Logan Voss
When you’re stuck inside during the winter season, finding ways to stay entertained can become challenging. You and your family have binged watched a dozen seasons of your favorite show, worked on a few puzzles, and played countless games on the checkers coffee table. All of this, and the snow still hasn’t melted. If you’re looking for another way to stay busy indoors, try diving into some incredible books. Keep your mind off the waiting game for spring—below are seven classic novels to read this winter.
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The Shining by Stephen King
When you think Stephen King, you’d normally associate him with a spookier time of year. But The Shining is considered a book for the winter holidays rather than Halloween. Writer and alcoholic Jack Torrance is hired as the seasonal caretaker for a resort that’s nestled in the Rocky Mountains. But the job ends up not being worth the pay when a terrible snow storm traps his family in the hotel where they are met with madness and supernatural forces.
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
A classic no matter the time of year, Catcher in the Rye has an extra kick at Christmastime. If you’ve ever spent winter in a big city, you’ll have no trouble relating to the main character, 16-year-old Holden Caulfield. A novel of teenage rebellion, it’s the perfect reflection of feeling pain and pleasure at once.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Get your mind off the never-ending winter days with this internationally acclaimed mystery. Follow unemployed Toru Okada as he heads out on a quest to find his wife’s cat (a representation of their relationship). His journey becomes something completely unexpected as he discovers many twists and turns within his meek, unassuming Tokyo suburb.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
If you’re familiar with The Goldfinch, then you’ll love another classic by Donna Tartt. Follow a group of New England college students as they discover an eccentric new way of thinking. As they become attached to this new way of living, things start to take a dark turn. Boundaries of normal mortality slip, which eventually leads these students into a dangerous situation as they wait for the Vermont snow to melt.
2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajama by Marie-Helene Bertino
Fall into the world of three enchanting characters as they experience the magic of the holiday season. A precious 9-year-old, a nervous fifth-grade teacher, and desperate club owner search for hope on the snow-covered streets of Philadelphia—all on Christmas Eve night.
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
A minor snowstorm traffic accident sparks the love story between two people who were long overdue on their love story. The bestseller explores issues like human rights and the struggles of immigration. It reminds us of how one event can completely change the course of your life.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Based on the lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” by late computer science professor Pausch, this extraordinary book is an embodiment of the legacy he shaped for himself. A summation of what Randy thought it meant to truly be alive, the books combines humor, intelligence, and inspiration that can be shared for generations.
