Reading in winter

In 2016, I decided that as a self-proclaimed reader, it was time I celebrated my favourite season with Christmassy books and not just Christmassy films. That little experiment worked so well, I’ve continued it year-upon-year.

In 2019, I expanded the experiment to include wintry reads – books which take place in the darker months of the year, or those set in snowy climes. But what makes it a success is when I put together a list, otherwise it’s all too easy for me to get diverted – one example being the year I first read a cozy Christmas mystery, only to end up reading lots more mysteries with absolutely nothing festive or wintry about them 😉

So, how does a person go about making a list of suitable reading material?

I realised that among the suggestions for filling in the holes of my Reading Across the USA experience were 5 books which met the brief, and with that, I was off.

I realised that I’ve had Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory on my Amazon list for absolutely ages, so that made 6, before I spotted that Tove Jansson (of Moomins fame) had written A Winter Book – a partner to her book on summer, which I’d found a lovely and gentle read.

Now up to 7, I’m afraid I got carried away, and offerings from Isabelle Allende, Ali Smith, John Banville and Laurie Lee got added too. Long story short, I’ve ended up with a list which is 17 books long!

As, on average, I read at the rate one book a week, this list is clearly too long, and preposterously so – even though I’m starting somewhat earlier than usual – for I suspect I’ll be ready for a change of scenery and tone before I get to the end of it.

I tried to persuade myself it would mean there’ll be books ready and waiting for me when I get to this time next year, leaving me a ready-made list for winter 2025. But I’ll admit to seeing the weakness in my theory 😉

I am showing my potential list below for any who might be interested in case you fancy trying out my little seasonal reading practice, and while I won’t be asking you to offer any more candidates, I’m never upset if you do 🙂

Are you a seasonal reader (or viewer) – be that winter or summer? As I’ve not seen a Christmas/wintry film to love in a little while – do please offer your recommendations.

© Debs Carey, 2024

Winter 2024/2025 reading list

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
The Great Unknown by Kristin Hannah
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Winter by Ali Smith
Midwinter Murder: Fireside tales from the Queen of Mystery by Agatha Christie
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Winter People by Gráinne Murphy
Still Life by Louise Penny
Light on Snow by Anita Shreeve
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Fifty Words for Snow by Nancy Campbell
Snow by John Banville
Village Christmas by Laurie Lee
A Winter Book by Tove Jansson

20 thoughts on “Reading in winter”

Add yours

  2. Ha ha! Nooooo… I’d never say that. If you’ve got any, do throw them my way, ‘cos you’ve not failed me yet.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I don’t usually do seasonal reading (maybe because we don’t have much in the way of seasons where I live). My book club will often pick a short Christmassy or snowy book to read in December because so many members have a full calendar then. My favorite was Small Things like These by Claire Keegan. If you haven’t read it, maybe you could fit another on your list (it’s only 128 pages). It is so well written.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I usually choose a book, not by the season but by my moods and whims. Recently, hoping to get in the mood for writing a new short story, I bought Joyce Carol Oates’ newest short story collection. I’m getting the feel for some different techniques, but the stories are so dark that I had to take a break and read something a little lighter, so I bought The Hunter by Tana French. It’s quite pleasant so far. We’ll see.

    I’ve enjoyed some of the books you list above: Snow Falling on Cedar (which takes place near here), Winter Garden, and Still Life. Some others sound familiar, but if I’ve read them, I’ve forgotten.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Totally get that Tater, after all, reading is a practice for enjoyment not about should or should-nots. I’ll look out for your regular reading updates to check out which Christmas themed book your club selected, and what you thought about it.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Glad you like it Jane 🙂 It’s not something I ever did with my book club, although I may have had the idea after it ended. I’d be interested to hear of your book club’s reaction, and their experience if it’s something you try.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Ah yes, an obvious disconnect there Autumn. Having been brought up having tropical Christmases, maybe that’s why I enjoy leaning into the winter season so much in my reading.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Janis, that makes good sense. My old book club tried to limit the length of books we selected, although the first one was a chunky old read at over 700 pages. I’m so pleased to hear praise for Small Things Like These – it was my absolute favourite from last year’s Booker list, even though it didn’t win. Just a gorgeous piece of perfection. Have you read any of her other books? Some of them are lovely too – as well as being short! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Oh, how interesting Nicki. I’ve gone through phases with short stories in the past, and recently read Kate Atkinson’s ‘Normal Rules Don’t Apply’ which was enjoyable, but there were links between some of the stories and I’m not entirely sure how I felt about that. I’ll check out Joyce Carol Oates’ book, as I’m always interested in seeing writing techniques, but thank you for the warning of their darkness. I really enjoyed Tana French’s earlier books in the Dublin Murder squad series.

    Like

  13. There’s an obscure little indie film about a man in a small town who believes the world would be better off without him, but an angel shows him how important he truly is. You should check it out sometime. “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

    Liked by 1 person

  15. 😀 😀

    While I know your reply was tongue in cheek, does it also say there’s been a dearth of really good Christmas films of late I wonder…

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Yes Janis, I’m the same as you with films, but have already given Himself notice I want to see that one. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cillian Murphy in the lead role, but he’s so passionate about it and the importance of its message, I’m putting my concerns aside about his star factor overwhelming the cast and the storyline.

    Like

  18. I’m not sure if I’ve read a Christmas-themed book. I know I’m not much for Hallmark Christmas movies, but a book might be different. I’ve never thought about this before.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Ally, I think it was a random comment on Twitter which prompted my first thought on the subject. Fortunately the choices I made that year worked really well for the whole getting into the Christmas spirit, so I continued. I expanded it to being the wintry theme, as I’d started to run into too many chick lit offerings. I’m with you on Hallmark Christmas films, but remain ever hopeful that someone will do a good new one sometime….

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