Books
10 Books to Read When You're Snowed In
Winter weather sure can be nasty, and with March (!!!) snowstorms in high supply, many of us will find ourselves stuck at home at least once this winter. But here's a secret: I love being snowed in. After all, a blizzard is the perfect excuse to stretch out, drink hot chocolate, and read all day. It's like the universe is begging you to spend your day reading. What could be better?
I know, the prospect of being trapped inside all day can be down-right aggravating for some people. But with these books, being snowed in will seem like a reward, not an inconvenience. These are books that will wrap you up, take you on adventures, and take hold of you until you've read every last word. You'll completely bury yourself in these stories, and when you do look up, you'll be shocked at how much time has passed. Heck, you'll be wishing for more snow!
There's no greater joy than being swept away by a good book. So when the weather outside couldn't be worse, don't sweat it. Curl up in one of your coziest blankets and kick back with one of these amazing reads. You'll be entertained until the sun comes out again.
1'The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms' by N.K. Jemisin
Exciting AF, this epic fantasy by N.K. Jemisin takes place in a world where the nobility has the gods on leashes. When Yeine is summoned from the "barbaric" North to the capital city of Sky to unexpectedly be made an heir to the throne, she finds herself in the middle of a dangerous power struggle. There's two more gigantic books in this trilogy, so you'll have plenty of pages to get you through a snowstorm.
2'Ways to Disappear' by Idra Novey
When a celebrated writer vanishes, her American translator drops everything to fly to Brazil and solve the mystery of her disappearance.
3'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel
Beautifully written, thought-provoking, and imaginative, this book will keep you hooked until the very last page. Emily St. Mandel's novel follows a traveling orchestra and Shakespeare company as they work to create art in a post-apocalyptic society.
4'The Raven Boys' by Maggie Stiefvater
Psychics, true love, young love, rich teenagers, secrets, prophecies, dreams, and a magical scavenger hunt all make Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle series the perfect snow day read. So cuddle up with some tea and fall in love with Blue and the Raven Boys.
5'The Time in Between' by María Dueñas
A phenomenon in Spain, this historical fiction novel will get your heart racing. When she's abandoned by her lover in Morocco, Sira Quiroga forges a new identity and soon becomes the premiere couture designer for the wives of Nazi officers. Things become dangerous when she begins to pass information to the British Secret Service through a code stitched into the hems of her dresses. Seriously, aren't you itching to dive in?
6'Boy, Snow, Bird' by Helen Oyeyemi
Not only is it super appropriate to read a book with the word "snow" in the title, but this twist on Snow White is an absolute masterpiece. Set in 1953, Boy Novak moves to small town Massachusetts and marries a widower, becoming stepmother to his daughter, Snow Whitman. When the birth of Boy's dark-skinned daughter, Bird, reveals that the Whitmans are light-skinned African Americans posing as white, the classic story gets turned on its head in enthralling new ways.
7'The Bear and the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden
Speaking of fairytales, this newly published novel is a fairytale in itself. Set in the wintry Russian wilderness (a setting to match your snowy day), we follow Vasilisa, a young woman with secret abilities to hear and see what others cannot. When her mother dies and her father's new wife forbids the family from honoring the household spirits, evil and misfortune set upon the town — and only Visilisa can save them.
8'Victoria' by Daisy Goodwin
The world of young Queen Victoria will spring to life around you in this wonderful read. In 1837, at 18 years old, Victoria becomes Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, against all odds.
9'The Queen of the Night' by Alexander Chee
Danger and glamour abound in this striking, one-of-a-kind read. Set in 19th century Paris, we follow Lilliet Berne, a renowned opera singer. When Lilliet is given the honor of her own libretto, she discovers that one of her darkest secrets has been revealed, and dives into the adventures of her past to discover who has betrayed her.
10'Shadowshaper' by Daniel José Older
In this knock-out urban fantasy set in Brooklyn, a teenager named Sierra Santiago finds herself in a supernatural order called the Shadowshapers, who use paintings, music, and stories to connect with spirits. Magic, art, and danger collide in this novel, and you won't be able to put it down.
