Oh you guys, this book was such a special book.
I resisted reading it for awhile because I’m not into anything in the fantasy genre {though several of you emailed me to tell me how wonderful it was!} and I finally picked it up over the holidays. I am SO glad I did. You know those books that you want to re-read immediately after flipping the last page? Well, this was one of those. And it wasn’t nearly as “fantasy-ish” as I expected. Hah!
In short, this book is about an older married couple living in the Alaskan wilderness during the 1920’s. Earlier in their marriage, they experienced heartbreak together and moved to Alaska for a fresh start. Well, one “magical” evening they build a child out of snow together. The next morning, a young girl appears near their house, wearing the same mittens that they placed on the snow child the evening before. While I was reading this, I kept thinking about the movie “Chocolat” for some reason. I think it’s because of the fairy tale aspect. Anyway, I absolutely loved The Snow Child and am recommending it to everyone I know! It’d be a great read for book clubs because there’s a lot about the plot that could be discussed.
So if you’re looking for a fantastic book to curl up with near a fire, this is it! I hope y’all find it as special as I did.
Mel P
January 8, 2013 at 3:28 amLovely book! I just finished this last week for our January book club!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
January 8, 2013 at 4:29 amThe thought of curling up on the couch right now with a book sounds absolutely lovely. Thanks for another great recommendation Jenna!
Molly @ RDexposed
January 8, 2013 at 5:00 amI was just asked what I am currently reading and had to admit nothing! I need to get on one of your recommendd books.
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
January 8, 2013 at 6:03 amI don’t usually like fantasy novels either, though this one sounds sweet.. Actually, sounds like a holiday movie premise.
Barbara
January 8, 2013 at 6:12 amThis is so funny, I literally just ordered this book to read yesterday evening! Glad to hear that you liked it!
Malkire
January 8, 2013 at 6:17 amI have really enjoyed your recommendations. I read Blue Asylum over my school’s winter break and I could barely put it down. Right now I am about to read “The Family Fang” which looks like an endearing and funny novel about families.
Allison
January 8, 2013 at 6:30 amI need to check this out. I’m in a major book slump right now.
Amy Curran
January 8, 2013 at 6:33 amThanks for the book review. I am always up for something new. This sounds amazing and I absolutely love the 20’s.
Jennifer
January 8, 2013 at 6:35 amI read this book shortly after dealing with the whirlwind of infertility…a miracle natural pregnancy after years of trying…and a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Like the couple in the book..my husband and I have no children. I cried from the first paragraph to the last page. This was simply, one of the most magical, inspiring, and cathartic reads of my life…there isn’t more to say really. The universe threw into my lap when I needed it most. No seriously…..during one my random crying jags while in the mall brought on by nothing more than cute children running through the bookstore…I , literally, ran into the bookshelf holding this book. I am sure the workers thought I was crazy with the snot running down my face as I bought it-LOL
Jessica
January 8, 2013 at 6:51 amThanks for posting your reviews/recommendations. Have you read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh? It’s set in SF and I loved reading about places I visited and familiar neighborhoods. The main character communicates messages through the flowers she gives to others and despite a terrible childhood in foster care, she learns to love and trust again. It was one of those must-read-in-one-day books for me 🙂
Julie
January 10, 2013 at 12:06 pmAgreed! My boyfriend’s mom loaned me this book while at her home over Christmas and I read in a day. The author grew up in Chico, CA, the same town I was spending the holidays in!
Kristin Healy
January 8, 2013 at 7:41 amthat book cover alone draws me in… my favorites… the birch trees, moon, a fox and small girl… I’ll read it~ thanks!
Heather
January 8, 2013 at 7:42 amI read this a while back, and although I too was skeptical because I’m not super into fantasy, I loved the symbolism the author managed to convey. Great suggestion!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl
January 8, 2013 at 8:02 amSounds sweet! If you loved it this much, I’m putting it on my “to read” list now!
Jill
January 8, 2013 at 8:04 amI love that you blog about what you’re reading. I love to see what other like and dislike and I love getting good reading ideas! This one looks like a keeper! I’ll have to check it out.
Audrey
January 8, 2013 at 8:25 amWithout having read the book, your description makes this sound a lot like The Odd Life of Timothy Green. I watched the movie last month, and I think it was based on a book.
Lisa
January 8, 2013 at 8:58 amI read this book a few months ago and LOVED IT. It was by far my favorite read of 2012.
Rebecca @ cakeinacrockpot
January 8, 2013 at 9:18 amI’ve been wanting to read this. Glad to know it’s good!!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
January 8, 2013 at 9:59 amI’m nearly sold on the cover alone – so cute! Sounds like a sweet story too.
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit
January 8, 2013 at 10:10 amAh, good to know. I’m not that much into fantasy books either, but one of my all-time favorite movies is Chocolat. So, given that this book reminded you of that I just might have to pick it up. 😀
Caroline L.
January 8, 2013 at 11:31 amThat sounds like such a sweet book, I definitely want to pick it up sometime!
Lauren
January 8, 2013 at 12:30 pmJust picked this up at the library! Glad to know its a good one 🙂
Kim
January 8, 2013 at 1:34 pmOk, I don’t read much, but this one sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation.
Madison
January 8, 2013 at 2:26 pmI may have to try that!!! It sounds like a quick read that makes you happy! 🙂
Katie
January 8, 2013 at 4:10 pmI absolutely love this book, I bought it on a whim based on the cover art and I thought it was told so wonderfully.
kristen
January 8, 2013 at 5:33 pmThis is a nerdy thing to ask, but is it sad? Sniff Sniff.
Also, hoping you’ll do a January favorites post…! 🙂
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches
January 8, 2013 at 6:15 pmThis sounds like a sweet story! It sounds similar to the Odd Life of Timothy Green.
I’ll add this to my reading list!
Jen
January 9, 2013 at 1:06 amJenna, do you intend to write/publish more in the future? Or just blogging,
Julie
January 14, 2013 at 7:48 amThanks for recommending this book! I checked it out from my library and read it during a plane ride this week! So so so enjoyable!
Kris
January 22, 2013 at 7:51 amThanks for the recommendation! I’m always looking for something new to read.