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Embracing Seasonal Reading

Winter has a way of drawing us inward, both literally and figuratively. As the days grow shorter and colder, I gravitate towards books that mirror the wintry conditions outside, that encourage slowing down and working with the seasons and that provide comfort and nostalgia. The literary equivalent of a cosy blanket.

My Winter Reading List

Here are some books that have brought me joy, reflection, and wonder during these darker months:

Wintering by Katherine May

A beautifully written memoir exploring how we adapt to life’s darker seasons. This book is a gentle reminder to embrace rest and renewal.

A Woman in the Polar Night by Christianne Ritter

Ritter’s vivid account of her time in the Arctic is mesmerising, offering a rare glimpse into a harsh yet stunningly beautiful world.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A timeless classic and comfort read - this novel follows the March sisters as they navigate life’s joys and challenges. It’s a story of love, family, and resilience that I‘ve read many times and have continued the tradition with my children. (I’ve included a link to the gorgeous collectors edition but there are other versions including a cheaper paperback).

The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater - another one l pick up every year. This is a winter cookbook and winter journal all in one. It almost feels like a guidebook for winter and definitely makes you appreciate all those things about the dark season that we sometimes overlook. If i had to have just onebook over winter, this would probably be it.

The Light in the Dark by Horatio Clare

This introspective exploration of winter captures both its beauty and challenges, providing a thoughtful companion for the season.

The Almanac. A Seasonal Guide to 2025 by Lia Leendertz: A celebration of nature’s seasonal rhythms. I have the next year’s one on my Christmas list every year. I love reading the month by month seasonal guide to the world around us. There is also a podcast to accompany the book which you can find wherever you listen to podcasts by searching up As the Season Turns by Ffern. A new episode is released at the start of every month.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. Despite being a voracious reader as a child, this series passed me by and it’s only in the last 5-6 years that I’ve gotten round to reading the trilogy. It’s immersive storytelling at its finest. I’ve also listened to it as an audiobook with my kids (which helped as the books are quite the read). We loved the BBC adaptation of this.

Winter: An Anthology for the Changing Seasons by Melissa Harrison. This beautiful collection of prose and poetry celebrates everything we love about winter. With contributions from a range of talented writers, it captures the magic, stillness, and even the harshness of the season. I’ve read it cover to cover multiple times, but now it’s become a cherished ritual to pick a piece at random and let it transport me.

I’d love to hear your winter reading recommendations - leave a comment below if you have any suggestions for me.