Winter’s Best Book Recommendations

Picture this: The world beyond your window is bathed in a soft, silvery glow, the air crisp and biting. Delicate snowflakes, like tiny pieces of stardust, descend from the sky, draping the landscape in a shimmering white blanket. Inside, a cosy fire crackles in the fireplace, a mug of your favourite warm beverage rests on the table, and you’re nestled in your comfiest spot, wrapped in soft blankets. The scent of a fragrant candle fills the room, while instrumental music adds to the inviting ambiance. The only thing missing from this idyllic scene is the perfect book.

This is the essence of winter at its finest—a time for snuggling by the fireplace with a captivating book. The following list encompasses a diverse range of books that span thrilling mysteries and heartwarming tales, but they all share one thing in common: they’re a perfect complement to the winter season. So, as snowflakes gently fall and the fire crackles, pick up a book and immerse yourself in these literary wonders.

Barren Grounds by David Alexander Robertson

Two Indigenous siblings, Morgan and Eli, are placed in foster care and discover a mysterious portal to a magical world inhabited by ancient beings. Barren Grounds is not just a fantasy adventure, but also an exploration of Indigenous culture and heritage.

In a world where Indigenous stories are underrepresented, this novel serves as an important bridge, offering readers an opportunity to appreciate and understand Indigenous traditions.

By delving into the complexities of identity and family, readers embark on a journey that fosters empathy, identity, and resilience. It’s an essential read for those who want to be both entertained and enlightened by the power of storytelling.

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Melissa Albert’s enchanting narrative is more than just a dark fairy tale; it’s an invitation to unravel the layers of a mysterious and captivating universe. For those seeking an escape from the world, The Hazel Wood is filled with twisted folklore and various compelling narratives. Where reality blurs with fantasy, this novel is for readers who crave suspenseful twists and turns, and a plotline that stands out among other books. 

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House invites you into the chilling world of dark academia and the supernatural. Set in the mysterious grounds of Yale University, this read unfolds in a twisting plotline, complete with secret societies, ancient rituals, and a sinister backdrop that will leave you wanting for more. Here, readers are not only prompted to question character motives, but also analyse the structures that govern our own lives. As a dark reflection of the real world, Ninth House is a relevant read that challenges societal norms and an individual’s role in shaping the world.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Little Prince remains unchanged by time, inciting deep thoughts and reflection. In a world that’s always moving, this classic book is like a guiding light, reminding us to appreciate the simple things, embrace imagination, and connect with each other. Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s exploration and creativity makes this story more than just entertainment; It’s a friendly companion that brings comfort and wisdom, no matter your age or situation. It’s a special book that encourages readers to return to its pages, discovering new meanings each time and becoming a source of inspiration that lasts through the years.

Bunny by Mona Awad

Enter the unsettling world of an exclusive MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program as Samantha, an outsider, who becomes entangled with a clique of strange students. Bizarre, surreal, and compelling, Bunny is a psychological thriller with an intriguing twist.

It transcends the boundaries of typical psychological thrillers, emerging as a reflective mirror of societal expectations and the pressures to conform.

In Mona Awad’s narrative, readers question the masks we wear to fit in and the consequences of sacrificing individuality for acceptance. It’s a thought-provoking and unique novel for those seeking an intense and immersive read.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michealides

Curl up with the Silent Patient, a chilling psychological thriller that will captivate you on the coldest nights. Join the world of Alicia Berenson, a painter who, in a shocking twist, becomes a murder suspect and hasn’t spoken a word since. Here, Michaelides weaves a tale of guilt, trauma, and the search for the truth. Unravelling the intricacies of the human mind, this book mixes together fiction and human behaviour to create a captivating read that will keep you on your toes.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Step into the enchanting world of The Night Circus, a place of ethereal wonder where a magical competition unfolds in the cover of the night. This novel is filled with captivating imagery, from monochromatic circus tents and displays of magic, to a blooming love story between two illusionists. Morgenstern’s novel encourages readers to embrace dreams beyond the ordinary and push the boundaries of life. It’s a perfect read that offers a magical escape and infuses readers with a touch of the extraordinary in their lives.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

In the early 1900s, The Snow Child is a reminder of the importance of hope. In a world marked with struggle and challenge, Ivey weaves a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit. By merging the harsh realities of the Alaskan wilderness with magical realism, the novel becomes a symbolic journey, prompting readers to find beauty and wonder even in the midst of life’s harshest winters. It enforces feelings of hope in times of adversity and is a story of love and loss that creates a beautiful melancholic yet uplifting atmosphere.