Winter reading season is here!  It’s that time of the year when the temperature drops and everyone is looking for ways to stay warm and cozy.  Plus what better way to spend your time than doing some reading?  After all, nothing sounds more comforting than reading a good book by the fireplace, snuggled up in bed or on the couch while the snow falls softly outside.

Now if I’m keeping it real, right now I’m living in Florida and we obviously don’t get snow down here.  BUT we do get quite a few cold spells after the storms up north come south and then the temperatures drop and it get’s super windy!  So even though we have clear skies and sunshine, we do have those days when we need our jackets and scarves.  If we’re feeling extra we wear the boots in the back of our closet and a sock hat.

Reading during the colder months is a long-standing tradition that helps to beat the winter blues and creates a perfect environment for relaxation and reflection.  So whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone looking to start a new reading habit, our tips and recommendations will help you navigate this season with a book always at hand.

Why Reading in the Winter Matters?

Reading is a great way to relax and unwind, but did you know that it has many other benefits during the winter?  Here are just a few reasons why reading during the winter months should be on everyone’s to-do list:

• Boosts Mood: As the days get shorter and colder, reading can help improve our mood and overall wellbeing.
• Mental Stimulation: Reading during the winter keeps our minds active and engaged, preventing boredom and cabin fever that often comes with being cooped up inside during the cold months.
• Escape from Reality: Let’s face it, winter (and just life in general) can be tough.  Between the holidays, cold weather and shorter days, it’s nice to escape into a different world through our books.  Plus books allows us to explore new places, meet interesting characters and experience different adventures – all from the comfort of our own homes.

Books To Read This Winter

3 Classic Books To Add To Your Reading List

If you’re interested in adding some classics to your list, I recommend:

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Pip doesn’t expect much from life.  His sister makes it clear that her orphaned little brother is nothing but a burden on her.  But suddenly, things begin to change.  Pip’s narrow existence is blown apart when he finds an escaped criminal, is summoned to visit a mysterious old woman and meets the icy beauty, Estella.  Most astoundingly, an anonymous person gives him money to begin a new life in London.  Are these events as random as they seem?  Or does Pip’s fate hang on a series of coincidences he could never have expected?

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Interested in learning more about Dickens?  Check out Reading & Discovering Charles Dickens, and for where to start reading Dickens, read 6 Must-Read Charles Dickens Books.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

First published in the late 19th century, Anna Karenina, by the famed Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time. Chronicling the turbulent affair between Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky, Tolstoy weaves a parallel plot of self-discovery and a turn to religion by the character Konstantin Levin that is thought to be autobiographical. The result is a tale of jealousy, faith, hypocrisy, passion, and progress set amidst the social change occurring in Russia in the 1870s.

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Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift.  By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside.  Without a shred of doubt, one of his fellow passengers is the murderer.  Isolated by the storm, detective Hercule Poirot must find the killer among a dozen of the dead man’s enemies before the murderer decides to strike again.

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Interested in reading Agatha Christie?  Check out 5 Must-Read Agatha Christie Books: Where To Start.

3 Contemporary Books To Add To Your Reading List

If you’re looking for some contemporary books to read, I recommend:

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, a courageous 18th-century midwife, The Frozen River is a gripping historical mystery set in Maine, 1789. When a man is found dead in the frozen Kennebec River, Martha is called to determine the cause of death. As she unravels the truth, her diary becomes the center of a scandal, forcing her to confront her loyalties. This clever and subversive novel explores justice, women’s voices, and the enduring legacy of an unsung heroine.

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The Frozen River is one of the books in our Winter Reading Guide and the Good Morning America Book Club pick for December 2023.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart — he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone — but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

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The Bones of the Story by Carol Goodman

A gripping locked-room mystery unfolds as a group of former classmates reunite on their college campus. With a murderer among them, their pasts gradually reveal a deadly truth. As the stormy weekend progresses, eerie parallels between their chilling horror stories and real-life deaths emerge. With the crimes of the past resurfacing, they must confront their dark secrets before it’s too late. Will they survive the weekend to uncover the shocking secret from twenty-five years ago?

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The Bones of the Story is one of the books in The 2023 Summer Reading Guide.

Winter Books Lists

Choosing the right books to read can significantly enhance your experience! The chilly weather pairs well with a range of genres, from gripping mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat to heartwarming romances that offer a sense of comfort and warmth.  Some readers might prefer picking up a thick, weighty classic, while others might prefer lighter, more humorous fare to brighten the dark nights.  No matter your taste, there’s something incredibly special about finding the perfect book that complements the season.  So, as you prepare your reading list, consider the following recommendations to accompany your hot cocoa and fuzzy blankets.

Find The Best Recommendations in Our Seasonal Reading Guides

• Get the latest guide here
• The 2024 Winter Reading Guide
• The 2023 Winter Reading Guide
• The 2022 Winter Reading Guide
• The 2021 Winter Reading Guide

Looking for a more curated book list?

• The 2024 Winter Reading Minimalist List
• The 2023 Winter Reading Minimalist List
• The 2022 Winter Reading Guide Minimalist List
• The 2021 Winter Reading Guide Minimalist List

Interested in adding classic books to your reading list?

• Classic Books to Read in Winter

Looking for winter-themed books?

• 12 Winter Books to Cozy Up With by the Fireplace

Want to listen to a podcast episode?

• 6 New Books to Read this Winter

Tips To Make Your Reading Cozy

Now that you have winter book lists and recommendations of books to read, here are some tips to make your winter reading season even cozier:

Create an inviting space

Whether it’s a comfortable chair by the fireplace or a cozy bed with lots of pillows and blankets, make sure your reading space is warm and inviting.

Set a reading goal

Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books during the winter season. This will give you something to work towards and keep you motivated to continue reading.

Switch up genres

Don’t limit yourself to just one genre – try mixing it up! From romance to mystery, historical fiction to self-help, there are endless options to choose from. This will keep your reading experience interesting and diverse.

Join a book club

Winter is the perfect time to join or start a book club with friends or family. It’s a great way to stay connected and have meaningful discussions about the books you’re reading.

Read something new

Winter is a great time to discover new authors and genres. Take advantage of this season to explore books you wouldn’t normally read.

Reading during the winter is more than just a cozy way to spend your time – it has numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being.  So grab a warm cup of tea, find your perfect reading spot, and lose yourself in a book this winter season.  Happy reading!

Do you read during the winter?

Do you think winter is a good season for reading?  What books do you think are better reading in winter?  Let’s talk about all things winter and reading in the comments!