The colder months of the year are some of the best months to curl up on reading. With much of our outdoor activities halted by winter’s shorter days, more time is spent indoors until we can open the door to spring once again.
If you’re a mood reader like myself, winter is also the perfect time to cozy up with a long high fantasy series, gothic novels, classics, and personal growth books (especially in the new year). Here are some books that have put me in a wintry mood over the years (and I’d love to revisit if my TBR weren’t through the roof right now).
A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman
Ove is a grumpy old man who lives alone, keeps his personal life to himself, and always has something to say regarding the state of the neighborhood and his neighbors. That is, until a young couple moves into the neighborhood with their two daughters, and Ove meets them in a not-so-Ove-approved manner. However, as the harmless yet intrusive couple finds their way into his life, Ove’s outlook on them begins to change – and we learn his true story.
I hesitated to read this book for a very long time, and it ended up becoming not only one of the few five stars I’ve given this year, but also one of my favorites of 2019. This book is so heartwarming despite its cold beginnings, and if you’re considering picking it up, please do!
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
This book follows Ursula Todd who has a strange power. She died shortly after birth in 1910, but is born again on the same night. Throughout childhood, she dies and is reborn again with a wealth of information on what will help her pursue her next chance at life. With the approach of WWII, can Ursula use her power to prevent what is on the horizon?
I find historical fiction to be a perfect fit for the colder months, and Life After Life is no exception. I had concerns going into this book because I thought the re-births would be repetitive, but Atkinson does an excellent job of pointing out the timelines without being redundant in her storytelling. The book does get much more complex in the second half, but all of the dimensions and complexities of this story could be a great fit for a winter read.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson
The Devil in the White City tells the true story of Daniel H. Burnham and Dr. H. H. Holmes during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Written in a more fictional style, Larson describes the mass efforts on Daniel H. Burnham’s part, among many others, required to plan and construct the White City. Meanwhile, Larson also describes the story of Dr. H. H. Holmes, the serial killer who roamed the grounds and took the lives of many innocent visitors.
I read this book knowing that it was hailed as a true crime must-read, but in reality, I find this to be more of a historical read with some true-crime in it. Nonetheless, it is an excellent book, and something about the atmosphere of this book makes it perfect for fall and winter. I also learned quite a bit about the World’s Fair, some of the inventions showcased at it, and many famous people at the time that were involved with it. Overall it is a fascinating read!
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
This story follows Aiden, one of many houseguests at a party-turned-tragedy. At the close of the party, Evelyn Hardcastle is killed – but this isn’t the first time. Until he can find the killer, Aiden repeats each day, but finds himself in a different body each time. Aiden tries to break the cycle, but somebody is trying to stop him…
This book ended up being one of the more unique mystery/thrillers I’ve read, that also has some very unique twists. And again, if you’re not the biggest fan of “Groundhog Day” situations, I think you may still like this one. Because Aiden is waking up in different bodies, no day is the same as the last. I read this book around this time last year, and it was a perfect kind of novel for the season.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a novel that follows a mysterious circus that shows up across the globe in the nighttime. Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, slowly grow to love each other in such a way that their touch alone creates a special kind of magic. Little did they know that their lifelong training as magicians is for an act that will leave only one of them standing.
The writing in this book is so beautiful and lyrical, and I recommend it on that detail alone. Additionally, the second-person narrative provides such an escape that is so magical for this time of year. I took this book out from my library, but I want a copy so that I can read it again and again.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake is the first dystopian novel in a trilogy that explores several post-apocalyptic concepts. Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy before the end of the world, is trying to grasp everything that has happened to him. The loss of his friend, his lover – and possibly being the last human on Earth. With the exception of the children of Crake, he is alone. He embarks on a journey to understand what happened, and how the world has come to this.
This was actually my first Atwood novel, and I’ve been exploring more of her work ever since. Immediately you can sense how cold the world is that Snowman lives in (and no, that was not an intentional comparison). And one of my favorite aspects of Atwood’s writing is how it draws you in and keeps you going. Every time a question is answered, a newer, more interesting question is presented. This whole novel felt like uncovering a big mystery of what’s happened to the world. Additionally, the dystopian elements of this story are multi-dimensional – there’s so many aspects of this world that could lead to endless discussions to the parallels of our world today. Many dystopians I’ve read only focus around one issue, but this one includes so many smaller issues in addition to genetic engineering. It’s a perfect world to get lost in this winter.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina is a classic that depicts Russian life in the 19th century, romance, and tragedy all in one. It shows the life of Anna as she leaves her husband and pursues a passionate romance with Count Vronsky. The resulting events – and consequences – prove to be fatal.
When I bought this book, the synopsis on the site spoiled the ending for me. Despite that, I enjoyed this book all the way through and it’s become one of my all-time favorites. This story isn’t about what happens at the end, but it’s as though you’re watching the lives of these characters like a fly on the wall. Additionally, there’s no bias or opinion of the character’s morals as you read, so you’re seeing everything from a neutral perspective as if you were doing a study on these people. The setting and length of this book make it a great pick to fall into this winter. And if you’re concerned by the length, it is far from a slow read – I read 300 pages in one day during my first read of this!
Spark Joy by Marie Kondo
The second book in Marie Kondo’s collection about tidying up is an extension of the first. After clearing out the things in your home that don’t bring you joy, this book delves into the next steps. It includes how to hang and fold your clothes, care for your belongings, and carry out your day-to-day cleaning.
By now you’ve probably read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, watched the Netflix show, or at least familiarized yourself with the KonMari method of tidying up. But have you read the second book? It’s a nice little reference to the little things like how to fold your clothes (the KonMari way, of course), store your purses, and just take good care of your things so that they last. Since the new year brings on lots of cleaning and a fresh start, I figured this one was a good one to add to the list.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows a father and son, clinging on to hope and their love for each other when there is nothing left in the world. They travel on foot towards the coast, not knowing what will (or won’t) be there for them when they get there. It also depicts all the ways we may react and try to survive should utter destruction befall us.
I originally read this book in high school, and I’ve had this book cross my mind every now and then since. It’s a more eerie choice for winter, but if you’re not looking for a cozy book, then this is your pick. I still own my high school copy and I’d love to give it a reread someday.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
All The Light We Cannot See is a historical fiction novel that primarily follows Marie-Laure, a young girl from Paris, and Warren, an orphan boy from Germany. Marie-Laure is forced to flee with his father when the Nazis overtake Paris. Meanwhile, Warren’s newfound abilities repairing radios makes him an effective tool against the resistance. The novel intertwines the lives of two seemingly different people as the war marches on.
I am only 200 pages into this novel, but on that alone I’m recommending this book. I started it on Christmas Day thinking it was a good time of year to start it, and so far I was right on that. The writing is so lyrical, and yet the story progresses quicker than you’d expect it to. So far, I’ve only put the book down when I was too tired to keep reading, and for me, that’s a very good sign.
That’s all for my winter recommendations. Did you read any of these? What were your thoughts? Be sure to let me know.
-Julie Anna
