Wintry Reads
The first snow of the year is magical. It quiets the usual outside noise and makes the world beautiful. All through December, the snow keeps that special feeling. Christmas magic intensifies that, with lights sparkling through the whiteness and the cozy warmth of family traditions. In January, it hasn’t lost all of its sparkle yet, but it dims. The snow starts to look dingy and gray. It melts a bit and refreezes into a hard crust that’s no longer pleasant for playing in. By February we will all be ready to see it melted and gone. Granted, I’m speaking as a resident of Utah. For many of you, this may not be true of the place you live. Maybe you don’t even own a winter coat, because you’d never have reason to wear it. Regardless of where you live or what the weather is like outside your window, there’s no better time of year to curl up with a good book. Books make everything better and they can definitely help to bring a little magic to any landscape, snowy or not. Here are some of my favorite wintry reads:
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
This book, set in Alaska in the 1920’s, is a beautiful story that reads like a fairy tale. It’s the story of Jack and Mabel, a childless couple who move to Alaska for a fresh start. It’s a harsh environment for new homesteaders and under the strain of hard work and loneliness, they begin to drift apart. One day, in an uncharacteristic moment of playfulness, they build a child out of snow together. That act begins a big change in their lives and brings them closer together as well.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Because there is no actual snow in this one, it only barely qualifies for this list… The setting is a lighthouse in South West Australia. It’s located at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, and because of this it is subject to severe storms. Those storms, paired with the isolation of the characters, felt very cold and wintry to me. Like “The Snow Child” this book starts with a couple living alone, far from civilization and longing for a child. They eventually make a choice that changes their lives and the lives of others forever. It’s a very moving exploration of right and wrong, love and loss, longing and forgiveness. Also, there is a movie version coming out this year so if you like to read the book first, get on it! Content note: There are a few instances of strong language.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
I hate that the first time I heard this title, I ignored it thinking it was some kind of fan fiction trashy romance. Fortunately, after it was recommended to me by someone I knew wouldn’t read that kind of thing, I actually took the time to look it up. I’ve read a lot of literature, fiction and non-fiction, about WWII. This was the first I learned about the deportation of citizens of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union. They were taken from their homes, forced into work camps and prisons, and killed or worked to death. The characters in this story are sent to the North Pole and live in freezing and filthy conditions on the brink of starvation. There are obviously some very hard topics covered in this book and some disturbing scenes. I found it powerful, emotional, and eye opening.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Set in France in WWII, this is the story of two sisters and the way they each deal with the German Occupation. They are faced with different, but great, obstacles and fight for survival and freedom. It’s beautifully written, heart wrenching, and powerful. I loved that it focused on the story of two women. We often think of the sacrifices of men who fight the enemy, but less often about the women who were forced to house them. This book made me want to hold my children close and it made me grateful for the fact that my house is heated all through the winter. Like “Between Shades of Gray,” this book covers difficult content and contains some disturbing scenes.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
If you’ve never read this book, you should definitely change that. It’s a classic. On the slim chance that you’re unfamiliar with it, and the movie it inspired, let me have the honor of introducing you. Four siblings step through a wardrobe and into Narnia, a magical land frozen in eternal winter and controlled by the white witch. It’s a story rich with symbolism, love, and sacrifice. It’s beautiful and timeless and my favorite of “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
While we are on the subject of my all time favorite books, lets talk about Jane Eyre. It’s another one that I assume most of us have read, whether by choice or by assignment. It’s an incredible story about a woman who faces terrible hardship in her life and comes out of it a strong, independent, admirable survivor. There are beautiful descriptions of winter as well as scenes that make you shiver just reading about them. Jane makes tough choices and ultimately ends up very happy. If you didn’t love it when you read it in high school English class, give it another try.
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is an incredible story teller. I love his magical, unique style of writing. That said, I’ve mainly read books he’s written for kids. I started one of his adult books and found it far too adult for my taste. His stuff for younger audiences, though, is delightful and so well done. This one is a short, quick read. Based on Norse mythology, it’s the story of a boy named Odd who finds himself called on to rid Asgard of the Frost Giants who are causing winter to never leave. He accomplishes this in a very unexpected way. It’s fun and light and you could easily share it with your children.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
This is another book for young readers and I’ve loved it since the third grade. While their parents go on a voyage, two young girls are left in the care of a cruel guardian, Miss Slighcarp. Their lives are upended and they are sent away to a horrible school. The once happy girls are left miserable and trying to escape. It’s perfect for kids, but very enjoyable for adults as well. The setting is chilling between the cold and the wolves and Miss Slighcarp, the villain you will love to hate. Give it a try, or at least give it to your favorite third grader.
The Magic of Ordinary Days by Anne Howard Creel
A minister’s daughter from Denver is on track to get her master’s degree during WWII. Things change for her when she is subject to an arranged marriage with a man she’s never met. She becomes a farmer’s wife, living far from civilization and particularly isolated during the snowy winter months. She befriends two Japanese American sisters who live in an internment camp nearby. It’s an interesting and entertaining read.
What are your favorite books to read in the winter? Can you think of any great wintry ones that I left off? I’d love some recommendations!
