penn, The Bridge of San Luis Rey was the required summer reading for incoming freshmen. Compared to the previous summer’s 500 page read on the history of the computer, I was quick to pick up this slim little novel which can be read in literally one (rainy) day. Not only is the writing beautiful, but the plot line pulls at your heart strings. The story is about death but, at the same time, it’s a lot about life. A freak accident in Peru prompts a friar to learn about the lives of the victims and, ultimately, this little novel addresses a really big question: Why do we have to die?
Olivia: The Father Brown Stories by G. K. Chesterton
I’ve always enjoyed a good mystery story––my tastes have, thankfully, matured from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie––so when I discovered that G. K. Chesterton had written a series of short detective stories with an unassuming priest as the protagonist, I quickly became a fan. With his keen understanding of human nature and simplicity of ways, Fr. Brown is an immediately endearing character, often aided by the reformed criminal M. Hercule Flambeau. Chesterton, known as the “prince of paradox”, invites readers to consider the problems and sins of mankind in an intriguing way through the use of mystery. The brevity of each story lends itself well to a cup of tea and gloomy afternoon. My favorites are The Blue Cross, The Oracle of the Dog, and The Secret of Father Brown.
Johanna: The Art of War by Sun Tzu
This book has been in print since 500 B.C and it has been a staple in the library of some of history's greatest military leaders, nowadays it has become fairly popular as a self-help book. The premise is that conflict and situations of tension are inevitable and that’s, perhaps, a good thing because humans thrive and grow through struggles. In this masterpiece, Sun Tzu covers the philosophical, psychological, and even spiritual aspects of overcoming our human weaknesses. His writing reminds me of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a military man who encountered Christ by recognizing the need for Him in his own personal battles. I like to think that The Art of War was an indirect (or maybe direct) inspiration for Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. There's no doubt Saint Ignatius would have studied this book.
Lindsey: The Scapegoat by Daphne DuMaurier
John, a British professor of French language and culture, is a bachelor with no family ties. He’s going to a monastery in search of the meaning of his life when he meets a Frenchman, Jean, who is trying to escape his complicated family relationships. The two are shocked at the fact that they are mirror images of each other. When John unexpectedly finds himself living Jean’s life (you’ll have to read it to find out how this comes about), he learns just how profoundly one life can affect the lives of others. This is a book I’ve returned to a few times since my first read in high school, as the exploration of human dignity and the desire for connectedness are key themes. Though The Scapegoat is not a mystery novel, the book’s mists, rains, and layers of intrigue, as well as John’s blunders while navigating Jean’s family, seem like they’ll pair nicely with a grey sky, a warm drink, and a quiet afternoon.
Mercedes: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
This compelling biography narrates the remarkable story of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini. Unbroken recounts Zamperinie’s entire life but especially focuses on his journey as an airman during World War II. After his aircraft was shot down in the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini survives a harrowing journey of starvation, torture, and intense suffering. A story of resiliency, forgiveness, courage, and the power of the human will, Hillenbrand’s gripping presentation of Zamperini’s life and conversion to Christianity offers readers a message of hope in the face of despair. Enjoy this rainy day page-turner snuggled on the couch with a blanket and your favorite candle!
Hannah: The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
One of my favorite novels, this classic book by Graham Greene explores the complicated intersection between hate and love while questioning what motivates humanity to choose one or the other. The book is told from the perspective of Maurice, who recounts his adulterous affair with Sarah and the events that led up to her death. The story gives a very earnest depiction of how even broken love can lead one to believe in something greater. A short novel, it’s the perfect book to spend your stormy afternoon with.
