Books to Love on Cozy Winter Evenings
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The days are cold and all I really want to do is curl up with a blanket, cup of tea, and a good book. Oh, and of course a burning candle nearby for a warmer ambience. Perhaps I’m just trying to keep a little the passing holidays alive too?
When I do have the time to make this scenario happen, I really want a book I can really sink into—and really enjoy. Here’s my recommendations of books I have read recently or are currently reading:
Fiction:
Janet and Allan Ahlberg: The Jolly Postman and The Jolly Christmas Postman
These are children’s books, perfect for ages 3-7(ish). My 2 year old is enjoying them too! I grew up with The Jolly Postman and was recently introduced to The Jolly Christmas Postman.
Both books follow a postman on a fantastic route, delivering letters to fairytale characters. There are pages crafted as envelopes with the actual letters/magazines inside. I remember fondly taking the letters in and out of the envelopes as a child—which my son now loves to do! Of course, these books are great for teaching children about the postal system—and the stories are amusing for adults too!
Deborah Harkness: The All Souls Series
The All Souls Series has recently expanded to include a fifth book: The Blackbird’s Oracle. I would recommend starting at the beginning though to get a full grasp of the storyline. This series introduces you to a whole society of witches, vampires, and demons living alongside the current human world. However, this series is for adults—so if you really liked Harry Potter or Twilight, you’d likely enjoy this one!
Academic Diana Bishop is a witch, but avoids using her powers and prefers to live as a “normal” human. However, a chance meeting with a magical book during her academic research brings her further into the magical society and forces her to understand her powers.
Eowyn Ivey: The Snow Child
I just finished reading this wonderful story! A story of love, loss, and hardship, an older childless couple moves to the wilderness of Alaska to build a new farm and life. One night they build a little girl from the snow—-only to find her missing the following morning. However, a real life girl soon arrives from the wilderness, wearing the same scarf and mittens of the snow girl. The couple’s life changes.
I am enjoying this book during this cold month. I am taking in the strength of community and family shown against the harsh Alaskan land. Each character draws a strength out of another and the characters surprise you—even if you are always wondering if the snow child will disappear one day.
Natalie Jenner: Jane Austen Society
Perfect for Jane Austin lovers, this novel explores the unlikely friendship between Jane Austin aficionados in the small village of Chawton, England post-WW2. Creating a society dedicated to preserving Jane Austin’s memorabilia, these characters also cultivate relationships—gaining much more than a simple society.
Meg Shaffer: The Wishing Game
We have great wishes as children and this story revisits those wishes of several characters. Two of the characters, a teacher and a foster-care child wish for nothing more than to become a family. A favorite author’s contest might just allow these wishes to come true…but will the effort pay off?
NonFiction:
Judi Dench/Brendan O’Hea: Shakespeare-The Man Who Pays the Rent
This interview-style memoir is a humorous reflection on Judi Dench’s career as a leading actress. Her thoughts on varying productions and on playing various Shakespearean characters is an eye-opening perspective of all things on and off the stage. If you are a theater or Shakespeare fan, then this book is a must read!
Anthony Fauci: On Call
Dr Fauci is obviously very well-known for his COVID pandemic press conferences. However, this memoir is a reflection on his overall career— of which COVID was a small segment. His involvement in research during the HIV-AIDS pandemic was a huge part of his career— followed by involvement in treating Ebola and a multitude of other diseases. This is a very eye-opening account into the view of a very private and humble man.
Kentaji Brown Jackson: Lovely One
I recently finished this autobiography and I was filled with energy while reading it. Obviously Ms Jackson has worked really hard to get to her dream job on the United States’ Supreme Court, but she did so against varying odds and while raising a family. For me personally, reading this while also having a young child and juggling varying responsibilities, was relatable and encouraging. While much of the memoir is uplifting, Ms Jackson does not hide family struggles—I particularly thank her for her candor in struggling with breastfeeding her first child (a very common and not discussed issue).
Trevor Noah: Born A Crime
Trevor Noah is professionally funny, but always also manages to point out his honest perspectives. His autobiography is no different. Born to a black mother and a white father in South Africa, his entire existence was secret outside his family for a time. Read along as Trevor navigates his identity and causes mischief in his family!
I hope this helps you find a favorite book for a cozy evening. Did you have any favorites on this list?
