THE RUNAWAY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Katherine May opens up exactly what I and so many need to hear but haven't known how to name.” —Krista Tippett, On Being “Every bit as beautiful and healing as the season itself. . . . This is truly a beautiful book.” —Elizabeth Gilbert "Proves that there is grace in letting go, stepping back and giving yourself time to repair in the dark...May is a clear-eyed observer and her language is steady, honest and accurate—capturing the sense, the beauty and the latent power of our resting landscapes." —Wall Street Journal From the author of the New York Times bestseller Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age, this is an intimate, revelatory exploration of the ways we can care for and repair ourselves when life knocks us down. Sometimes you slip through the cracks: unforeseen circumstances like an abrupt illness, the death of a loved one, a break up, or a job loss can derail a life. These periods of dislocation can be lonely and unexpected. For May, her husband fell ill, her son stopped attending school, and her own medical issues led her to leave a demanding job. Wintering explores how she not only endured this painful time, but embraced the singular opportunities it offered. A moving personal narrative shot through with lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, May's story offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat. Illumination emerges from many sources: solstice celebrations and dormice hibernation, C.S. Lewis and Sylvia Plath, swimming in icy waters and sailing arctic seas. Ultimately Wintering invites us to change how we relate to our own fallow times. May models an active acceptance of sadness and finds nourishment in deep retreat, joy in the hushed beauty of winter, and encouragement in understanding life as cyclical, not linear. A secular mystic, May forms a guiding philosophy for transforming the hardships that arise before the ushering in of a new season.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Katherine May
Author
Katherine May, also writing as Katie May and Betty Herbert, is a British author and podcaster. Her writing includes memoirs, novels, and journalism.
Wintering
by Katherine May
Books Like Wintering
If you're looking for books similar to Wintering, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
A memoir of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Obama shares her journey of navigating personal and professional challenges with grace and determination. Like May's approach in Wintering, the book explores themes of adaptation, personal transformation, and finding strength during difficult periods. It offers an inspiring narrative of overcoming obstacles and embracing personal growth.
Braiding Sweetgrass
Robin Wall Kimmerer
A profound exploration of nature, indigenous wisdom, and personal connection to the natural world. Kimmerer weaves scientific knowledge with Native American storytelling, offering a deeply reflective perspective on human relationships with the environment. The book shares May's contemplative approach to understanding life's cycles and finding meaning in quiet moments. It explores themes of healing, resilience, and interconnectedness through a lyrical and introspective lens.
When Things Fall Apart
Pema Chödrön
A Buddhist perspective on dealing with life's challenges and finding inner peace. Chödrön offers guidance on navigating difficult times with compassion and mindfulness. The book shares May's approach to understanding personal struggles and finding strength in vulnerability. It provides deep insights into resilience and personal transformation.
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
A groundbreaking book about trauma, healing, and the mind-body connection. Van der Kolk explores how individuals can recover from difficult experiences through understanding and compassionate approaches. Similar to May's work, it emphasizes the importance of healing, resilience, and personal transformation. The book provides deep insights into how we process and overcome life's challenges.
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
A philosophical novel about personal journey and finding one's true path. Coelho explores themes of destiny, personal growth, and understanding life's challenges. Similar to May's work, it emphasizes the importance of introspection and finding meaning during life's difficult moments. The book offers a spiritual perspective on personal transformation and resilience.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Joan Didion
A powerful memoir about grief, loss, and personal resilience. Didion explores the complex emotional landscape of processing personal tragedy. Like May's Wintering, it delves into themes of personal transformation and finding meaning during challenging times. The book offers a raw and honest exploration of human vulnerability.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts
Susan Cain
An insightful examination of introversion and its value in a world that celebrates extroversion. Cain explores how introspection and quiet reflection can be sources of strength and creativity. The book resonates with May's approach to understanding personal challenges and finding power in moments of retreat. It offers a compassionate view of inner life and the importance of self-understanding.
Wild
Cheryl Strayed
A memoir of personal healing through a transformative journey of self-discovery. Strayed embarks on a challenging hiking trail as a way of processing personal trauma and finding herself. Like May's Wintering, it explores themes of resilience, personal transformation, and finding strength through challenging experiences. The book offers a raw and honest look at healing and personal growth.
Rising Strong
Brené Brown
An exploration of vulnerability, courage, and overcoming failure. Brown offers strategies for processing difficult experiences and finding personal growth. Similar to May's approach, it emphasizes resilience and understanding personal challenges. The book provides insights into emotional healing and transformation.
The Gifts of Imperfection
Brené Brown
A powerful exploration of vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. Brown offers guidance on embracing one's true self and finding strength in vulnerability. The book shares May's contemplative approach to personal growth and understanding life's challenges. It provides insights into self-acceptance and finding meaning during difficult times.
Option B
Sheryl Sandberg
A book about resilience, grief, and finding hope after personal tragedy. Sandberg shares her journey of processing loss and finding strength. Like May's Wintering, it explores themes of personal transformation and healing. The book offers practical insights into navigating life's most challenging moments.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
A novel about life's possibilities and finding meaning during challenging times. The protagonist explores alternate versions of her life, learning to appreciate the present and understand personal growth through difficult experiences. Like May's work, it delves into themes of personal transformation, acceptance, and finding hope during periods of struggle. The book offers a nuanced look at mental health, resilience, and the power of perspective.
Big Magic
Elizabeth Gilbert
An exploration of creativity, fear, and personal growth. Gilbert offers insights into embracing creativity and overcoming personal obstacles. Like May's Wintering, it focuses on finding joy and meaning during challenging times. The book provides inspiration for personal transformation and understanding one's inner creative potential.
The Happiness of Pursuit
Chris Guillebeau
An exploration of finding purpose and meaning through personal quests. Guillebeau examines how individuals can create meaningful life experiences. Similar to May's work, it focuses on personal growth and finding joy during life's journey. The book offers inspiration for transforming challenges into opportunities.
No account connected — sign in to comment.