Books to Get Through Winter

The dark days of Winter can be so difficult for some of us, especially me. I’ve written about this a number of times but truly struggle with motivation January-mid April. Sometimes longer, now that we live in Buffalo and sometimes it feels like it can snow at any moment until June comes.Between the dark days and utter exhaustion from the previous year’s Q4, I spent the first quarter of the year utterly depleted. But this year, I’m determined to lean into coziness of Winter without sacrificing my focus and motivation. I have a lot I want to do in 2023 and I’m determined to make it happen.

Non Fiction

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

I finally purchases this book this year. I know it’s made a huge difference for so many people, using the “secrets” of Danish society to inspire coziness, slowing down, and the beauty of Winter.

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A Lovely Life by Melissa Michaels

I adore books that celebrate the little things and inspire others to find the beauty in their everyday lives. This book does just that and it’s also great decor inspiration!

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Winter Living by Selina Lake

Part of loving Winter is loving where you spend it indoors. This is a book about how to decorate your home for the Winter months with style tips, easy DIYs, textures, and inspiration.

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Devotions by Mary Oliver

I am not a huge poetry reader, but a number of readers I trust love Mary Oliver. Poetry is romantic in every sense of the word and I think poetry was made for Winter.

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Simply Living Well by Julia Watkins

In the last year, I’ve become overwhelmed by STUFF. I love the idea of this book, as Winter in the time i want to purge everything from my life. It’s a guide to simple recipes, sustainable living, and cultivating a life that good for you and the planet.

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The Feast Nearby by Robin Mather

While researching books for this post, I came across this memoir and immediately requested it from my library. It sounds fascinating and another way to examine how capitalism has overtaken the quality of life in America. It’s about a woman who, after multiple hardships, has to move to her family’s cabin in Michigan and endure the harsh Winter conditions while living on a strict budget.

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Cozy: The British Art of Comfort by Laura Weir

I dream of moving back to the UK probably twice a week. There’s something about the cobblestones and uneven buildings older than you can even comprehend. So hygge may be the Danish way, but there’s also a British way to deal with grey, dreary weather in the Winter.

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The Art of Coorie: How to Live Happy the Scottish Way

Not into the Scandinavian or British methods? Try the Scottish way!

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FICTION

Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen

I read Romance year round but there’s something special about a book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy in the Winter. I haven’t read this book yet but the cover is so cute!

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Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown is one of my all time favorite books. I ADORE Backman’s writing and this book has stayed with me since I read it in 2019. It’s one of those books that sits in your stomach until you finish it and captures that feeling of bitter cold. Plus, it’s about a hockey town!

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The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

This has been on TBR for ages but I think I might finally read it on audio this year because every time I reread the synopsis, it pulls me in!

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The Great Alone. by Kristin Hannah

I vividly remember my experience reading this book. I read it while we were moving apartments during the hot days of June and it felt the darkest, coldest days of Winter possible. It does deal with domestic violence, so please be aware before going in.

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The Van Der Beekers of 141st Street by Katrina Yan Glasser

I ADORE this book. It takes place at Christmas but I wouldn’t say it’s overly Christmassy. It’s a middle grade so it would be great to read along with kids or students, but I also thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult.

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The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Another book set in Alaska that will simply sweep you away.

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Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

Even though I’m not a big thriller reader, I do get the itch to read a few during the Winter and this book is a perfect one to pick up if you like thrills, mystery, and an epic setting.

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Ski Weekend by Retkok Ross

I love skiing and the vibes of a ski weekend, but I wouldn’t want mine to take the turn this one does. It’s a YA thriller about a senior ski trip!

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Alright, leave your recommendations below! What kinds of books do you gravitate toward in the Winter? Romance? YA? Thrillers? Non Fiction? Let me know and leave any must reads in the comments!