Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls’ Life magazine.
If you’re new here, hello and welcome! Here’s how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!
On the mystical island of Whetherwhy, everyone has the ability to harness magic from one of the four seasons. But for a special few, there’s something even more rare: the ability to wield magic from spring, summer, autumn *and* winter. These Enchanters perfect their magical abilities together for the good of the realm.
In the midst of it all, twins Juniper and Rafferty are each on their own missions. Juniper (a newly discovered Enchanter) has just left her old life behind to study at the magical Thistledown Academy in the hope of honing her skills. Rafferty is an apprentice at the mysterious bookbinder’s shop…that seems to welcome members of an elusive secret society when the sun sets.
And when monsters lurking in the dark threaten the safety of Whetherwhy, the twins will discover just how much their paths will bring them back together.
Our Book Besties couldn’t get enough of Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment, so we had to ask: Which season’s magical powers would they harness?
Hey, Besties! What do you love about reading fantasy books?
“Supernatural powers and magical beings.” —Riley A.
“It’s so magical to get lost in a brand-new world.” —Kiarra B.
“It’s my escape from the real world—I love exploring and letting my imagination run wild.” —Kori M.
If you love…rainy days, blossoming buds, iced tea and cool evenings
…You might just be a spring. “What’s better than a fruit punch and my favorite new novel once the weather warms up?” says GL Book Bestie Riley A. “That’s exactly how I read Chronicles of Whetherwhy!”
Set the scene: Harness your spring magic (no matter the season!) by setting up a super fresh reading space. Riley suggests snagging some blooms from the grocery story (or better yet, the first farmer’s market of the season) to fill your fave book nook with sweet scents while you escape to Whetherwhy.
“I love curling up in my favorite cozy chair when I’m reading,” Riley says. “The best part was when Juniper made it to her classes at Thistledown. Such spring energy!”
“Chronicles of Whetherwhy is such a magical world, so I like to have a magical set-up,” explains GL Book Bestie Hayden C. “I love to play ambient music that fits the vibe of my book when I’m reading.” (We’ve been loving this magical music lately.)
Best time to read: A misty weekend morning by the windowsill.
Novel necessities: Your biggest oversized sweatshirt and a pair of fuzzy socks.
Snack of choice: Apple slices and string cheese.
Hey Besties! Would you rather study at Thistledown Academy or work a mysterious bookbinding apprenticeship?
“An apprenticeship at this super mysterious bookbinder. It just seems like such a magical place. I can’t even imagine all the amazing things I’d get to do there!” —Kori M.
“Classes at Thistledown Academy. Learning how to use my magic—and they also teach skills like cooking, sewing and gardening.” —Riley A.
“The apprenticeship for sure. Rafferty gets to sleuth around mysterious societies *and* be surrounded by books…yes, please.” —Parker S.
If you love…beach trips, slow mornings, state fairs and fireworks
…You might just be a summer. “I love to read anytime, but especially on warm days when I can lounge outside,” explains GL Book Bestie Kiarra B. “Summers are always the best! Plus, you can get lost in your book without worrying about homework.”
Set the scene: Have a hammock handy? Pour a glass of lemonade and head on out. Stuck inside? Start your adventure through Whetherwhy with your favorite vacay playlist as background music. Try, then snag a sunset lamp to add some warm lighting to your fave reading spot. You can also bring the heat with snacks like chips and salsa or hot Cheetos. (Kiarra’s go-to? “Grapes with Tajin and Chamoy!” Talk about adding a little spice.) You’re practically at the pool already.
Best time to read: A warm, sunny Saturday afternoon.
Novel necessities: A picnic blanket and your favorite easy-going tunes.
Snack of choice: Orange slices and tajin peach rings.
Hey Besties! If you could have any magical power, what would it be?
“I’d want to be able to be invisible. That way, I could explore the world without anyone seeing me.” —Parker S.
“I’d love to talk to animals. I feel like it would be so cool to be able to have complete conversations with my pup.” —Kiarra B.
“I’d want to be an enchanter, just like Juniper. Imagine getting to study at Thistledown Academy!” —Hayden C.
If you love…pumpkin patches, scary movie marathons, fresh pencils and sweater weather
…You might just be an autumn. “I knew right away I’d be an autumn!” says GL Book Bestie Kori M. “From my love of cozy sweaters and comfy pillows to how much I loved reading about Rafferty’s mysterious adventures at his apprenticeship, it was a no-brainer.”
Set the scene: Love the cozy vibes that come with cooler temps and crunchy leaves? Harness harvest season with a perfectly curated jazz playlist and a cup of your fave hot sipper (we’re partial to a cider, but we’ll never say no to pumpkin spice). Lean into the back-to-school energy and try annotating your book as you read—leave notes in the margins and highlight your favorite lines. When you re-read, you’ll love seeing your notes.
Best time to read: On the ride home from practice.
Novel necessities: A spiced apple cider and your fave Rory Gilmore sweater.
Snack of choice: Roasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon rolls.
If you love…building snowmen, skiing the slopes, wrapping gifts and baking *all* the goodies
…You might just be a winter. “I love being taken to magical new places when I sit down to read a new book,” says GL Book Bestie Parker S. “I knew I’d be a winter because I love whimsical wonderlands.”
Set the scene: Escape into Whetherwhy the same way you enjoy your snow days. Plop yourself down next to the window (imagine watching the snow fall…even if it’s a sunny 80 degrees). If you’re a night reader, even better. Curl up in your coziest pajama set—with slippers to match!—and go hibernation mode. Bonus points if you can string up fairy lights in your book nook for extra sparkle.
Best time to read: Curled up with your cat at the end of a long day.
Novel necessities: A cozy blanket and a hot cocoa (extra marshmallows, pls!).
Snack of choice: Peppermint bark and pretzels.
Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment and get ready to be *seriously* inspired.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book nerds from all over. Hello, instant community.
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Grab your girls and host an every-season party. Each girl chooses a season and brings a snack or bevvie that sticks to the theme. What better way to discuss your favorite parts of Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment than over the perfect soirée spread?
