It’s winter, and for me, that means being curled up on the couch with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. As a New England kid, I have spent plenty of days in this position, and wanted to share with you a few of my picks to read this season.
For a sweet rom-com: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
I recently picked this novel up from my family’s” Little Free Library”, a community place to drop off and pick up books. I had read Fangirl by Rowell years ago, but had never heard of Attachments. To be honest, my expectations weren’t too high at the beginning of the book, but boy was I wrong! This novel is told from two points of view, the first of which is Lincoln O’Neill, as he struggles to find purpose and identity while working a night shift security job. The second is Beth Fremont, a journalist in the newsroom that Lincoln provides security to. But, Beth’s perspective isn’t told through her first person narration; instead her account is described through emails between Beth, and her co-worker, Jennifer Scribner-Snyder. Beth and Jennifer’s emails range from down-right hilarious to heart breaking, as they surf the wave of adulthood between work projects. Little do Beth and Jennifer know, Lincoln actually has access to their messages, and begins to feel like friend to the women. Throughout this slow-burn romance are moments of true friendship, finding oneself, and pure wholesomeness. I sped through Attachments, reading it in one sitting, and truly recommended it to everyone!
Attachments numbers: published April 14, 2011 | 3.87 stars on Goodreads | 325 pages
For contemplation of life: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
My mom got this book up for me as a Christmas gift this year, and after reading the back, I was thoroughly intrigued. By the time I read the first few chapters, I was so deeply invested in Nora’s life that I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see where the Midnight Library took her next. The Midnight Library is the story of Nora Seed, who has become deeply disenchanted with her life. One fateful night, she decides to give up, leading her into the Midnight Library. Within this in-between space, Nora is forced to contemplate her life choices, and the possibilities that each choice brings. As she alters her life, and lives out different realities, the fragileness of life comes crashing down around her. The Midnight Library truly makes its readers slow down, and enjoy the preciousness of each day.
The Midnight Library numbers: published August 13, 2020 | 4.00 stars on Goodreads | 304 pages
For a deep-cutting memoir: My Body by Emily Ratajkowski
My Body was given to me by a friend for my birthday this past year, after we had discussed how intriguing the book sounded. Even though I had read reviews and the synopsis of this book, I don’t think I was truly ready for how hard it hit me. Not only is the story a sad reflection of the respect women carry in our society,but it feels worse because every page of it is true. My Body spells out Emily Ratajkowski’s rise into fame and her career, as a woman just trying to do her best. It explores feminism, sexuality, and the power dynamic between men and women, and how it is rationalized within our society. Ratajkowski details the horrific experiences she was put through, and the experiences she chose that turned out horrific in the end. I truly believe that this is a must read for everyone, as is a show-all of the abuse, fetishization and misogyny that women in our society face, told more nakedly than I have ever read before.
My Body numbers: published November 9, 2021 | 4.02 stars on Goodreads | 237 pages
Bonus recommendations:
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver: the cutest NYC romcom, dealing with nostalgia, change and true love, with gelato and family at its center. published 2023 | 3.72 stars | 384 pages
Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch: by one of my absolute favorite YA authors, this is an adorable teenage romcom set in Salem, MA (New England!) as they find their families, magic, and uncover secrets together. published 2022 | 4.07 stars | 384 pagesDays at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa: translated from Japanese, this short novel is an absolute delight to read, as it focuses on the small moments, and little realizations of life, surrounded by books that teach of life, love and healing. published 2010 | 3.66 stars | 150 pages