Seasonal books are always available, but I don’t find myself caring too much about setting unless it is cold outside. Then, I want to read winter-themed books all about ice and snow.
It may be because Texas winters are so mild, but books about winter are always something I like to read after the holiday season. They are also perfect to read over winter vacation.
If you also like to read winter-themed books when it’s cold out, check out this list. You’ll find everything from children’s literature to winter-themed horror.
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Winter-Themed Books to Read When It’s Cold Outside
This collection of winter-themed books feature an amazing assortment of literature that goes beyond just a few flakes of snow. In many of these winter books, winter is essential to the plot and entire feel of the story.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is one of my favorite winter-themed books. I love this story. I first read this story when I was about 10 years old, and I’ve read it many times sense. It the perfect blend of magic and possibility and I enjoy revisiting this story most winters.
The Golden Compass
I read The Golden Compass as an adult, so it didn’t feel quite as magical to me as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but it still captures the feeling of cruel winter and epic adventures. I prefer reading sweeping, epic adventures when I read winter-themed books, which makes this a perfect fit.
If I Stay
If I Stay is quite sad. It is essential a melancholy teen romance novel. Although I didn’t really like the movie (somehow movies highlight depression without redeeming joy), I really loved the book. The writing perfectly captures the feeling of winter and I love the color contrasts in the descriptions.
Trapped
I haven’t read Trapped, but it looks like the perfect wintertime read. What happens when teens are snowed in at a school for an extended period? How would they survive? I like winter survivalist stories, so I’m adding this book to my list.
Let It Snow
If you are a fan of John Green’s books, then you will definitely want to read Let It Snow. This book is a collection of three winter-themed YA romances from popular YA authors including John Green.
Stone Mattress
Only the story called Alphinland is winter-themed in Stone Mattress, but Margaret Atwood is such an excellent writer you can’t go wrong reading the other stories alongside the book about winter.
The Woman in White
I’m not sure how much of this story is a winter-themed book, but it has everything I like to read during the winter. The Woman in White is a classic Victorian Gothic story, and one I’ll be adding to my list of books to read in the winter.
A Song of Ice and Fire
All of the books in A Song of Ice and Fire have some winter, but from what I remember, A Feast for Crows has the most winter-themed content. Everything about the night’s watch, the white walkers (or Others, as they are usually called in the books), and the Wall make perfect shivery winter reading. It also adds in just a bit of horror, which is ideal for winter-themed books.
Labyrinths
Labyrinths is a creepy book filed with short stories that will chill the spine. Fans of classic psychological horror should enjoy this book.
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
With a name like Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, you know this book is all about winter. This winter-themed fantasy is slightly influenced by the Beauty and the Beast, and will transport you to a magical land of adventure and fur-lined boots.
Winter’s Tale
I have yet to read Winter’s Tale, but the premise has made me add this to my TBR pile pronto. Aside from the strange-sounding love affair between an old man and a girl (hopefully they mean she is a young woman), it sounds like an enchanting story that will haunt you long after you read it.
The Dark is Rising
The The Dark Is Rising series is based around ancient Celtic and Nordic folklore and reads like a semi-modern retelling of the King Arthur story. If you love diving into stories about ancient religions and secret doorways between worlds that tingle the spine, you won’t want to miss this series. The first book is set mainly in the winter. And if you’ve seen the movie, don’t let that stop you from reading the book.
The Shining
I actually didn’t know that The Shining was a book set in winter, but since it is, I’m adding it to my list of winter-themed books. I haven’t read much horror in my life, but I think I’m ready to dive into some- at least stories that are psychological in nature. I don’t care as much for hack and slash stories.
What winter-themed books are your favorite?
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This Weeks Lit Lover Features
Last week, The ladies from Chapter Break shared their picks for thriller/suspense books. And Heather from Running with Spears shared a fun review of a book I’ve been meaning to read for a while- A Snicker of Magic!
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It’s Link Party Time!
EEEE! The Dark is Rising is hands down my favourite book series EVER. And the setting in Winter is so marvellously done — the English countryside in the book is a wonderful location and the author so brought it to life vividly in the book!
Yes! I love it. 🙂
I’m reading Let It Snow right now and really enjoying it. We don’t have snow yet here in NC but this one makes me wish for some. Great idea to read Golden Compass and Narnia too. I always love reading Harry Potter in fall and winter for the same magical reason. Thanks for hosting. I shared a couple posts.
Thanks Tanya! I read Let It Snow will be a movie in the near future, so we have that to look forward to!
I saw the movie was coming out too. I was shocked, I hardly ever read a book before the movie comes out. Usually the movie comes out and then I read the book way later.
Most of the covers do look cold. BRRRRR.
Winter’s Tale looks good.
Thanks for your post.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
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