Winter-Themed Books to Read When It’s Cold Outside

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!

Thanks for sharing your bookish posts with me! I love reading your content each week. 

It’s Link Party Time!

More Books to read in Cold Weather

Meet Brenda

Writer, Editor, Blogger, Book Nerd

I'm Brenda. I'm a writer and a reader.
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