What’s better than curling up with a good novel when the post-holiday gloom hits? The frenzy has died down, the parties are over, and the world seems to slow down a bit — a perfect moment to indulge in books that seem designed to be read in the quiet and cozy winter.
Of course, the only thing standing in your way and a compelling diversion is finding the book. To get you started, I polled Camille Styles team loves light to help you find the best book for a cozy winter. Below, you’ll discover gripping novels, bestselling memoirs, a steamy vampire romance, and words of wisdom that could be just what you need as you start a new adventure. New Year.
So grab a cup of Earl Gray and curl up by the fire, drop into a sunlit corner or shut out the world wherever you find yourself with some of our favorite winter reads. .
Scroll through our editorial picks for the best books to read this winter.
Featured image by Michelle Nash for Camille Styles.
Leap, by Gay Hendricks
What is it and why do I recommend it: I first heard about this book in Tim Ferris Interview with Diana Chapman, who said this is the book she gives her most often as a gift to others. My curiosity was piqued, and little did I know that this book would hit me at the right time. I’ve been trying to get to the next level in many different aspects of my professional life, but I don’t know how to deal with the barriers that are preventing me from getting there. In short, this book is about identifying the limiting beliefs that stand in the way of making our dreams come true. If you’re trying to figure out some direction in life, your business, or any big decision, the principles Hendricks teaches can be just as transformative for you as they are for you. I. – Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Dialogue about love, by Natasha Lunn
Intro and Why I Recommend It: Oh, another book about love. I’m a sucker for any book that dissects the idea and feeling of love, and this one might just be one of my favorites on the subject. Natasha Lunn approached the book with the goal of understanding how relationships work and how they change and evolve throughout life. She features authors and experts to learn from their experiences beyond sharing her own. She often asks questions that I ask myself: How do we find love? How do we maintain it? And how do we survive when we lose it? The stories are full of real people stories, making me feel hopeful and full of joy. Plus, I love that I can read each chapter individually and they all stand alone with lessons and wisdom. Grab a marker, as there are a lot of good nuggets here. – Suruchi Avasthi, Culinary Editor
Raise worry-free girls, by Sissy Goff
Intro and Why I Recommend It: I have recommended this book to every parent of a daughter I know. It’s no secret that girls today are taking stress and anxiety to a whole new level, and as a parent it can be difficult knowing how to best support them. Through these pages, Goff offers practical advice on how you can instill courage and strength in your daughter, helping her understand why her brain often works against her when anxiety begins and she What can be done against. I was very grateful for this guidebook when Phoebe turned seventeen. – Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner
Intro and Why I Recommend It: For months I have been trying to find time to read this book. I’ve only had a few chapters, but musician Michelle Zauner’s memoir has become a quick favorite. Perhaps best known as the curator of the dreamlike Japanese indie band, the Korean-American artist shares the story of losing her mother to cancer, which means losing a close relationship. closest to her Korean culture. Immediately there was a cry at H Mart, a supermarket chain that specializes in authentic Asian foods. As Zauner explores the connection between cooking and identity, there are also beautiful food descriptions, especially bubbly soups and spicy pastes that will perfectly come out on one of these cold winter days. I was about to cry as I continued reading, but I knew I was getting along well with Zauner. – Caitlin Clark, Contributing Editor
Writer and lover, by Lily King
Intro and Why I Recommend It: There’s a lot of wit and wisdom interwoven into Lily King’s best-selling novel. The writing is clever yet personal, and as the reader you feel completely immersed in the story. The novel is about 31-year-old Casey Peabody, who has just lost her mother unexpectedly. She works nightly in a restaurant while struggling to finish the first novel she’s worked on in the past few years. Casey is a bit of a hot-tempered mess, but an incredibly sympathetic and believable protagonist. I’ve never felt more motivated to pursue my dreams, and despite a lot of ups and downs throughout my life, the ending is so upbeat and upbeat. – Isabelle Eyman, Contributing Editor
Everything happens for a reason, by Kate Bowler
Intro and Why I Recommend It: The true story of what happens when a woman seems to have it all (great job, happy family, and bright future), and suddenly, a stage IV colon cancer diagnosis comes along. presently. Yet no longer a disappointment, Bowler’s memoir uncovers the lies we tell ourselves that stand in the way of real living — and in those perceptions, life takes on a beauty. completely new. I finished this book with inspiration and gratitude, for this life I have been given as well as truth-tellers like Bowler, who share their stories with such honesty. so. – Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Midnight sun, by Stephenie Meyer
Intro and Why I Recommend It: I just finished watching the entire Twilight series — I know, I know, it’s definitely a guilty pleasure and there are some nasty moments, but who doesn’t love a tense vampire story? (Now I want to watch it again Real blood series!) I’m in love with them all sunset book in 2008 after my son was born and right before the first movie was released. As a new mom, it was the escape I needed from the sleepless nights and round-the-clock puppy cycles of nursing, burping, diaper changes, playing, sleeping, repeating (all new ones). Parents reading this can contact!). I was hooked! Since finishing Twilight again, I’m now inspired to read all the books again until I discovered the author, Stephanie Meyer, had released a book from Edward’s point of view in 2020. As a forever fan of Twi-hard and #teamedward, I don’t I don’t know how I didn’t hear about it back then but hey, I defend it, it’s a highly global pandemic. the point!
I finally bought the book recently with my mom (yes, we’ll read it together). I still haven’t finished the book, and without giving too much away, it’s not surprising that this book offers a darker take on Bella’s more innocent views. So far, I’ve been interested in learning more about Edward’s past, and getting inside his head, seeing things through the lens of a vampire is a bit of an understatement. And I just love how easy Stephanie’s book is — despite its 672 pages, this one won’t take long. – Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Vegan, From Time to Time, by Jessica Seinfeld
Intro and Why I Recommend It: Okay, okay… a cookbook! When most of the women I know curl up by the fire devouring horror fiction and steamy romance novels, I’ve always been the one who’d rather spend her spare time reading pictures. and food recipes. As a holiday gift to myself, I bought Jessica Seinfeld’s latest cookbook, Vegan, From Time to Time, and her easy, minimalistic, meat-free recipes are my new week favorite. Think: stuffed sweet potatoes with cabbage and peanut sauce, creamy sauce with grilled mushrooms and tomatoes, and easy chocolate dipped oranges. One hundred percent vegan, zero percent hypertensive. – Anne Campbell, Contributing Editor
Flavor Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America, by Mayukh Sen
Intro and Why I Recommend It: I love any and all books that delve into food, and this one – a group biography – honors seven incredible immigrant women who have had an impact on the way we eat in America. nowadays. Stories include Elena Zelayeta, Mexican, a blind cook; Marcella Hazan, the god of Italian cuisine; and Norma Shirley, a champion of Jamaican cuisine. The way Sen shares the history of these women’s stories through the lens of food really opened up a history that I didn’t know about, but now I’m amazed. If you enjoy cooking like I do, this is an important read to learn the history of cooking, while focusing on the stories of women and their contributions to today’s cuisine. – Suruchi Avasthi, Culinary Editor
