One of the best ways to wind down from the stress of finals and to hide from the cold, snowy weather is to curl up by the fire and read a good book. Books are a remedy to cure all winter blues. You can battle dragons or help solve a murder mystery without every leaving the comfort of your home. Here I have complied a list of 10 different books to curl up with this winter break.
A Game of Thrones
Where do I even begin? As addictive as the HBO TV series is, the book magnifies it tenfold. “A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire” is written by George R.R. Martin. His series incorporates many different intricate plots that creates a very dynamic and intoxicating read. The ongoing battle over the Iron Throne. A Mother of Dragons awaits her long anticipated arrival to Westeros and a great army marches beyond The Wall and threatens the livelihood of the North and the rest of Westeros. If you like fantasy and traveling back to the time of knights and kings then this is the book for you. It is no easy read, but you will travel to some of the most amazing places and encounter some of the most complex characters ever imagined.
Milk and Honey
"Milk and Honey" is a beautiful and inspiring book about the survival of a woman who goes through abuse, love, and loss. Rupi Kaur opens up about her experiences and offers an extremely personal and powerful rendition of her life through her collection of poetry. It’s a book that helps to empower women and to bring solace to those suffering in similar situations as herself. This is a book that should be read in the privacy of your room as to allow yourself to soak in all of what Rupi has to say and take from it what you will. You will not regret picking up and reading this book because you will learn things you never knew about yourself.
A Monster Calls
“A Monster Calls” is a deeply moving book written by Patrick Ness about a young boy, his seriously ill mother, and the unexpected arrival of an unwanted visitor. Patrick Ness’s novel is inspired by the original idea of Siobhan Dowd before her untimely death. The main character, Conor, struggles with the reality of his mother’s illness, deals with problems faced at school, and comes to terms with his secret that he has kept hidden even from himself. Throughout the three tales his surprise visitor springs on him, he slowly comes to terms with not only his mother but even himself. It’s a sad but powerful and moving story that you wont be able to put down until the very last page.
13 Reasons Why
If there was ever a book that made you sit and think, really think, hard about every interaction you have ever had with another person, Jay Asher’s novel “13 Reasons Why” is that book. It’s a book that forces you to look deeper into yourself and opens your eyes to the realty of suicide and how the words and actions you say have a larger impact. The book follows the narration of the main character, Clay, who receives a box full of tapes in the mail. There are 7 tapes in total, each double sided; 13 of those tapes have recorded messages on them from a girl named Hannah who had recently committed suicide. Each person the box of tapes is sent to had, in some way, played a role in her eventual suicide. Each person is blackmailed into listening to all the tapes; otherwise another box of tapes will be sent out for everyone to hear, the truth no longer remaining in secret. Each tape builds on the other, creating a snowball effect that could not be stopped. Some of the interactions seem minor, while others are quite obvious; but each are vital to her message and suicide. It’s an eye opening book and a must read.
The Girl On The Train
“The Girl On The Train,” written by Paula Hawkins, is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The main character, Rachel, takes the train everyday into the city to work and everyday she watches this couple adoringly and pictures their perfect life together; until something goes wrong. Rachel desperately tries to piece together her missing memories and finds out the reality that alluded her from the very beginning. This thriller will have you questioning everything and have you start to lose trust in Rachel as the story goes on because nothing is as it seems.
In A Dark, Dark Wood
“In A Dark, Dark Wood,” written by Ruth Ware, is also another psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until you turn the last page. Leonora, the main character, is asked to join her old friend, whom she has not spoken to in years, at her bachelorette party out of the blue. After much hesitation, she agrees and sets off to the party. Unbeknownst to her, Leonora’s arrival became the recipe for disaster. All the guests of the bachelorette party are sent through a weekend of hell and have to figure out how they will survive the weekend trapped in a snowstorm. Uneasy truth’s are revealed and unwanted casualties take place as the weekend unfolds. This is a great winter read with a surprising twist.
A Man Called Ove
“A Man Called Ove," written by Fredrik Backman, is a heart warming story about the unlikeliest of friends, a curmudgeon of an old man and a rambunctious young new family, coming together and learning to understand each other for who they truly are. This novel implores you to look beyond the surface and take time to get to know people because you never know what amazing friendships can blossom. This bestseller tops the charts and is a witty and enjoyable book to curl up to this winter break.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: Original Screenplay
J.K Rowling does it again in her most recent installment in the magical world of Harry Potter: “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.” It takes Potterheads back to the 1920s and to the Wizarding World in the United States of America. You learn a whole new system and introduces you to an entire new cast of quirky and fun wizards. Although she is telling this tale through movies she released her screenplay of the movie in book form where you can follow Newt and his friends as they rally up his creatures as they run amuck in New York City. It’s a great way to quench your Harry Potter desires and relax by the fire over winter break.
Two By Two
Nicolas Sparks works his magic once again in his newest book, “Two by Two”, that follows the struggles of being a single parent and having everything you once had stripped away from you. Russel Green must figure out how to adapt to his new lifestyle while also raising his daughter to the best of his ability. Unexpected things fall within Russel’s path as his abilities are tested throughout the novel. This is another heartwarming and relatable book by Sparks that will captivate readers until the end.
Shadow and Bone: The Grisha Trilogy
“Shadow and Bone” is the first installment in The Grisha Trilogy written by Leigh Bardvgo. This #1 New York Times Bestseller takes you to a whole new world of magic, war, and romance. My favorite author Rick Riordan comments that, “Bardugo crafts a first-rate adventure, a poignant romance, and an intriguing mystery all in one book!” This is a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and follows the journey of Alina Starkov as she becomes a member of a magical elite force led by a mysterious Darkling. If you are a fan of fantasy, romance, and adventure than this is the book for you.
