Building Your TBR for Winter: Books I'm Reading and Recommending

Winter is the best time to start your reading goal. Why? Well, we're stuck inside, and it's cold out! And I mean, you really want to spend all winter break doom-scrolling on your phone and wasting this precious time? Yeah, I didn't think so, so of course I am here to help you with that question dwelling in the back of your mind, "But what do I read?"

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

-Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Photo by Katie Constantine on Unsplash

Cozy and Romantic

1. Dash and Lily's Book Of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

What's it about?

When Dash goes into a local bookstore in NYC, he finds a red notebook tucked between some books with the words "Do you dare...?" On the front cover. Of course, he opens it to see what it's all about and finds these scavenger hunt riddles he must solve. After he solves the riddles, he writes his own and puts the notebook back.

This is just the start of many fun scavenger hunts throughout New York with this notebook. Dash and Lily exchange the notebook for a while and start becoming good friends without ever meeting in person, but when Lily forgets to leave the notebook at the agreed place, Dash panics and decides to find her using a red boot she left at the scene by accident. Meanwhile, Lily is having second thoughts about this whole "Love through a notebook" thing. Will Dash be able to find Lily before it is too late for him to confess his feelings to her?

My Thoughts.

Personally, I haven't read the book yet, but I did watch the show on Netflix, and I loved it! This trilogy is definitely on my TBR, and I can't wait to read it.

2. Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds

What's it about?

A young adult romantic comedy about a teenage girl, Shira, who convinces her enemy, Tyler, to teach her to flirt so she can win over her crush during Hanukkah. Stranded during a snowstorm, the two strike a deal for flirting lessons. But as the lessons go on, fake flirting turns into real feelings. This book is the perfect cozy, romantic, clean, enemies-to-lovers you have been looking for.

My thoughts.

Just writing about this book makes me want to read it. I am definitely going to see if I can find it at the library or on Libby! This book would be such a great read on your own or even as a buddy read, maybe my mom wants to read it with me...

3. What Light by Jay Asher

What's it about?

A young adult romance written by the same author of "Thirteen Reasons Why" about Sierra, whose family runs a Christmas tree farm, forcing her to live two lives: one in Oregon and one in California for the holiday season. Her two worlds collide when she meets Caleb, a boy with a troubled past. This book explores first loves, holiday magic, forgiveness, and not judging people based on their past. This is a perfect book to curl up with some hot cocoa and a nice fuzzy blanket.

My thoughts.

If you want to feel like you're watching a Hallmark movie with your mom for the a thousandth time but want to be geared a bit more towards your age range, I think this book is going to be perfect for you.

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Survival and Thrills

Maybe you would prefer something more heart-racing and less romanic don't worry, I've got you with these reads.

1. Snowglobe by Park Soyoung

What's it about?

A YA dystopian novel about a girl named Chobahm who is recruited to replace a dead TV star in the last warm, domed city on frozen Earth, only to discover the city's perfect life is a lie built on dangerous secrets and exploitation, forcing her to uncover the truth behind the reality TV show that controls her. It's the first book in a duology that explores themes of identity, power, and surveillance.

My thoughts.

Honestly? This book sounds amazing. I feel like this one is going to keep you up all night in anticipation, that's how good it's going to be. Like that feeling when you know Christmas Morning is so close that you can't sleep and just want it to hurry up and come already.

2. Trapped by Michael Northrop

What's it about?

A young adult survival thriller about seven high school students stranded in their school during a historic blizzard, where they must cope with no power, heat, or communication as the snow piles up outside, leading to rising tensions and devastating choices. This story follows the group as they try to survive for days, with a chilling foreshadowing that not everyone will make it out alive.

My thoughts.

This book reminds me of "Five Survive" by Holly Jackson, but minus the shooter and add in a whole lot of snow. I am really excited for this read. I think it is going to be the perfect mix of thriller and winter storm.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

-Charles W. Eliot

Fantasy and Magic

1. Girls Made of Snow and Glas by Melissa Bashardous

What's it about?

A feminist retelling of the classic "Snow White." Told through the dual perspectives of stepmother Mina and stepdaughter Lynet, who are both magical beings created by their fathers. The story follows Mina's plan to become queen and Lynet's journey of finding her own identity, leading to a confrontation with their fathers' manipulations and their predetermined rivalry.

My thoughts:

If you loved Frozen and Snow White but are an older teen in High School now (or even an adult), this would probably be a really good book for you. It's a bit dark (but appropriate) with a strong female voice and feminist themes, as well as love, identity, breaking free from roles assigned by men, and freedom.

2. The Sisters of The Winter Wood by Rena Rossner

What's it about?

A story of two Jewish sisters, Liba and Laya, living in a forest on the border of Ukraine/Moldova, who discover their magical heritage as shapeshifters when their parents leave, forcing them to confront ancient fairytales, and dark forces threatening their community while navigating love, self-discovery, and loyalty, all woven from Jewish folklore and historical realities.

My thoughts.

This book is the perfect historical fairytale with sisterly dynamics. The shapeshifting and love aspects? Peak perfection. I think I am going to try to buddy read this one with my best friend.

Photo by Aaron Wilson on Unsplash

I hope at least a few of these books stuck out to you and made you want to read over this winter break instead of rotting your brain away. I know I have quite a few I want to get to soon. Now grab your book, some Hot Chocolate, and a nice cozy blanket because I have a feeling you are going to be stuck on the couch for a while.

“I spent my life folded between the pages of books.In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”

-Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me