This edition of All Booked was originally emailed to subscribers on March 23, 2022. To receive our literary newsletter in your inbox, sign up at independent.com/newsletters .
Springtime in Santa Barbara is my favorite time of the year. From the smell of the jasmine flowers in bloom, to the mustard plants popping off everywhere, to the unbelievable green of the surrounding hills (which, fun fact, have made me shed tears over their beauty), I can’t get enough of the seasonal changes. Spring also has a special place in my heart as it marks the start of the Persian New Year, or Nowruz. Nowruz took place this past Sunday (the first day of spring!), and I quietly celebrated by going on my favorite sunset bluff walk, letting my senses marvel in the sights, sounds, and smells around me while contemplating my goals for this new year.
The following books evoke feelings of spring, bringing with them themes of change, acceptance, and growth. I also selected quick, easy reads designed to get anyone out of a wintertime reading slump. They are perfect for roaming audiobook listens or picnic accompaniments.
