Winter is Coming
As the cold weather continues this winter, what better way to spend your cozy time than with a novel? It can be hard to keep up with your reading goals with busy schedules and tired minds, but by the end of this blog post, you’ll have some good reading suggestions to make this winter enjoyable.
Boosting Serotonin in the Dark
With reading becoming a habit that fewer and fewer people are drawn to, why should you pick up a book in your free time as opposed to your phone? Well, studies show the health benefits associated with reading.
According to Nuvance Health and their article, “A must-read: Physical and mental health benefits of reading books“
“By observing changes to blood flow in the brain, researchers can see that reading stimulates the brain’s neural pathways. This stimulation enhances brain activity, memory and cognitive function — ultimately boosting your creativity and expanding your capacity to learn.”
Why This Matters
When you choose to regularly read, the soft stimulation actually has multiple benefits.
- Reduces stress
- Improves sleep
- Lowers blood pressure
- Promotes mental health long-term
- Enhances critical thinking and creativity
- Helps improve empathy and regulate emotions
- Releases endorphines (feel-good hormones)
- Prevents isolation
- Reduces your risk of depression and dementia
Phones are toxic to your own attention span and mental health. During the winter months, your mental health matters more than ever.
Also looking to improve your creativity? Find more tips and tricks on the blog post below!
History of Reading in Winter
During the 19th century, reading changed for the better. As working hours changed and led to additional time for recreation, the new rise in literacy, public libraries (1850s), and affordable reading material helped to make reading a new popular hobby, especially during the winter months.
Using your freewill is more important now than ever. Get to your local library and receive a free education simply by choosing to read instead of doomscrolling.
Winter Reads
If you like romanticising winter, these novels are for you. Whether winter is your favorite season or just a beautiful aesthetic that sets the stage for your daydreams, these stories will warm your cold bones with wonder and imagination.
Wurthering Heights
By Emily Brontë
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
In Yorkshire, Lookwood stumbles into Wuthering Heights, where he learns the past love triangle between Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar Linton. This winter tale is the perfect representation of longing and generational trauma.
The Long Winter
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
Whether you have read any of the first novels in the Little House on the Prairie series, this novel is the perfect encapsulation of the harsh realities of winter. Snowed in for months, Laura and her family barely survive the winter as her husband, Almanzo, figures out a way to save the starving town.
Balto and the Great Race
By Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Set in 1945 Alaska, this winter tale follows a dog sled team led by Balto, who saves many lives by bringing medicine to those affected by the cold.
Call of the Wild
By Jack London
“A man with a club is a law-maker, a man to be obeyed, but not necessarily conciliated.”
While living a pampered life as a pet, Buck is captured and lives out as a sled dog in the Alaskan winter, hardening him to take on the expedition to search for gold in the deep snow.
White Fang
By Jack London
“He was a silent fury who no torment could tame.”
Another London novel, following a wolf pup, White Fang, who survives through harsh winter, starvation, and forced dog fights during the gold rush in the Yukon.
Frankenstein
By Mary Shelly
Despite themes in popular media, Frankenstein is mostly set during the winter in the Arctic. Dr. Victor becomes obsessed with reanimating dead flesh, and, after succeeding, chases down his creature while following his trail of vengeful destruction.
The Shining
By Stephen King
“This inhuman place makes human monsters.”
Set in the Overlook Hotel, a family of three finds the mysterious hauntings of the past dead start to speak in violent ways, leading to the father’s madness during the winter quarantine.
The Secret History
By Donna Tartt
“Genuine beauty is always quite alarming.”
In Vermont, as winter sets in, a group of six classical students finds out the repercussions of learning the secret incantations from the past.
The Road
By Cormac McCarthy
“You have my whole heart. You always did.”
In a post-apocalyptic world set in winter, a father and son journey to find food and shelter while avoiding the “bad guys” who are raping, murdering, and eating people.
The Giver
By Lois Lowry
In a futuristic world where everyone’s future is preplanned, and emotions are numbed, Jonas meets the Giver and journeys with a child across Elsewhere in the winter to discover the realities of true living.
Novels to Escape the Cold
If winter is too tiresome, try reading a novel set in the warm sun, and escape reality with these summer reads!
Island of the Blue Dolphins
By Scott O’Dell
A stranded Native American woman, Karana, is left alone on an island off California, where she must survive till rescue comes. With its daring adventures, this is a great read to escape the winter freeze.
Dandelion Wine
By Ray Bradbury
“The first thing you learn in life is you’re a fool. The last thing you learn in life is you’re the same fool.”
When winter feels exhausting, read a tale that perfectly encapsulates the creativity and joy of childhood.
The BFG
By Roald Dahl
“Dreams is full of mystery and magic . . . . Do not try to understand them.”
An orphan child named Sophia is taken by a friendly giant to Giant Land, where she learns how dreams are brought to others and how “human beans” have been eaten by giants for years.
The Pearl
By John Steinbeck
“Luck, you see, brings bitter friends.”
A poor, struggling family of three lives by the sea, and once their prayers of finding a large pearl are answered, a series of unfortunate events ensues.
Picnic at the Hanging Rock
By Joan Lindsay
In this enchanting summer, a group of schoolgirls goes mysteriously missing after a picnic, leading to the downfall of their boarding school. This novel will make you envision yourself in the wild nature of Australia, away from the bliss of winter.
The Mysteries of Uldolpho
By Ann Radcliffe
After the death of her parents, Emily is wrapped up in the mysterious and supernatural contents of her family’s papers as she travels to meet her possible new husband. The beautiful poetry of the countryside will make you forget winter’s monotony.
Northanger Abbey
By Jane Austin
Catherine moves from her rural upbringing into society in Bath. There, her innocence is slowly taken advantage of as she looks for a suitor. Like other novels by Austin, this is a well-written spring lovestory, perfectly escaping the dismal winter months.
To The Lighthouse
By Virginia Wolfe
If you wish you were by the sea this winter, this novel will transport you there. The Ramsey family goes to their summer home by the sea and their lighthouse, which mysteriously is off limits for visitation. The tale follows mundane life and internal conflicts within the household.
To Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
The Finch family lives in rural Maycomb. As the father battles in civil court for the innocence of a black man, the town’s racism is explored. The heat of the town adds to the escalating violent activity.
Invisible Man
By Ralph Ellison
Invisible Man explores the internal and social issues faced by African Americans in the 20th century. One of the greatest novels of all time, the layered themes of this piece allow for continuious read throughs this winter with new perspectives uncovered each time.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
By Betty Smith
While tired of living in her Brooklyn apartment, Francie makes do with her life in this coming-of-age novel. If you are longing for a novel that will take multiple sessions to finish this winter, this may be the perfect choice.
The Penderwicks
By Jeanne Birdsall
A family of four sisters goes on a summer vacation where they encounter a strange neighborhood boy and the adventures that ensue. Reimagine your own childhood memories in the summer to help get you through this winter by picking up this book today.
Conclusion And Recommendations
So, whatever this winter brings you, romanticize your experience with some quality reading. Many studies have backed the long-term benefits of reading. Considering winter is an infamous season for poor mental health, boost your own happy hormones through a winter story or escape from it.
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