my favorite classic novels for spring

Hullo, all! *doffs hat* How are you all doing this fine May? I myself have been busy wrangling characters, poetry, Latin, and plot twists. Qui docet, discit, by the way! (Which is a Latin proverb I have just learned and also, eee, I can understand a Latin proverb!! *happy dance* I’ve been learning Latin, in case you can’t tell.) The weather is getting warmer there and the sun has begun to peek his head out of the rain clouds!

And as today is Monday, I thought I might take a bit of a break from Latin and writing to share with y’all some of my favorite classic novels for spring!

I adore classic novels. I don’t know why, but I do. There’s just something that I think is so heartwarming and comforting about them, especially in times of turmoil, and they’re just so full of both hope and hilarious shenanigans. *cough* dying one’s hair green *cough*.

Classic novels have always been there for me, whether to remind me to keep going or to just give inspiration on a dull day, and I think they are just so perfect for spring!

So without further ado, I hereby present to thee all, the book recommendations!

“Dear old world’, she murmured, ‘you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.” -L.M Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

This is such a classic novel that is on every spring reading list, I think. But for such good reason!! Anne of Green Gables is a brilliant book — it is both cozy and fun, with an imaginative, determined female protagonist, and all of the adventures and mischief that Anne gets up to throughout the novel is just such fun to read! Raspberry cordial! Dying her hair green! (Unintentionally, of course. This is why you should not trust random peddlers, folks!)

And yet even though it is cozy and fun, it is also deep, and its themes of change, imagination, and growing up are ones that I think will resonate with a lot of people.*

And even if you’ve already read it, I dare say spring is the perfect time go head back for a re-read… 😉

*I’ve also been thinking of doing a review of this book, perhaps. What say you?

“I want to do something splendid…something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.” – Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I adore Little Women.

I only read it a month ago, when a good friend of mine recommended it to me, and I soon fell in love with the March sisters, their home, and everything that happened to them!! The story is so very cozy with brilliant morals, and all of the characters are as dear to me as real friends. I love Jo and Beth, especially, and the way the book handles themes like ambition, growing up, and grief is just… it is brilliant. And it is such a perfect read for spring! (Or any season, really. XD)

And also, Marmee!!! She is the most splendid book mother I have ever read. I have a great deal of Marmee quotes on my Kindle, but she is just an utterly splendid character, and I love her!

“I see you have a cat.” “Wrong.” Father Cassidy shook his head and groaned dismally. “A cat has me.” – L.M Montgomery, Emily of New Moon

Emily of New Moon is such a delightful book, and I fell in love with it from the moment I started reading. Emily is a relatable, imaginative, and brave heroine, and also a poet!! Throughout the novel, you get to see a lot of snippets of the poems she writes, as well as some letters she writes to her late father, which I loved reading. They tell so much about her as a character and they’ve also inspired me a great deal in my own poetry!

(Also, for some reason, I just really like that you see all of the spelling and grammar mistakes in Emily’s writing. I don’t know why, but I just do.)

While it might not be as beloved to me as Anne of Green Gables is, it is an utterly delightful book! And you simply must read it, if only because of the cats. (Oh yes, did I mention? There are cats in this book. Saucy Sal!!! And Mike, who will be most missed.)

“Flowers are made to bloom in the sun and not to be shut up in an apron.” -Johanna Spyri, Heidi

I haven’t read this book in such a long time, but I remember reading this as a kid and loving it! <3 Heidi is such a beautiful story, and I loved all the beautiful descriptions of the mountain!!! It made me very much want to hop off and go see a mountain myself. Heidi herself is a lovely character, and her friendship with Klara is so wonderful.

Overall, just a lovely children’s book!!

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

I read this book over three years ago, I think, and I remember falling in love with it at the time. I went back for a re-read this weekend and it is such a sweet, cozy story!! Though I’m not done with the re-read, Mary’s character development, the friends she makes, and the garden! It’s so perfect for spring, I think! Martha and Dickons are such lovely people, and the way she tries to bring the garden back to life… It is oh so spring-y and inspiring!

Also, there is a most delightful animal companion!! And Colin!!! I have just met Colin in the re-read and I am most intrigued by this fellow…

And those are my classic spring reads, folks!! They’re all books that I just love going back to every year, especially in May, when the weather is warming up and summer is on its way. They are oh-so comforting and spring-y, and I just love them so much!!

And before I leave y’all, have a short poem from me!

“Spring is the season of joy and hope
Spring, as I race, down the grassy hill’s slope,
Spring as it chases
away the bitter cold.
Spring as it welcomes
us with its warm hold.”

Do let me know down in the comments if you enjoyed these book recommendations, if you’ve read these books, or if you have any of your own recommendations for spring reads! ^^ I love hearing from y’all!

Till next time, and have a brilliant week!

-Isabelle