Let’s accept that fall came and went too quickly, that it’s getting colder and that winter is officially here. It might be too early for snow flurries and yes, the first day of winter is nearly a month away but whatever you say, it’s winter. So here are some chunky books to get you through the bleak days, cooped up at home by the fire.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Winter makes me nostalgic for the books I loved as a child or would have loved as a child. Admittedly I read Harry Potter when I was older, like in my 20’s. If you haven’t picked up Harry Potter and you want to, I’d say winter is the best time than any to jump into this series.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Winter reminds me of gloomy and twisted tales like this one by Shirley Jackson. This is a short little book about the lives of two sisters and the mystery surrounding the death of their family. It’s the perfect blend of cruel, bizarre and perverse that I think fits perfectly with winter.
Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon
Winter is for light-hearted, heart-felt reads about strong friendships and Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon is perfect. It’s for those with a sweet tooth and perhaps love something easy-going, something thrilling and something fun. What more could you ask for?
The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm and Wilhem Grimm
Winter is the time for fairy tales. The originals and the classics that are haunting and disturbing. This collection is perfect for dipping in and out of, for reading when you’re in a slump and just need a little something to get you going again.
Winter is the time to start some books that are childish, children’s books or middle grade fiction that remind you of what it means to be a kid again. Here are some books I haven’t read that are too good to pass up.
A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos
This may be a YA fantasy but it has the narrative stylings of Harry Potter. It’s beautifully written and indulging. What I have read is what comforting winter reads should look and sound like. Islands in the sky, magic, and something atmospheric.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
I’m not familiar with this series, I don’t even know what it’s about, but it’s how fondly people speak of this series and of Philip Pullman that gives you the impression these books were impactful, that they defined their childhood, and that now they’re nostalgic.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
This is one of those series that I’ve heard is so charming and so whimsical you really can’t help but love it. There’s something about adventure, magic and imaginative landscapes that are so indulging during the winter time.
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