By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
I love winter. Oversized sweatshirts, wool socks, snowboarding trips, and hot chocolate in handmade mugs make the season special. While most might say that the best place to read is on the beach, I think that winter is the perfect time to crack open a new book.
Of course, there are major differences between a summer beach read and a winter book. February is the best time to read a heavier novel with serious undertones, like a hearty stew (and summer is for light reading, like a fruit salad).
From nonfiction to historical fiction to self-help, here are ten excellent winter reads:
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Everyone loves an underdog sports story. The bestselling Backman brings us a comeback to root for. Beartown’s junior ice hockey team is about to play the championship, and the town’s reputation lies in the hands of reckless teenage boys. A violent act against a young girl is exposed, and the dark secrets of Beartown might tear the community apart before a pivotal win can bring them together.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
When an influential couple ties the knot on a remote island in Ireland, trouble ensues. Readers will love jumping between narrators like the best man, wedding planner, bride, and plus-one. The creepy yet beautiful island becomes a character itself, and begs the question, “Which guest is a murderer?”
Band of Brothers
by Stephen E. Ambrose
It’s 1942, and a gaggle of American young men join the Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army. Ambrose details their basic training experience, D-Day arrival on the battlefield, and capture of Hitler. This read is perfect for history lovers, members of the Greatest Generation, or anyone desperate for camaraderie.
The Emperor of All Maladies
by Siddhartha Mukherjee
This is a biography of cancer, literally. The author, an oncological researcher, uses everyday language to explain the history of the disease and attempts to cure it. A complex topic is handled with care, interwoven with personal stories of cancer patients and survivors. Prepare to be moved.
One by One by Ruth Ware
Eight coworkers travel to a ski chalet for a company retreat, unexpectedly snowed in and stuck sitting by the rustic fire. By the end of the weekend, how many coworkers will be left? No one can be trusted, and survival trumps teamwork and collaboration. Ware’s suspenseful thriller will make your jaw drop.
The Nineties
by Chuck Klosterman
Do you miss Seinfeld, Kurt Cobain, and the Clinton/intern drama? For many of us, the nineties were our glory days, and Klosterman transports us back in time to simpler days. More importantly, you’ll learn about the crucial steps toward racial reconciliation, Middle Eastern revolution, technological evolution and films that changed the world. You’ll laugh and awe at this well-written book of historical essays.
Thank You for Listening
by Julia Whelan
Romance lovers, this fun romp will help you escape from the cold, gray days. An actress-turned-audiobook narrator meets a charming stranger at a book convention in Las Vegas. The two most-popular literary voices find intimacy, love and companionship an unexpectedly-sweet story.
Saturnalia by Stephanie Feldman
This urban fantasy takes place in Philadelphia at some point in the near future. It follows Nina, a former member of the Saturn Club and her strained relationship with Saturnalia, an ancient roman festival similar to Mardi Gras. Why did Nina leave all her closest friends and give up a career? What mysterious errand was she asked to run?
Transmuted by Eve Harms
If Stephen King is your fave, you’ll love this body-horror, modern-gory tale. Isa is a micro-influencer who happens to be transgender. A miracle-worker doctor offers face-feminization surgery and Isa can’t say no. The gruesome results are irreversible, and transform Isa from beauty icon to supermutant. You won’t believe what follows!
Atlas of the Heart
by Brene Brown
Vulnerability expert Brene Brown explores almost ninety emotions in her latest book and helps readers navigate their internal interpretations of their world. Brown literally offers a map to guide everyday folks through their unique stories, and helps each individual rewrite their narrative. If you want to be moved into beauty and action, look no further.
