Winter calls for reads that make you feel warm and cozy. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of books to help us not sink into a pit of despair during the darker months, but instead, embrace wintering.
Watch my Good Things Utah segment where I review all these books below!
All the books are linked for you below. (And on sale, at the time of writing this!)
1. Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May
If you are in a place where you feel maybe a little jaded and forgot how to find joy, this is your book. Helps you find wonder and magic in the little things. Love that she doesn’t shy away from things we all face sometimes—depression, anxiety and offers the most hope-filled, non-placating, empathy.
2. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
This book and the concept of hygge was a turning point in how I experience winter. Instead of resisting it, I’ve learned to lean into the coziness, peace, and presence of hygge.
3. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Twenty years of real life letters between a writer and used bookstore owner in London. Just charming and witty and makes you want a real-life pen pal.
4. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A must-read for book lovers.
5. The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
A modern-day, YA re-telling of The Christmas Carol. Read it for book club and it was a great holiday read and discussion.
6. Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
A new favorite holiday rom-com. Set in Ireland, fake romance trope, and just delightful. Heads up: Has a steamy scene or two!
7. A Book that Takes It’s Time by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst
I have been preaching this book’s virtues for maybe ten years now? It’s just so pretty and the perfect gift. It’s full of interesting mindfulness articles and tips, fun, easy little crafts (nothing needed outside of the book), and things to pull out like postcards.
8. Devotions by Mary Oliver
Just one of the best, most comforting books of poetry out there. I love “When I Go to the Woods,” “Don’t Hesitate,” and “Wild Geese,” to name a few.
