So… I was recently re-reading The Giver by Lois Lowry.
And I was struck by one scene. (Note: This may be a minor spoiler for those who haven’t read the book. But my question is this, WHY haven’t you read this book yet?!)… As Jonas and Gabe are on the run, they are attempting to hide from the heat-seeking aircraft. In order to avoid detection, Jonas transfers memories of snow to Gabe. The memories cool down their body temperatures.
Now, I don’t consider myself a scientist. So my question is this: Is this even possible? Would a heat-seeking device be fooled? Does a memory, such as snow, cool the body down?
(Note: I will give Lois Lowry gets a pass on this detail because of the nature of her story world. Technically, in our world, it’s impossible to transfer memories to another person by laying your hands on their back. But in the world of The Giver, well, this is exactly how it happens for Jonas, the Giver, and Gabe. So story world definitely takes care of this heat/memory/cool thing in the book.)
That said, here’s something I do know…
When I read certain books, they make me feel cold.
Case in point: The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
In the book, Wilder encapsulates the whole feeling of winter. The never-ending blizzards. The family huddling next to the stove, trying to keep warm. Laura and Pa twisting hay in the freezing lean-to. The train that never comes. Christmas that never comes.
The isolation of the Dakota territory.
The snow. And more snow. And even more snow.
Wilder intended to name the book The Hard Winter… Because that’s probably how in later years they would refer to that winter of 1880-81… Can’t you just see them sitting around the fire saying: “Remember the Hard Winter? This snow is nothing compared to that!”
But the publishers ultimately changed the title to The Long Winter. (I mean, just look at those covers. Neither of them seem to be shouting “hard”.)
By the way, this book received a Newbery Honor in 1941 for its writing.
I know why. Because those words bring feelings of COLD.
Which is great if you’re reading beside a nice, warm fire. Or in summer. Yes, a nice, hot summer day might be the perfect for reading cold books.
What about you? Do you have any books that make you feel cold?
“Tires for Sale” / Theme: Road Worthy
“Pretty in Pink” / Theme: Pop of Colour
“Coated in Ice” / Theme: Rainy Day
“An Unlikely Pair” / Theme: Duet
“A Blanket of Snow” / Theme: Soft
“Water Falling” / Theme: Natural Beauty
“At End of the Pier” / Theme: Leading Lines
