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Some books are meant to be read in winter. These stories make people long to be huddled in a blanket with their book and a hot cup of tea. There’s no better way to spend the night than immersing yourself in snowy landscapes and stormy skies. From murder mysteries to fairytales, these winter books will keep people up all night.
1. The Bear and the Nightingale — Katherine Arden
Nothing screams winter more than a frost demon. The story follows Vasilisa and the winter demon; it’s a spin on Russian fairy tales. Vivid descriptions help readers imagine themselves in the same situation as the protagonists. This magical fairytale is set in the Russian wilderness. The snow drifts are taller than houses, and the winter lasts almost a year. This book is the first part of a trilogy, and reading the others is well worth the time.
2. Spinning Silver — Naomi Novik
Miryem is the protagonist, and her family is at the edge of poverty, but she finds a way to turn silver into gold. In this loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, Miryem faces the scariest monsters in the harshest conditions. With winter in her heart, she braves the cold surrounding her. Spinning Silver is an atmospheric story that will make the readers feel like they’re a part of Miryem.
3. The Left Hand of Darkness — Ursula K. Le Guin
A lone human travels to another planet called “Winter.” While there, he must reevaluate his cultural and political norms. The story continues as the readers delve into this exploration of an ambisexual society. Rich world-building makes this book more than just typical sci-fi. It almost feels like you’re reading a report about this new planet and its customs. After finishing this book, readers may question their own reality and ideals.
4. Winter’s Tale — Mark Helprin
Anyone who loves New York and snow will quickly fall in love with Winter’s Tale. Its lyrical writing places its readers right in the middle of a snowstorm in the city. However, it’s more than just the snow that the readers have to worry about. Helprin has readers examining their free will, rationality, and the very existence of nature. The fierce magical realism with a hefty dose of paranoia is the best way to end winters.
5. The Great Alone — Kristin Hannah
The Allbright family might have survived the Vietnam War, but the Alaskan winter is a different frontier. Readers experience the change in seasons with the family. The characters go through bright summers but must also survive harsh winters. Alongside the destructive natural elements, the darkness within the family also challenges the characters. This story will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
6. The Snow Child — Eowyn Ivey
How often do people wish the snowman they built would come alive? That’s what happens when an old couple builds a snowman only to find it missing the next day. Despite the wintery setting, the story radiates the warmth of love. The heartfelt narrative deals with the grief and loss of a child with love. It leaves readers crying, unsure whether their tears are from happiness or sadness.
7. The Enchanted Sonata — Heather Dixon Wallwork
Falling in love with a nutcracker seems very plausible if it’s as charming as the one in this book. This spellbinding retelling of The Nutcracker brings a world of music to the reader. There’s no fairytale as perfectly whimsical and seasonal as this. Who could resist the book’s candy shops, sparkling forests, bakeries, and jewels? It’s the perfect blend of humor, magic, and heartbreak. The farther one gets into the story, the more the melodies come to life.
8. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead — Beata Pozniak
The chilly nights of winter are the best time for murder mysteries such as this one. The title alone piques the reader’s interest. The story transports readers to a secluded Polish village. The descriptions of nature make people feel at home in the rural landscape. However, the book is just as philosophical as it is mysterious. The quick pacing leaves readers exhilarated and never bored.
9. Wuthering Heights — Emily Bronte
This book’s story opens in winter as Lockwood wanders to Wuthering Heights. The heavy makes him stay longer, and this classic novel begins. Many people compare winter and the relationship between two characters in the book, Heathcliff and Catherine. It acts as a parallel to their powerful, intense, yet dangerously stormy connection.
10. Ethan Frome — Edith Wharton
Anyone who enjoys Edith Wharton will be familiar with her poetic prose and lavish writing. In typical Wharton fashion, she tells the story of forbidden love against the grueling terrain of Starkfield. The love is as harsh and unforgiving as the snow blanketing the landscape. Winter acts as a metaphor for the love story. Ethan Frome is perfect for a melancholy, lonely winter night as the reader sits by the fire.
11. A Dark Horn Blowing — Dahlov Ipcar
A Dark Horn mixes melancholy storytelling with a fantastical setting. The detailed descriptions help visualize the imaginative environment the author builds. The readers follow the journey of Nora, who is stolen away from her family by the son of an evil king. The novel is otherwordly and eerie yet remains human.
12. Little Women — Louisa May Alcott
Despite many film adaptions, nothing beats the original book. This novel covers the main characters’ lives as they mature from teens to adults. Growing with the characters creates a sense of familiarity, comfort, and warmth. The story feels like a lifelong friendship between the readers and the protagonists. People of all ages can enjoy this endearing tale.
13. City of Thieves — David Benioff
Benioff takes a typical war story and turns it into an emotional piece. He creates a story about brotherly love and humor during the harsh winters of Russia. The story is set during World War II, which explains the tension and angst within the book. Thrust on a mission together, two young men bond as they become closer than brothers. Who doesn’t enjoy an excellent found-family novel?
14. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
In this winter novel, an isolated Northern Anishinaabe First Nations community in Canada loses all communication with the outside world. They struggle to find the reasons as they survive the vicious winter. Moon of the Crusted Snow is an apocalyptic slow burn. With every page, the reader feels the anxiety of the community. The story is incredibly well-executed and original. It views the apocalypse from a unique perspective.
15. Julie of the Wolves — Jean Craighead George
There’s something about Alaskan winter. All the best winter books take place on the slopes of Alaska; this one is no exception. Miyax runs away from home in an act of rebellion. However, it’s easy to get lost in winter. Soon, she finds herself befriending a pack of Arctic wolves who teach her how to survive. This book has it all, from wolves to self-discovery. It is a reminder of what it’s like to live in nature.
16. The Name of the Rose — Umberto Eco
There’s a reason The Name of the Rose was one of the most famous mystery novels of the 1980s. This novel is more than just a crime novel. The story is saturated with philosophical works whereby Eco imparts wisdom to his readers by stringing together complex texts. The mystery is set in an Italian monastery, leaving the reader with many questions. There’s no better pair than philosophy and cold nights.
17. The Golden Compass — Philip Pullman
Not every story treats winter as a cruel season. Some can make it their savior. The hope of seeing the northern lights keeps the story’s protagonist going. For her, the winter and the lights are her salvation. She befriends some polar bears and discovers her powers during her journey. The Golden Compass brings back the feeling of youth and young love. The target audience might have been teens, but all can enjoy reading it.
18 . Wintersmith — Terry Pratchett
What if the personification of winter fell in love with a person at a dance? That’s Tiffany’s fate when she accidentally dances with the Wintersmith himself. The atmosphere of the story is striking and detailed. Readers travel the mountains and the forest with Tiffany. For a young adult book, it maturely deals with adult themes. Only so many books can deal with humor and depth simultaneously.
19. Winterhouse — Ben Guterson
The story is just as magical and enchanting as the illustrations inside. The adventure follows Elizabeth as she ships off to the Winterhouse Hotel. Once there, she finds puzzles, games, and a tremendous library filling the hotel. With so many mysteries within the building, each page is an adventure. Any artist will be a fan of the mythical illustrations accompanying the tale.
20. Just Like Magic — Sarah Hogle
No winter is complete without a winter romance. When Bettie accidentally summons a holiday winter spirit, she has a chance for her wishes to come true. This romance story starts weird and quirky in comparison to others. Yet, it quickly takes a humorous turn. Readers like the bizarre story, though. The characters are sweet as cinnamon rolls and are perfect for a comforting Hallmark-style love story.
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