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The Literary Almanac: A year of seasonal reading
Discover over 300 seasonal book recommendations in the ultimate reading list for book lovers everywhere. Spanning the dreary, cold days of January to the first flushes of spring and then the blazing August heat, bibliophile Francesca Beauman offers up a wealth of book recommendations. From The Count of Monte Cristo to Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Quartet, each has been selected to chime with a particular time of year and provide a richer reading experience.
“Francesca Beauman writes about the books she loves with irresistible passion, knowledge and warmth ... This is the best kind of reading celebration' - Rachel Joyce
“Francesca Beauman writes about the books she loves with irresistible passion, knowledge and warmth ... This is the best kind of reading celebration' - Rachel Joyce
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
42 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 22, 2022
As most people reading this review probably already know, Francesca Beauman is the daughter of Nicola Beauman, the founder of Persephone Books, who are my favourite publisher, and the main reason I wanted to read this one.
It is written in a very chatty style (and with some beautiful illustrations), about the books she recommends us to read through the year; of course there are some from the Persephone list, but most aren't, and there are some real surprises too. Some I hadn't heard of, some I had, but had no particular desire to read but am now intrigued and intend to try to get to, and many that I hoped to get to one day.
This will be staying on my bedside table so I can remind myself of those books and my intention to actually read them.
It is written in a very chatty style (and with some beautiful illustrations), about the books she recommends us to read through the year; of course there are some from the Persephone list, but most aren't, and there are some real surprises too. Some I hadn't heard of, some I had, but had no particular desire to read but am now intrigued and intend to try to get to, and many that I hoped to get to one day.
This will be staying on my bedside table so I can remind myself of those books and my intention to actually read them.
August 1, 2023
Perfect for my books about books shelf. Written by Francesca Beauman, who knows good books when she sees them. Also makes a great gift.
May 24, 2023
I have been reading this book monthly since I started it. For each month, the author, Francesca Beauman, writes about books that suit that particular month. I love books about books, so I loved connecting with this book monthly. Some of the books recommended I have read and many others, I have not. Many of the books are now on my TBR. A fun book to dip into! A book written for book lovers!
I must mention that the illustrations are beautiful.
A lovely gift for any book enthusiast.
Published: 2021
I must mention that the illustrations are beautiful.
A lovely gift for any book enthusiast.
Published: 2021
January 9, 2022
This lovely little book offers reading recommendations structured through the calendar year, each title ‘fitting’ with a month / season. Beauman does this in a very conversational style, and her choices are wide ranging, some surprisingly so. Being the daughter of the founder of Persephone Books (one of my favourite publishers), I was expecting a specific genre but it seems Francesca is as eclectic as me, and dips through many, to my enjoyment. And yes, I’ve added a few titles to my TBR.
Ultimately, this is a book for bookworms by a bookworm :0)
Ultimately, this is a book for bookworms by a bookworm :0)
November 10, 2021
What a great book! I own a lot of books about books, but this one was full of new recommendations spanning the past few hundred years, with different genres and authors and compiled by a lover of books. While I’ve never met her before, I feel as though Francesca is a dear friend, and because of that I trust her recommendations inherently. I’m looking forward to using this book as a reference for new reads in years to come.
May 13, 2022
A lovely little book about books! The author recommends reading material for each month of the year. It has definitely made me want to read or re-read more of the classics and I've added a few titles to my wishlist...
The illustrations are beautiful too.
The illustrations are beautiful too.
April 25, 2022
What a lovely read. Maybe even 4.5*. It’s added a fair few books to my TBR pile too.
October 20, 2024
4,5 ⭐️
Finished this in 2 days. Review follows.
Finished this in 2 days. Review follows.
March 17, 2023
Francesca Beauman recommends books for each month of the year based on a theme for the month. There is a wide range of books recommended including well-loved classics, but also the more obscure across a wide range of topics and countries. It is absolutely beautifully illustrated and I had a lovely time browsing through it and adding to my TBR.
January 2, 2026
The perfect gift for a bookworm!
March 2, 2022
A fun little romp through the months of the year, with lists of books to read. I added several to my TBR pile. I like how the author explained some of the books and how at other times she went into the author’s lives.
