Rainy days are a common thing in the springtime. So common as to become monotonous. Why not spice up your rainy days with some great books? Maybe a classic you've always been meaning to read but never have? Or a mystery? Or a horror? The options are endless. P.S. this list works for days off too. These books do not require precipitation to be amazing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The Anne of Green Gables series has been my rainy day go-to read since well…forever. Anne Shirley is a special character for me. She became almost a friend to me. I could hear her rambles in my mind long after I finished reading the series. I am going to be completely honest with you, she’s a character you have to grow to love. Her rambling speeches can drive you a bit crazy, but the longer you spend with her the more you love her, her friends, family, and Avonlea. When you finish Anne of Green Gables, continue on with Anne of Avonlea. It get better as it goes. After you finish the series, check out the classic Canadian TV mini-series based on the series.

2. The Shining by Stephen King

Horror novels were made for rainy days. Perhaps none as much as The Shining. The story of Jack Torrance and the Overlook Hotel just screams to be read on a rainy day, under the blankets with a cup of tea and a flashlight. Don’t forget the flashlight: It’s a necessity when reading The Shining.

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

A good novel if you’re in the mood for a good bit romance with a bit of time travel. The TV show makes for a good rainy day watch, but the books are better. The soundtrack to the TV show is the best accompaniment to a rainy day read of this series.

4. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

A juicy non-fiction is always a good recipe for a rainy day. The Devil in the White City is full of murder, intrigue, and serial killers—just the book you want to read on a dreary day. It tells the story of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and the very real serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. I read this one on a very rainy day and, let me tell you, I had to read my next suggestion to calm my nerves. I also recommend any of Erik Larson’s books if you are a fan of nonfiction with engaging prose and meticulous research.

5. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Whenever a patron requests a Harry Potter read alike, this is one of my first suggestions. It has the same amazing world-building that made the Harry Potter books—for a lack of a better word—magical. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell tells the story of two men who bring magic back to England during the Napoleonic Wars. Clarke’s almost gothic way of storytelling make it the perfect book to dive into on a rainy day.

6. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Gone With the Wind is one of my favorite books to read on a rainy day, simply because it is just so vibrant and colorful. The subject matter, Civil War Atlanta, is not that cheerful, but the heroine is. Scarlett O’ Hara is one of the most lively heroines; she just jumps off the page and will liven up your afternoon in a way that very few characters can. I have passed many a rainy day with Scarlett O’Hara by my side, and I have never considered it a lost day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. The Novels of Jane Austen

Singling out a Jane Austen book is nearly impossible. It’s like picking out the most adorable puppy out of a group of adorable puppies. Emma is good in a spunky, gets herself in trouble kind of way. Northanger Abbey is gothic and mysterious. Mansfield Park is admittedly not my favorite but many appreciate Fanny Price’s simplistic style of character. Sense and Sensibility gives you two romances for the price of one. Persuasion is a heartbreaking and realistic portrait of lost love found again. And Pride and Prejudice will make you both cringe and rejoice as Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love amidst their flaws and foibles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein is the original rainy day read. It’s gothic, horror, a bit grotesque, and it’s a rainy day's best friend. Doctor Frankenstein and his creation will be the best (or worst depending on your point of view) accompaniment  during your dreary day’s read. Reading Frankenstein during a rainstorm is also one of the best examples of pathetic fallacy I can think of. This book just calls for rain pitter-pattering against windows and thunder in the distance.

9. The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

There is not a more scandalous story than the story of Henry VIII and his many wives. Henry VIII is an interesting character in and of himself but his wives also were engaging and intriguing characters. These are characters who would easily fit in on any show about “real housewives”. There is not a better way to spend an otherwise empty afternoon than become embroiled in historical drama and intrigue.

10. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Alexander Hamilton is one of the great historical loves of my life. I’ve loved him since before the musical (even though I have tickets). This is the best biography of him: Chernow manages to be detailed while also being very readable. He will make you fall in love with Hamilton—or at least appreciate what a great man he was. Is there a better way to spend a rainy day than getting to know a historical figure that you know of but don’t know much about? You’ll love him, I promise. Read this biography while listening to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s brilliant Broadway soundtrack.

11. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca is probably my ultimate rainy day read because it combines a romance with a gothic dreariness that just fits. Rebecca tells the story of an unnamed narrator who meets Maximilian de Winter, the master of Manderley, while working as a companion in Monte Carlo and marries him after a few weeks. Seems simple enough, right? Not when you factor in a dead wife, a not-so-sane housekeeper and a mysterious death. This is one of those books where I find something new every time I read it.

12. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I am a Young Adult Librarian, and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't recommend some of my favorite YA series. The Hunger Games series was built for a rainy afternoon: it features complex world building, engaging characters, and a game of survival. Katniss Everdeen is one of the strongest and most well-developed characters you will ever meet in young adult literature. Once you’re done with the first book, move on to Catching Fire or maybe even delve into the film series.

13. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

This is one of those books that I recommend to everyone looking for a Jane Austen readalike. Wives and Daughters has the same charm and romance, but it's a little bit more gritty and realistic. It has less pomp and circumstance than Pride and Prejudice but just as much charm. Molly Gibson is one of the most engaging heroines I have ever read, and it is so easy to fall in love with her as you read. Wives and Daughters was also made into an amazing tv mini-series that would be another great way to spend a rainy day.