A gathering took place today in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, and a large rodent was pulled from his den to determine the length of winter. Ah, a nearly 200 year old tradition brought to us from the Dutch and German settlers. Prior to arriving in the New World, they used the less friendly bear and badger to predict the onset of spring. Once settled in the Pennsylvania area, the weather-savvy and more readily available groundhog took the role. And every February 2 America focuses for just a few minutes on Punxsutawney Phil and his possible shadow. 

This year Phil did not see his shadow. Warmer days are suppose to come early, but the National Weather Service assures us there is no correlation between the arrival of spring and the rodent and his lack of shadow. Phil has been wrong more than he has been right. 

But Phil’s reputation greatly proceeds him. He has had books written about him. He has also been featured in one famous 1993 Harold Ramis movie, Groundhog Day. 

In the cult classic, Phil Connors, a self-centered weatherman, is sent for his fourth year to cover the festivities at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania. This is an assignment that he clearly believes is beneath him, and he hopes to be in and out of the sleepy little town quickly, but karma decides to teach Phil a lesson. Phil repeats Groundhog day an estimated 500 times until he gets the day right. It is worth 2 hours of viewing time.

But this brings up a popular trope in literature…the time loop. I think that we would love the opportunity to repeat parts of our past, make a different decision, or just enjoy those we miss. And if this appeals to you, consider reading one of these in the next month in honor of the furry rodent we rip from his slumber:

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

It is a simple three act play following the lives of Emily and Wally, next door neighbors. Readers observe Emily and Wally growing up, falling in love, getting married and the eventually, dying. Although characters urge Emily to forget her life, Emily choses to relive a day in her life. She is heartbroken to learn how little she appreciated the simple moments. 

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Clare and Henry first meet when she is 6 years old and Henry was 36, but Clare marries Henry when she is 22 and Henry is 30. How is this even possible? While Clare’s life is linear, Henry has a rare condition that allows him to hope through time. It is something Henry cannot control, and it frequently leaves Clare heartbroken. 

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

On New Year’s Eve, a nineteen year old Oona faints. She awakens 32 years into her future. She is greeted by a stranger, who claims to know her. She is in a beautiful house that she supposedly owns. Oona learns that every year she will leap to another age at random. Who will she be next? 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Maelyn Jones spends very Christmas in her favorite place – a snowy Utah cabin with her divorced parents and their closest family friends, but this will be the last. As she leaves the cabin for the final time, she pleads with the universe to show her what will make her happy. She, like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, begins to repeat the last Christmas trip until she gets it right. 

But the very best time loop book is one I covered yesterday, so here is another reason to read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library.