The cottagecore lifestyle transports those living a modern life fixated on hustling and consumption to a quiet of being. A lifestyle that celebrates slow living, romanticizing and cherishing the little things in our day to day lives. We can engage in the cottagecore dream in many different ways, whether that be in the way we dress or how we spend our time, but nothing can transport a soul quite like a good book. This blog post will feature five books that will undoubtedly charm the reader into the cottagecore mindset featuring stories that revolve around nature, romanticizing a quiet life and highlighting fantastic authors who genuinely are the definition of cottagecore. So get ready to head to your local bookstore to explore nature, fall in love, and nourish our souls with these enchanting novels that certainly fulfill the cottagecore dream.
1. The Blue Castle by L.M Montgomery
Now, I'm sure we've all enjoyed the wondrous tales of Anne of Green Gables by the famous L.M Montgomery, whether that be on the screen or the page, but did you know Ms. Montgomery wrote far more novels with equally lovable heroines? The Blue Castle takes place in the 1920s, in the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada, an area known for its beautiful scenery. To this day, it is still a favourite spot for many Ontarians. Our heroine is Valancy Stirling, a 29-year-old unmarried woman sadly living in a less than desirable family circumstance. Her only source of joy is her books and her daydreams in which she indulges completely. However, after a shocking turn of events and news from her doctor, Valancy's life changes completely! She finds the courage to live her own life filled with love and adventure more extraordinary than she could have imagined!
2. The Switch by Beth O’leary
Think Freaky Friday but cottagecore. Leena Cotton, a Londonite workaholic, must take a two-month sabbatical after suffering a mental breakdown during a vital work presentation after experiencing a devastating loss. Leena's Grandmother, Eileen,lives in the countryside and is looking for a second chance at love after her good-for-nothing husband left. So what can these ladies do other than switch places? Leena can have some much-needed RnR while residing in her Grandmother's Yorkshire home, Eileen on the other hand, is looking for love in the big city! Leena learns to love her grandmother's countryside home, and Eileen begins to realize maybe love was closer to home than she ever imagined. You'll laugh, cry, and absolutely fall in love with these two fabulous women.
3. The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill
This graphic novel truly transports the reader to another world. Not only is the art style peaceful, gentle and soothing the eyes, but also contains a truly unique story. The Tea Dragon Society follows a young girl, Greta, a blacksmith apprentice who befriends a tea dragon lost in the village marketplace. A Tea Dragon is an adorable creature who comes in all tea varieties, chamomile, ginger, rooibos etc. This creature leads her to the Tea Dragon Society, a band of misfits who dedicated their lives to caring for and loving Tea Dragons. From them, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care. This tale delves into identity, self-purpose, and memories in a way I've never encountered before. I would recommend sharing this novel with a friend, taking your time, and reading the passages aloud; this story should be enjoyed with friends. I am also happy to report that this beautiful work not only has a prequel but a sequel published in June 2021.
4. Bird Cottage by Eva Meijer, Antoinette Fawcett
The narrative of Bird Cottage is truly a story of the cottagecore dream. Author Eva Meijer, a Londonite, at the age of forty leaves her comfortable life and loved ones behind, moves to a small cottage in Sussex to be close to her passion, birds. Her works contain observations of the local birds that she fostered a connection with over the years. She became such a staple in the birds' lives they would even happily perch on her shoulder as she wrote! Meijer's decision to defy the general societal expectations and choosing to live such an authentic cottagecore life truly resonates with those who dream of a simple life.
5. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Nature has so much to teach us, and Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of Braiding Sweetgrass, has so artfully expressed nature's secrets within this book. As both a poet and a botanist Kimmerer beautifully explains the Indigenous wisdom and traditional knowledge and the science and lessons of plants, animals and nature. As a member of the Potawatomi Indigenous family, Kimmerer brings a unique perspective to the topic that will leave the reader inspired by the beauty and brilliance of the world, reflective of our part in it all.
Now that you have plenty of reading inspiration, I hope you feel the desire to pick up a book, pack yourself a picnic, and go find the loveliest tree to laze under and enjoy for hours on end. This author highly encourages readers to make use of small bookstores as well as your local library before going out and purchasing books from large retailers when possible. Thank you all so much for reading through this blog post, we would greatly appreciate learning about your favourite cottagecore books! Please let us know in the comments!
Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Article by @kaitlynmerriman
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