Read through the rain with King, Rowling
Even though this week's predicted rainy weather may put a damper on outdoor plans to enjoy the Coast's sunshine, take advantage of the opportunity to fire up the teapot and indulge in a relaxing, cozy day of reading.
Whether it's the classic literature of James Joyce, Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters or the modern romantic entanglements crafted by Nicholas Sparks and Nora Roberts, surely a tale from a local library or bookstore can offer an engaging escape on a dreary afternoon.
Though some of Stephen King's early novels -- "Carrie," "The Shining" and "Pet Sematary," to name a famous few -- fall under the horror and fantasy genres, by no means should his more recent publications be dismissed as only appealing to lovers of the darker side of fiction.
For example, King's 2011 novel "11 /22/63" offers a unique spin on the classically fictitious formula of time travel. Through a mellowed, softer voice, King weaves the story of Jake Epping's unexpected journey from 2011 to 1958, where he is convinced to
reside until 1963 in order to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. While the lead character lives in the past and waits for '63, he finds love, a passion for teaching and the joys of small-town life in Jodie, Texas.
In a well-researched interpretation of actual events, King's character follows Lee Harvey Oswald and investigates George de Mohrenschildt while adjusting to a long-forgotten way of life without technology.
Though brilliant in different ways, don't let darker titles like "Misery" and "It" keep you from delving into King's memorable story that delivers range, eloquence and a novel plot.
If you're not convinced and would rather reacquaint your memories with the likes of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, now is the perfect time.
Following the announcements of the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" stage production in London and the subsequent summer 2016 release of the bound script, this week may be the ideal time to relive all of Harry, Ron and Hermione's magical moments at Hogwarts, The Burrow and 12 Grimmauld Place.
If little ones are afoot and alone time is scarce, the Harry Potter series could also be a way to share the magic of reading with a younger audience who may be bored and tired of the indoors.
Maybe the young adult novels by Suzanne Collins and John Green are more appealing, or maybe the intriguing narratives by Stieg Larsson and Gillian Flynn are more your speed, but whatever inspires you to crack the spine on a paperback or charge the e-reader, enjoy the week with an adventure that keeps your mind busy and your rain boots in the closet.
This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 8:43 PM with the headline "Read through the rain with King, Rowling ."