Snow Books

If you're in Eastern Washington (or Western Washington, for that matter) today, just look out your window and you'll see plenty of the white stuff about.  Of course, I'm referring to snow, something not uncommon in this part of the country at this time of year.  Some of you may love it, hate it, or if you're like me, be on the fence about it (I love it if I can enjoy it from inside a cozy, warm place, but I hate it if I have to drive in it).

Should the weather inspire you to pick up a book set against a snowy landscape, here are some recommendations for books that have something to do with snow (and don't ask me why so many "snow books" have at least one murder in them):

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Set in the good ol' Northwest, on San Piedro Island in Puget Sound.  In the 1950s, a Japanese-American man is charged with the murder of a fisherman who drowned under questionable circumstances.  Not only does the truth eventually surface, but also the not-so-distant history of racism toward Japanese-Americans during World War II and their exile to internment camps further inland.

Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
This book came out before the recent wave of Scandinavian crime novels burst on the literary scene.  Smilla, a Greenlander in Copenhagen who relates more to snow than to the Danes, looks into the "accidental" death of a 6-year old Greenlander boy.  The police warn her against pursuing her investigation, but she persists and finds a secret beneath the ice.  An interesting read for those who enjoy thrillers and want to gain some background knowledge of Greenland and its history with Denmark.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The ever-popular classic cherished by generations.  It's the story of a dog abducted in California and taken to Alaska during the Gold Rush to work as a sled dog.  In time, the dog needs to make a choice between continuing to be a sled dog in a human world or return to nature, the wild.  A compelling story for everyone, not just dog lovers.

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
A newer Scandinavian crime fiction novel set in Oslo.  An unorthodox policeman who is a recovering alcoholic tracks down a serial killer who may be linked to the disappearance of about a dozen women during the first snowfall of the season.  A suspenseful story with a number of twists and turns sure to grip the reader.

Some other recommendations:
A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Diana Gabaldon), Snow in August (Pete Hamill), and Last Snow (Eric Lustbader)

As for children's books on snow, there are tons of books on the topic of snow, too many to list here.  Rest assured, though, that there is everything on snow from picture books to non-fiction books.

Whatever your age level, child or adult, there's sure to be a book with some connection to snow that's just right for you.

Watching the snow fall while staying snuggly warm inside on the perch.