Winter is just about here. The snow is falling, the holidays are right around the corner, and a sudden urge to cuddle up under a thick blanket is taking over, making it the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. Winter is generally a season that you either love or hate. If you fall in the latter group, you may struggle with seasonal depression, which can take over your social, work, and personal life.
I am one of those weirdos who prefers the winter. I love seeing snow accumulate on tree branches, watching holiday movies with my family, and experiencing the contrast between the cold outside and the warmth of my bed. Winter is one of my most reading-intensive periods, likely because school is out and I don’t have to worry about finals. I get to snuggle up with my dog and read as many books as possible before school starts again. There’s nothing quite like uncovering the connections between characters, laughing to yourself at corny jokes, and getting caught in the magical feel of a book.
So, rather than letting seasonal depression win, let’s try to make the most of the winter weather. Find a book (or five) to boost your spirits. Grab yourself a big mug of hot chocolate, curl up on a comfy couch, wrap yourself in blanket after blanket, and read through the snowfall!
1) One Day in December by Josie Silver
This fictional romance is my most recent read, and I must say, it is beautifully written. The piece follows Laurie and her best friend, Sarah. Year after year, at the start of each winter, we get a recap of everything that occurred in their lives. We see new jobs, new boyfriends, new cities, family troubles, health troubles, and internal troubles. We also see New Year’s resolutions, fights, kisses, and reveals.
The winter brings not only cold weather but also various forms of detachment. We stop going outside and connecting with others because of the isolating chill in the air. To counteract this, we need comfort and exhilaration, and One Day offers both. The witty relatability of the characters and their complex dynamics create the perfect read for a drowsy December day.
Plus, the writing is simply stunning. Silver manages to capture the difficulty of sustaining long-lasting friendships amidst the harsh winter atmosphere.
2) In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
The newest addition to my “to be read” list is a historical fiction romance. The book follows three characters, a professor, an immigrant, and a student, who get caught in a car accident during a snowstorm in Brooklyn. This unlikely trio finds refuge from the storm together and is forced to face long-buried secrets in close quarters. Themes of past trauma, discrimination, and survival make for a highly emotional read with a hopeful ending.
This beautiful story will put you in the winter mood both physically and emotionally by focusing on the cozy connections between characters during an intense snowstorm. Vivid descriptions of icy streets and white snow fill the pages as newly-formed character bonds warm your hearts. The jarring juxtaposition of an isolating setting evokes the familiar feeling we all face when the winter months come. This book cultivates a winter vibe, not only through the setting, but through the heartfelt memories and unexpected friendships. The three protagonists make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, representing the full range of emotions we experience during the winter months.
3) In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
This fictional romance probes the theme of fate. Set on December 15, 2020, it embraces the cold, familiar idea of winter. The story revolves around Dannie, who has a recurring dream about being engaged five years in the future. Dannie is stubborn and relentless, doing everything in her power to stop this event, as it disrupts her carefully planned future. We get direct access to Dannie’s internal thoughts, which are filled with uncertainty and meticulous tendencies, mirroring the ebb and flow of winter. Later, we find out that the man she is destined to marry is her best friend’s boyfriend, which causes a rift in their friendship. This ultimately circles back to the theme of connections, as Dannie opens herself up to both grief and love.
The novel explores the profound importance of living in the moment, supplying valuable lessons on friendship, love, and destiny. I read it years ago, one winter day, in a matter of hours.
The New Year marks a period of personal reflection, as we craft New Year’s resolutions in the hopes of achieving personal growth. Certain resolutions are surface level: going to the gym, drinking less caffeine, etc. But underlying these goals is a highly meaningful desire to be better, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. In Five Years portrays this ideology through the protagonist’s pursuit of self-growth.
4) Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
Wrapping yourself up in a blanket by a warm fire is the only way to read this historical retelling of the classic Snow White, which is set in 1950s Massachusetts. The title really says it all, as the novel centers a protagonist named Boy, who marries a widower and becomes a stepmother to Snow. Snow has a daughter of her own, Bird, who stirs up buried family secrets with her dark skin, which contrasts with the family’s lighter complexion. The story has a noticeably small-town feel and a quiet fairy-tale mood.
The novel emphasizes the importance of racial and familial dynamics These dynamics often manifest as cold and surface-level, echoing the winter weather. They can also be related to familiar tensions that are triggered by the holidays. Reading this retelling provides a sense of comfort with the recognizable storyline, while also highlighting important themes and complex characters. Every character harbors their own personal struggles and secrets. Just like snowfall, which conceals what’s underneath, each secret is hidden beneath a layer of innocence.
Though the twist at the end may leave readers feeling dissatisfied, it serves to convey a dose of reality. This novel incorporates all the best features of the original fairytale: mirrors, wickedness, isolation, and beauty. Though it contains slightly more action and harshness than the others on the list, it encapsulates every aspect of winter in just one novel, engaging you from the start.
5) This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Lastly, we have a book that transports the reader straight to the heart of winter: New Year’s Day. Right off the bat, there is a strong winter feel, centering around protagonists Minnie and Quinn, who are both born on New Year’s Day. The two find themselves at the same New Year’s party years into their adulthood. There is lingering unease between them over a familial spew that occurred on the day they were born. Eventually, the tensions subside, and a beautiful romance blossoms.
This contemporary romance is hopeful and witty, fostering a comfortable atmosphere throughout the story. There is a delightful parallel between the characters striking up a friendship and the idea of starting fresh for the New Year.
As previously stated, the New Year is a time for contemplation and growth. Throughout the story, we experience the main character’s personal conflicts alongside her and watch her achieve her own resolutions. The writing is humorous and relatable, as it includes the reader in its lightheartedness and hope for the future. Not only will it warm your heart and make you laugh; it might also give you ideas for New Year’s resolution of your own!
Bonus! The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
I couldn’t end the article without a bonus read! And The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was the natural choice. As stated by TikToker @Whereismylibrarycard, who has an excellent standing within the BookTok community:
“My cozy read recommendation has got to be a cozy fantasy. The Very Secret Society of Iregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is one I always recommend. Nothing screams cozy to me more than a feel good book that you can wrap yourself up in a blanket with and read in one sitting!”
Credit: @Whereismylibararycard/Tiktok
This uplifting novel follows a lonely witch in hiding who has been concealing her magic. An unexpected invitation leads her to teach a group of orphans at a school called Nowhere House. The novel offers the warmth of found family, bits of witty romance, and quirky characters. Its soft rush of magic is sure to lift you out of the winter blues with undertones of whimsical fun.
Why you should read this winter
Reading is a beautiful and universal experience. Books can be totally immersive, bringing you along on an adventure or introducing you to a new world, all while you’re sitting on the couch. The winter can be quiet and solitary, so why not fill the space by jumping headfirst into a story? The recommendations on this list align with the winter aesthetic, but they also enhance it. Instead of succumbing to the loneliness of the cold, we can divert our attention to relatable characters and messy conflicts.
I’ll leave you with one question: Why not? Pick up a book, read a page, and treat yourself to something new and exciting.
