One of the most dreaded, or loved depending on one’s view, holidays is quickly approaching and single people everywhere are ready to duck for cover. Valentine’s Day is nearly here. Each year it seems to become more lurid and obnoxious to those who may only have a cat and a nice cup of tea to pass the day.
I usually choose to hide, regardless of my now almost four-year relationship, most often because all the pink gives me a headache. So of course I turn to one of my favorite past times: reading. Although I usually don’t pick books with a romantic theme, I do give into my girly tendencies every now and then. These are some of my favorites, as well as a survival manual for those of you single, attached or divorced readers who will be braving the local watering holes, restaurants and card stores this Valentine’s Day.
“I Hate Valentine’s Day,” by Bennett Madison, published by Simon Spotlight Entertainment in 2004: The survival manual for the pinkest day of the year, this book written by comic genius Bennett Madison is for the more sarcastic people who tend to carry a bit of a sneer through Valentine’s Day. This book holds within it: who to avoid, places to stay away from, how not to celebrate Valentine’s Day and how to not think about it at all. This is a must-read for those who need a little extra ammunition on the most romantic day of the year. I highly recommend it, if nothing else than for its humor, charm and forthrightness.
“Sorcery and Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot: Being the Correspondence of Two Young Ladies of Quality Regarding Various Magical Scandals in London and the Country,” by Caroline Stevermer and Patricia C. Wrede published by Magic Carpet Books in 2004: Now I have to pick something that’s along the lines of Jane Austen, who is one of my very favorite authors. I chose a more recent novel that still conveys the sweetness of the Victorian era, with a little magic mixed in. Not just the magic of the roses and the way he looks in your eyes, but actual magic. This book by twin fantasy writers Stevermer and Wrede perfectly captures the feeling of 1817 through letters between two cousins, Kate and Cecelia. One is in London for the season, and one is in the country. As they trade exploits and developing crushes, dangerous situations begin to arise for both. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day evening with a glass of wine, this book is full of fun.
“Staying at Daisy’s,” by Jill Mansell published by BCA in 2002: As far as straight up romance goes, I usually hardly ever read it, but British author Jill Mansell’s books draw me in like no other romance author out there. Though difficult to find in the United States, this volume can be easily ordered online. The book follows Daisy’s adventures and twists of fate as she runs an inn, nurses a broken heart and suffers through a relationship with an irritating stranger who later turns out to be less obnoxious and more adorable. This book is lighthearted and fun. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a positive spin on Cupid’s day.
“Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination,” by Helen Fielding published by Picador in 2004: Not your usual heroine, writing or plot situation, this book pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Helen Fielding has proved in the past she’s not shy about writing wacky situations and her most recent book proves her genius. Follow Olivia Joules, journalist-turned-spy who’s so obsessed with work she sees terrorist plots every where. Of course, no one believes her, but after a bomb actually goes off like she said it would, people and government entities sit up and listen a little more. This quirky, hilarious book is full of action, adventure, intrigue, romance and, of course, the wonderful writing skills of Fielding.
