Wintering

by Katharine May

Subtitle: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times
“An intimate, revelatory book exploring the ways we can care for and repair ourselves when life knocks us down.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Tara Ethridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, the cover of this book is so beautiful that it made me sad that Goodreads didn't have the cover. I do love to go back and look at all the book covers I have read.

But, onto the book. A friend recommended this to me, and I loved dearly how it was about "wintering" or our capacity to make it through hard times in general. Part nonfiction (I learned so much about winter and various cultures' approach to it) and part memoir, it was a great read, especially during this time of wintering that we have been forced to do with the pandemic. Very interesting read.

[Shaunte Shayde · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a friend that understands exactly where you are, even though you haven’t said anything. When the right book comes into your life at the right time. Wintering is a plush blanket that won’t warm you necessarily. It will comfort you in a different way. Katherine May will earnestly and honestly stand with you in the cold as you try to navigate your own storm. This was a wonderful read. I smile at the irony that her surname is May when she is clearly a vibrant and restless snowflake. Her mind is a joy to explore. She’s vulnerable, she’s funny, she’s very practical and whimsical at the same time.
Once I’m finished with a book I like to let it travel. Books should have wings. I either give them to friends or let serendipity take over with a drop in a little library or I’ll donate it, but this one is staying in my personal collection. I know that I’m going to need it for my future winterings, though I cringe to think of those!
Right now I’ll focus on getting through my current wintering.

[Alexandria Faulkenbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read for January.

[Lucyh · Rating 2 out of 5]

A 2.5 review. I read this over 24 hours when feeling decidedly under the weather. Whether this meant I lost the main message of the book or not, I'm not sure but I thought it was going to be more uplifting. I found it a sad reflection on life. If I could sing or knit then maybe I would have been more buoyed. The idea of belonging and living in the present was very clear and I really did enjoy the constant thread of the natural world written throughout. It's redeeming feature, and that which kept me reading, was that it was all set in the area I grew up in. I didn't know this when I started the book but certainly the imagery of East Kent shone loud and clear. Maybe, I'll re read it in the summer!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that came along just as I needed it. The author writes eloquently and bravely about the low points of life. It's so refreshing to hear someone talk about these times as normal and ultimately survivable if we allow ourselves to go through them instead of fight them. The chapter about her voice was so beautiful, I held my breath while reading. I feel so seen.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a 3.5 rating. There were parts of this book that were really very lovely and contemplative, when the author’s writing seemed strong and confident. There were other times, though, when the narrative seemed to drag or became non-existent, and the book turned into a seemingly disparate collection of essays. When this book worked, it works well. But at times it did flounder and falter.

[Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the topic of the book and I like snippets of May's writing, but overall I'm burned out on this modern travelogue/memoir/pop intellectual genre. I'd rather read about the same experiences from the same person in a format that's more structurally robust and less prone to wishy-washy attempts to tie everything together like essays. That's nothing against the author, just that a particular format is currently commercial that feels a bit unnatural.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir, part nature writing, part philosophy, 'Wintering' is a gentle reminder to honour rest and recovery as essential parts of life's cycles. Katherine May’s candid, vulnerable prose and thoughtful insights strongly resonated with me.

I couldn’t help but smile at her reflection on the ant from the Ant and Grasshopper fable, calling it sanctimonious. That ant loomed large in my childhood too but for different reasons--a constant nudge to just “get ’er done.”

There are numerous reflective gems and annecdotes in this volume, making it relatable on multiple levels. I highly recommend this read!

[Jennifer Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to describe what this book is about. Basically it is a series of beautiful essays about living through the dark months of the year. I'm not sure but the author may suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). She admits that she has Asperger's Syndrome (though from the quality of her writing, she is EXTREMELY high functioning.

[Joanne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little gem. Beautiful and surprising. Worth reading for the section on sleep alone.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a revelation. Will certainly return again, like coming home to an old friend.

[Marci]

so good....needed and necessary reminder that we all go through winters and can prepare for and appreciate the value of just being in them.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Beautiful writing. Interesting topics intertwined with honest reflection by the author

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other than the benefits of ice swimming I did not really learn much from Ms. May. A series of vignettes about how she coped with personal and family trials. At Katharine and Tom's.

[Dorthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comfort food for sindet. Kan varmt anbefales hvis du trænger til et åndeligt kram og har svært ved at komme igennem din egen vinter.

[Greet Andringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hartverwarmend!