January 5, 2022
This book makes a lovely gift for any reader. Each month, features quotes, beautiful illustrations and lovely short essays on recommended reads that fit the mood of the season, not just the setting or weather. It captures the ‘feeling’ of reading in a way that speaks to how I feel about my reading life. Perfect for a moody reader! And definitely a book I will dip in and out of often….
January 26, 2022
There is something for everyone in this Almanac. It has brought to my attention books that I would never have thought of reading. I love the way it is set out, each month having the author’s recommendations, as well as much loved reads. Beautifully illustrated too. I can’t stop reaching for this, and hope that Francesca Beauman gives us a Literary Almanac 2.
December 3, 2023
“Novels teach us how to understand the world. Without them, we are lost.”
March 21, 2022
Thanks to Francesca, I now have a long list of books to add to my even longer to-be-read list, which if we’re being honest, is basically the entire contents of my bookcases, but who’s counting.
I’ve never identified with someone when it comes to books as much as Francesca. She never goes anywhere without taking a book with her, even to the delivery room to have her baby. I am exactly the same. Okay, I haven’t had a baby so can’t comment on the latter, but I’m sure I would do this too. But I don’t leave the house without a book in my handbag - 2 if I know I’m close to finishing one of them. Even if I’m going for an appointment where I know I’ll probably only be waiting for 5 minutes, I make sure there’s a book. Better 5 minutes of reading than no minutes. And having had many visits to hospital for emergencies and appointments, I know how late things can run, so I’ve learnt my lesson there.
I love the combination of classics, foreign pieces, and modern novels that Francesca has included. Normally in book lists, it’s all the classics (nothing wrong with classics), and not everyone likes them or has the time to invest in an 800-page Russian tome. So this gives a nice variety of genres, formats, and topics so you’re bound to find at least one book you want to read - or in my case, you’ll want to read all of them.
A lot of books about books can be preachy and a bit snooty, but Francesca isn’t. She picks the books, gives a small overview, and explains why it is important to her, but she doesn’t force her choices down your throat, or look down upon you for your choices.
Every so often, there are some illustrations which are beautiful in their simplicity. They don’t spoil the book or give away its ending; but they’re enough to remind readers of their favourites, but also to entice new audiences.
I personally link curling up with a good book with the cold long winter nights, but Francesca does give a good argument for books being just as much of a comfort during the summer. I hate the summer, so I’m normally still curled up inside with a good book, even if it’s 30+ degrees outside.
Each book gets between 1 quick paragraph and 2-3 full pages, and each one is described so well that books that would never have appealed to you start showing up on your bookshelves. This is obviously such a great read for book lovers, but even if you’re not as much of an avid reader, give this a try, you might just surprise yourself and find that perfect book.
I’ve never identified with someone when it comes to books as much as Francesca. She never goes anywhere without taking a book with her, even to the delivery room to have her baby. I am exactly the same. Okay, I haven’t had a baby so can’t comment on the latter, but I’m sure I would do this too. But I don’t leave the house without a book in my handbag - 2 if I know I’m close to finishing one of them. Even if I’m going for an appointment where I know I’ll probably only be waiting for 5 minutes, I make sure there’s a book. Better 5 minutes of reading than no minutes. And having had many visits to hospital for emergencies and appointments, I know how late things can run, so I’ve learnt my lesson there.
I love the combination of classics, foreign pieces, and modern novels that Francesca has included. Normally in book lists, it’s all the classics (nothing wrong with classics), and not everyone likes them or has the time to invest in an 800-page Russian tome. So this gives a nice variety of genres, formats, and topics so you’re bound to find at least one book you want to read - or in my case, you’ll want to read all of them.
A lot of books about books can be preachy and a bit snooty, but Francesca isn’t. She picks the books, gives a small overview, and explains why it is important to her, but she doesn’t force her choices down your throat, or look down upon you for your choices.
Every so often, there are some illustrations which are beautiful in their simplicity. They don’t spoil the book or give away its ending; but they’re enough to remind readers of their favourites, but also to entice new audiences.
