Wintertime is the perfect season to finally get started on the New Year’s resolution that you made at the beginning of the year to read more books.
I have a list on my phone of all the books I want to read this winter. I imagine myself cuddled up in bed, a winter candle burning, a coffee on my nightstand and the snow falling as I read a good book. I can’t wait for this scene in my head to come to life (except for the snow part because I live in Texas).
Here is a list of books that I guarantee you will get lost in this winter:
Nonfiction
1. “Everything Beautiful in Its Time” by Jenna Bush Hager
All my good days begin with Hoda & Jenna on the TODAY show. The former first daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, projects a sense of normalcy and relatability in a life of fame. This proves true in her latest book. Jenna reflects on the lessons that she learned from her grandparents. This book is heart-warming and uplifting. You might even shed a tear or two.
2. “Talking As Fast As I Can” by Lauren Graham
I am the self-proclaimed biggest fan of “Gilmore Girls.” I relate to Rory Gilmore on a spiritual level. Her mom on the show, Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, is one of my favorite actresses. This book by her takes a look at her life and what it means to be a woman in the entertainment industry. It’s hard to read the book without reading it in her voice. I read this book as fast as I could.
3. “Bread and Wine” by Shauna Niequist
Shauna Niequist is the reason I want to be a writer. This is the only book of hers that I haven’t read yet. It is currently sitting on my nightstand and the book next up on my queue. A theme throughout all of Shuana’s books is the importance of community and vulnerability.
I expect the same to be true in “Bread and Wine.” This book is a collection of recipes and stories about relationships. She emphasizes the magic of sharing meals with people. I am excited to read this before a season of shared meals during the holidays.
4. “Dressed” by Shahidha Bari
This book by Shahidha Bari is for all fashion lovers. “Dressed” evaluates the philosophy of clothes and the role that they play in everyday life and culture. Shahidha believes the process of choosing an outfit is more than a random selection. She believes it is an intricate thought process that can reveal a lot about a person. My roommate gifted me with this book on my birthday, and I can’t wait to finish it.
5. “So Many Thoughts on Royal Style” by Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes is a journalist who started analyzing the royal family’s outfits on her Instagram account in a series of Instastories called “So Many Thoughts.” This book is an extension of that Instagram series.
Fiction
6. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
If any book will make you want to cuddle up by a fire, it’s “Little Women.” This classic tale on sisterhood, growing up and self-discovery should be read by everyone. It follows the lives of the March sisters as they mature and venture into womanhood. I cannot recommend this book enough!
7. “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton
If you like “The Great Gatsby,” you will love this book. Set in the 1920s in New York City, Newland Archer is encouraged to marry May Wellend. Their high society praises the reunion, and it seems like a match made in heaven. However, when May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska, enters the scene, Newland’s eye wanders. This is a story of both love and tragedy.
8. “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen
I can’t decide if I like this book more than “Pride and Prejudice.” The plot follows the lives of two sisters, Marianne and Elinor Dashwood after their father dies. One sister has sense and the other has sensibility. As they navigate a new life after their loss, they learn many lessons about responsibility and love.
9. “The Nanny Diaries” by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
I love the “The Nanny Diaries” movie starring Scarlett Johansson. The movie is based on this book, which I want to read. Having been a nanny myself, I find comfort and humor in the stories of the fictional character, Annie Braddock. I can’t wait to cozy up to this book over winter break.
10. “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis
If you want a taste of childhood during the break, I suggest you read this book. “The Magician’s Nephew” is the last book in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. It tells a beautiful story about the struggle between good and evil. It is not necessary to read the previous books. The story is so lovely. I just couldn’t put it down.
What books do you plan to cozy up with this winter? Are there any books you’ve been eager to read?
Image via Tony Li
