A good book is like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s day.

Winter is here and it’s the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, sip on some warm hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course) and lose yourself in a good winter-themed book. Seriously, who doesn’t love reading while watching the snow fall outside the window?

Winter is made for stories that match the mood in the air. Whether you’re into magical tales, mysterious thrillers or survival adventures, we’ve got a list of books that will make your winter days feel extra special.

So, grab a blanket, your go-to hot drink and let’s dive into these winter-themed books that will warm your heart and keep you hooked until the very end.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

For a winter read that’s both enchanting and unique, consider The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey. Set in the cold, snowy landscape of Alaska, this book tells the story of Jack and Mabel, a couple who long for a child of their own.

Struggling with loneliness and loss, they build a snowman one winter evening. The next morning, they find a mysterious little girl named Faina living in the snow.

Is she real? Is she a figment of their imagination or something magical? Blending magic and mystery, the story explores Jack and Mabel’s hopes, dreams and the bond they share with Faina as they navigate the snowy wilderness.

The cold setting adds to the story’s beauty and intrigue, leaving you to wonder about the girl’s origins and her connection to the couple.

The Snow Child is a tale of love, hope and the magic of winter.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

For those who enjoy stories of survival and adventure, The Call of the Wild, by Jack London, is a classic that shouldn’t be missed. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush in the frozen Yukon, the story follows Buck, a dog who is stolen from his home and sold into the wild.

Buck must learn to survive in the harsh, snowy wilderness, where danger is always close. It’s a story of courage and strength, as Buck goes from a pampered pet to a fierce, independent dog.

The freezing cold of the Yukon and Buck’s struggles to survive will keep you hooked and you’ll find yourself cheering for him every step of the way.

The Call of the Wild is an exciting, fast-paced read that’s perfect for those who love winter adventures.

Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

Looking for something a little spooky? Winter People, by Jennifer McMahon, might be just what you need.

Set in the isolated, snow-covered town of West Hall, Vermont, this haunting mystery follows Ruthie, a woman searching for answers about her mother’s mysterious disappearance and her friend Catherine.

As they delve into the town’s dark history, they uncover clues tied to Alice, a woman who vanished decades earlier. Their investigation reveals shocking connections between the past and present and strange, supernatural happenings that seem to plague the town.

With its chilling atmosphere, unpredictable twists and a gripping blend of mystery and the supernatural, Winter People is the perfect winter read for those craving a thrilling adventure.

Misery by Stephen King

For those who want to dive into something a bit more intense, Stephen King’s Misery is the way to go. This isn’t your typical winter story—it’s a psychological thriller that will make you shiver more than the cold (this book actually gave me nightmares).

The book follows Paul Sheldon, a writer who, after a car accident in a snowstorm, is taken to a remote house by Annie, a fan with a dark side. As Paul tries to escape, he must survive the storm outside and the dangerous woman inside.

With the snowstorm trapping Paul in the house with Annie, the book’s winter setting makes everything feel even more isolated and tense.

If you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller, Misery is perfect for you.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

If you’re craving a magical, snow-filled adventure, The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden, is the perfect pick!

Set in the frosty wilderness of medieval Russia, this captivating story follows Vasya, a young girl who’s grown up hearing tales of the elusive Frost, a blue-eyed snow demon who haunts the deep forest.

As Vasya grows, she discovers her own connection to the magical forces surrounding her. When a dark, evil force threatens her village, Vasya must summon her courage and powers to protect her loved ones.

With its rich world-building, enchanting folklore and fierce protagonist, this novel immerses readers in a beautiful cold world where magic and danger are always just around the corner.

Don’t miss the IGNITE Pop-Up Library Event!

A woman is reading a book behind a counter, surrounded by books on display.
Picture by IGNITE

Get ready for an exciting winter reading experience!

Join us at the Winter Pop-Up Library on Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the IGNITE Zen Zone, K Building Basement, at the Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore Campus.

This event is the perfect opportunity to escape the cold, enjoy some free snacks, sip on hot tea or coffee and pick up a new book (or two!) to keep your winter reading going strong.

The theme is “A Date with History,” where you can enjoy and browse books, explore a fun photo booth and create cards related to Humber’s history!

We can’t wait to see you there!

An animated penguin is reading a book near the fireplace.
Via GIPHY

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and escape into a world of captivating stories. Whether you’re getting lost in magical lands, solving thrilling mysteries or surviving in the wild, winter-themed books have a special way of drawing you in and keeping you entertained all season long.

The chill of the season only adds to the magic of reading, making those cozy moments even more special.

Also, don’t forget to attend pop-up library event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore new books, grab some free snacks and enjoy the company of fellow book lovers.

So, grab a book, get comfy and let the winter reading adventures begin!

Happy reading!

Feature image courtesy of Jp Valery via Unsplash


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