I personally link curling up with a good book with the cold long winter nights, but Francesca does give a good argument for books being just as much of a comfort during the summer. I hate the summer, so I’m normally still curled up inside with a good book, even if it’s 30+ degrees outside.
Each book gets between 1 quick paragraph and 2-3 full pages, and each one is described so well that books that would never have appealed to you start showing up on your bookshelves. This is obviously such a great read for book lovers, but even if you’re not as much of an avid reader, give this a try, you might just surprise yourself and find that perfect book.
November 8, 2022
A VERY KEEN READER, BUT IS SHE ANY GOOD AT IT?
I'm sorry to be so negative but this was a deep disappointment. The idea is great, and I am always on the lookout for recommendations from fellow bibliophiles. Francesca Beauman is a VERY keen reader; she has read Anna Karenina at least thrice!
Sadly she only managed to put a handful of books on my radar, and she undermined even that by appearing to miss the beauty of many texts that I already love or respect whilst often making some of the most pointlessly obvious choices of texts/writers to endorse.
Worst of all, her selected quotations were invariably so banal and/or repetitious that I ended up wondering if she actually knows what good writing looks like. For example, THIS is what she chose out of the 800-plus pages of Tolstoy: "...another row, and yet another row, followed - long rows and short rows, with good grass and with poor grass...." No, honestly, it's absolutely there for all to sneer at on page 176.
I know reading is a very personal and individual thing, and quoting out of context always risks bathos because of the details and nuances that have led up to a particular moment, but that makes it all the more important to choose wisely or to choose nothing. Well, whatever you choose, don't choose this book.
I'm sorry to be so negative but this was a deep disappointment. The idea is great, and I am always on the lookout for recommendations from fellow bibliophiles. Francesca Beauman is a VERY keen reader; she has read Anna Karenina at least thrice!
Sadly she only managed to put a handful of books on my radar, and she undermined even that by appearing to miss the beauty of many texts that I already love or respect whilst often making some of the most pointlessly obvious choices of texts/writers to endorse.
Worst of all, her selected quotations were invariably so banal and/or repetitious that I ended up wondering if she actually knows what good writing looks like. For example, THIS is what she chose out of the 800-plus pages of Tolstoy: "...another row, and yet another row, followed - long rows and short rows, with good grass and with poor grass...." No, honestly, it's absolutely there for all to sneer at on page 176.
I know reading is a very personal and individual thing, and quoting out of context always risks bathos because of the details and nuances that have led up to a particular moment, but that makes it all the more important to choose wisely or to choose nothing. Well, whatever you choose, don't choose this book.
March 23, 2024
I’m always wondering ‘what to read next,’ and I found this literary almanac in a genre of its own - books about books.
This book is structured monthly, and the recommendations are inspired by holidays and likely seasonal weather. The author has read widely, and provides reviews throughout, which are evidently, subjective. However, it is clear that she has produced this with a lot of thought and I enjoyed the personal aspects- it makes me more likely to read a recommended book! I appreciate most that she lets you know which books you should feel ‘emotionally robust’ for before reading, since I found that the majority of the books she recommends are intense reads. In this way, she provides a lot of information on the classics genre, which I am curious about, and equally intimidated by. Personally, I only think it was missing recommendations for fantasy, but she does include sci-fi books.
It is beautifully illustrated and would make a lovely gift.
Edit: I’m now aware that all genres have ‘classics’ in them and that ‘literary’ actually refers to a genre of its own? I am always learning! don’t mind me.
This book is structured monthly, and the recommendations are inspired by holidays and likely seasonal weather. The author has read widely, and provides reviews throughout, which are evidently, subjective. However, it is clear that she has produced this with a lot of thought and I enjoyed the personal aspects- it makes me more likely to read a recommended book! I appreciate most that she lets you know which books you should feel ‘emotionally robust’ for before reading, since I found that the majority of the books she recommends are intense reads. In this way, she provides a lot of information on the classics genre, which I am curious about, and equally intimidated by. Personally, I only think it was missing recommendations for fantasy, but she does include sci-fi books.
It is beautifully illustrated and would make a lovely gift.
