No matter what genre you prefer, there are great titles to add to your winter reading list!
Depending on where you live, winter can be a chilly and dark time of year. A great option to combat the winter chill is through a new book; you can escape to a warm, tropical island, a fantasy castle, or even a thrilling mystery.
It can be overwhelming to walk into a bookstore or library and see all the options, or even scroll through an online bookseller with so many different titles, so we’ve rounded up a list of interesting, captivating books for you to consider for winter reading.
While you may gravitate towards specific genres or authors, try branching out this winter to try a new short story or novel. And, if you want to turn your winter reading into a social activity, consider starting a book club, read-along, or book trade with your friends or neighbors!
Let’s dive into some top books for winter reading:
For the mystery lovers:
If you love a great mystery, this season is the perfect time to dive into a new one. Some of the most entertaining books for winter reading are mysteries, as they keep you in suspense and turning the pages for hours.
The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann is a darkly hilarious yet lighthearted murder mystery novel. You’ll follow along as not one, not two, but three murders are solved, and play along with the residents of a retirement community as they attempt to solve the mysteries. It’s a murder mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, is fun and entertaining, but also has the elements of a who-done-it that keep it engrossing for hours.
For more modern mysteries and a list of the top novels from the past year, check out this article.
For classic mystery thrillers, check out the collection by Agatha Christie, the novelist known as the “Queen of Suspense.” Her writings are well-known, loved by many generations, and proven to stand the test of time. Christie’s novels are many readers’ favorite mystery books for winter reading as they’re on the shorter side, delightfully entertaining, and full of page-turning suspense. Check out her collection here for a run-down of available novels.
Non-fiction fans:
Non-fiction books provide a great way to learn about a new topic, investigate a story, or read up on current (or historical) events. The New York Times publishes a list of notable non-fiction books each year, and there are a few top recommendations of books for winter reading on the list.
First up is Battle of Ink and Ice by Darrell Hartman; this novel is exciting as you get to relive the race for the North Pole and the ensuing media fight as two explorers both make the claim that they were the first to reach the goal. What makes this event more interesting is that different media publications took different sides, leading to a fantastically wild ride of mixed messages, media campaigns, and even outright deception.
Time’s Echo by Jeremy Eichler uses music to convey the loss and bring into focus a tangibility of understanding to World War II. It uses four different composers to situate the reader back into those moments in time. A fantastic way to learn about history, Eichler removes some of the time and distance between the event and the reader to better help them understand the impact of war and its consequences.
For self-help enthusiasts:
If you’re looking for a self-help book to tuck into this winter, consider checking out Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey. You’ll get science-backed solutions to improve the “family, friendship, work, and faith” pillars of your life.
Another great self-improvement book, specifically targeted towards seniors, is From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Rabbi Meshullam Zalman Schachter. It’s full of wise words and wisdom on aging, maintaining friendships, helping the younger generation, and embracing some of the changes happening during this period of life.
And, if you’re looking for some short stories and relatable anecdotes on life, consider looking into Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number: Black Women Explore Midlife. This book is a collection of essays written by women of color that details their life experiences in a coming-of-age style novel. Relatable, well-written, and impactful, this novel is sure to keep you entertained in the cold winter days.
For the thriller/horror fans:
If you’re a reader who likes high levels of suspense, creepy scenarios, or scary thrillers, checking out a frightening book may be a great way to keep you on the edge of your seat this winter! The September House by Carissa Orlando is a highly-praised, recently-released psychological thriller detailing a woman’s experiences in her own haunted house. But don’t let that fool you; this slight twist on a classic haunted house story is sure to have you turning the pages as you attempt to figure out who or what the real monster is.
If you like a thriller with an unreliable narrator (part of the fun is trying to pick apart the truths from the lies!), check out Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward. You’ll have hours of enjoyment sifting through reality, delusion, mystery, suspense, and a murder investigation in this book, released in late 2023.
This collection of books for winter reading is a great start, but there are endless opportunities to find your next novel! Consider stopping by your local public library if possible (take a friend if you’d like some company and pick a book out for each other!) or start a book club with your neighbors, friends, family, or others in your community. Reading is a great way to keep your mind sharp, and these books will keep you entertained during the cold winter days.
Whenever you finish these books, give one of these winter sports or winter crafts a try — then warm up with one of these toasty beverages when you’re done!
