Winter is on her way! The sun is setting unbelievably early and the end of 2023 is creeping up all too quickly. This also means that those overly optimistic reading goals we all set in January are coming back around to haunt us. But, there is still time to read a few more books before the year comes to a close. Hopefully this little list I’ve come up with will help inspire you to meet those Goodreads goals. Or to just enjoy something new as we are in peak “curl up with a good book” season.Â
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
Okay, I know that this is not the typical book many would think of as a fun holiday read. But for fans of classics, or folks wanting to get into them, this book is perfect. We follow the story of the four sisters Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth as they figure out who they are and how to navigate life during the Civil War. This is a timeless story about sisterhood and coming of age told in such a beautiful way. Plus, it’s set around Christmas time. So if you’re looking for some holiday vibes, it can deliver.Â
Kiss Her Once for Me – Alice Cochrun
This book is a queer romcom that takes the classic fake marriage trope and adds a new twist. It follows Ellie Oliver, one year after a failed holiday meet cute, and she has found herself agreeing to pose as a friend’s fake fiancée. All is fine and dandy until she finds out that her new fake fiancée’s sister is the girl from last christmas. Now they are caught up in an awkward love triangle of sorts and have to decide what’s real and what’s fake. This book is good for folks wanting a cute, cozy read and fans of Last Christmas by Wham!.
A Midnight Clear – Lindy Ryan (ed.)
If you are missing the spooky season vibes already, this book will bring a haunting chill to the holidays. A Midnight Clear is a collection of short horror stories that range from a woman freezing to ice, to elves battling it out at Santa’s Candy Court. They all give a more sinister take on classic holiday traditions and tales. For anyone that’s a fan of Krampus mythology, this book is for you.Â
The Left Hand of Darkness – Ursula K. Le Guin
For science fiction fanatics, this book is amazing. Even for folks who aren’t, it’s still worth a read. We follow the story of a man who journeys to the alien planet, Winter, who’s society operates largely without gender. Our protagonist has to figure out how to navigate these new norms and how to interact in a society that operates so differently from his own. Rich with details, this book is a fascinating exploration of gender, sexuality, and psychology and the role all these play within our own society. Although it requires a bit more thought, it’s worth it should you find yourself craving academia over the winter break.Â
The Snow Child – Eowyn Ivey
This book blends historical fiction with magical realism to tell the story of a childless couple who live in the Alaskan wilderness. Their relationship is drifting apart but they try and salvage the marriage by building a girl out of snow. Later, they discover that the child has come to life in an olaf-like manner. They soon adopt her as their own, but she isn’t quite what she seems. The Snow Child admittedly has less holiday themes, but it does have plenty of winter vibes to help you manifest a white Christmas.
BONUS: Almost Midnight – Rainbow Rowell
This is an adorable short story about two friends who met at a New Year’s Eve party and end up meeting each other there every year. But as they grow up their feelings towards one another start to change and friendship may give way to something else. Perfect for folks wanting a cute, quick read, and for anyone who considers themself a hopeless romantic.Â
Good luck, and happy reading!