Edit: I’m now aware that all genres have ‘classics’ in them and that ‘literary’ actually refers to a genre of its own? I am always learning! don’t mind me.
April 27, 2025
This gem of a book combines two things I love...books about books and seasonal reading. Francesca Beauman includes over 300 book recommendations from January to December and adds her own personal thoughts to almost all of them. Each of her entries are interesting, even the ones about the books I have already read. She includes books from a wide variety of genres from as early as the 1800s through the year this was published in 2021.
The only drawback about this engaging guide is that my TBR is now even more insurmountable.
*A huge THANK YOU to Antoinette for her splendid recommendation of this engaging literary guide. (I think half of my TBR list is due to her fabulous reviews.)
The only drawback about this engaging guide is that my TBR is now even more insurmountable.
*A huge THANK YOU to Antoinette for her splendid recommendation of this engaging literary guide. (I think half of my TBR list is due to her fabulous reviews.)
March 4, 2023
Raced ahead as usual!
As a part time library assistant who runs three different book groups,this is invaluable. A great source of inspiration for personal reads,gifts and books to be avoided at all costs. I did start carefully reading the seasons one at a time but in the end I just enjoyed the author's writing too much and raced ahead.
I really wish I had called one of my daughters Willie though.....
As a part time library assistant who runs three different book groups,this is invaluable. A great source of inspiration for personal reads,gifts and books to be avoided at all costs. I did start carefully reading the seasons one at a time but in the end I just enjoyed the author's writing too much and raced ahead.
I really wish I had called one of my daughters Willie though.....
September 21, 2022
A beautiful book (187 pages) including a number of excellent illustrations. Contains a ot of book reviews and monthly themed reading recommendations. Not all Francesco's suggestions are to my liking, but I have noted a few for future reading. Pretty sure that everybody reading this almanac will find something of interest for the future.
February 2, 2023
A good book of suggested reading. I liked some of Francesca's reviews, particularly when she was honest enough to say when a book wasn't necessarily her cup of tea! Because I live in the Southern hemisphere I had to do a bit of switching with the seasonal references , but that wasn't really a problem.
March 13, 2024
This one is hard to rate.
It’s obviously a subjective book reflective of a specific point in time and i dont like awarding 5 stars for anything that i feel wont be relevant in years to come. It’s a great book for personal recommendations, I’ve certainly added a number of books to my tbr pile. Altogether, I think Francesca nailed the brief. But it is subjective 😅.
It’s obviously a subjective book reflective of a specific point in time and i dont like awarding 5 stars for anything that i feel wont be relevant in years to come. It’s a great book for personal recommendations, I’ve certainly added a number of books to my tbr pile. Altogether, I think Francesca nailed the brief. But it is subjective 😅.
April 10, 2023
Good for collecting more books to read but less compelling as a read in itself. This is a missed opportunity to spin the delights of reading and entrance the reader with half-glimpsed tales demanding our attention.
May 3, 2023
I found this book very interesting as it contains reviews and descriptions of books by authors of which I would not normally be interested in. Any book which can give me an urge to read a James Joyce novel for the first time since A-level gets my vote.
December 3, 2023
What a treat to have had this as my literary guide throughout the year. Amongst the pages were books I’d read, books I’d like to read & books that sounded pretty obscure! This one will also be passed on to a friend who I’m hoping will enjoy it too.
February 15, 2024
As bibliophile, you add over 300 seasonal book recommendations by Francesca Beauman. Few classics are part of the recommendations. Moreover, you might learn new literary stuff that you might miss or forget in your academic life. Truly captivating!
July 10, 2025
VERY pretty book and really happy I found it in a charity shop for 50p hahah.
There are a lot of great recommendations in this and I feel like it will be perfect to go back to every month. I've already got a list of books I will be purchasing for August!
There are a lot of great recommendations in this and I feel like it will be perfect to go back to every month. I've already got a list of books I will be purchasing for August!
May 5, 2022
A lovely book! Pretty and interesting. My TBR has certainly increased.
May 20, 2022
Amazing layout and so aesthetically pleasing. I now have an overflowing tbr list :/.
December 17, 2022
Definitely a lot of conversation starting prompts and suggestions, good to read together
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews