Book Review: Wintering by Katherine May
The Book: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Source: This was a book club pick, and one I’ve had my eye on for a while
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (see my review on Goodreads)
I love Winter, and I love rest, so a book dedicated to their combined power was something I have had my eye on ever since it first came out back in 2020. When one of my local book clubs chose it for our read this quarter, I was so very excited to finally have an excuse to buy it!
Wintering kind of reads like a love letter. A collection of poetic essays and memoirs about a women’s relationship with Winter and getting to know herself in the process. This is not exactly what I expected (which isn’t a big surprise, since I go into most books blinds). I thought it was going to be more of a…. typical nonfiction read? One which extols the virtues and power of Winter based on lots of scientific studies and data and suchlike. Instead, what I got was a book that actually felt much more like — well, Winter.
Yes, there are plenty of science-y bits to help underscore the messages and ideas being explored in these pages. But they are all provided wrapped in the cozy blanket of a personal story, a way to connect with another living creature along the way. I learned some cool things (more strong evidence for the power of ice baths on one’s mental health, and how incredible bees are). I followed along with the mental health struggles and journeys of people across the world, relating to their experiences and reveling in their successes. I really enjoyed the cozy, whispered conversation of this book.