With winter break coming closer, I’m looking forward to taking a chunk out of my TBR (To Be Read) stack of books. As an English major, I’m already reading a number of books at any given time during the semester, but with the stress of assignments, projects, and exams looming over my shoulder, I’m not often reading for simple pleasure. Now that the end of the semester is in my reach, I’ve started compiling a list of specific books I want to read during the sweet academic reprieve that is the winter break.
Outlander By Diana Gabaldon
Ever since my roommate and I started watching the TV series Outlander, I knew that reading this book (and hopefully the rest of the series too) was in my future. The novel begins in the 1940s and follows the protagonist, Claire, a former nurse in WWII, who, while on a trip to Scotland with her husband, finds herself unexpectedly traveling back in time to the 18th century. She must navigate acclimating to the antiquated and dangerous conditions she’s been thrust into, including accusations of spying and witchcraft, clan wars, and, of course, a forced marriage to the strapping young Scotsman Jamie Fraser.
I’ve actually already started the first novel in the series, and I have to say that the show has been very faithful to the book, which I’m thrilled about. The romance is amazing—yes, as complex as it is swoon-worthy—but as someone who isn’t totally on board with historical fiction, I was surprised to find that the historical and political intrigue of the novel is just as compelling as the romance.
The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
Is it wishful thinking to say that I’m going to read an entire trilogy this break? Probably, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try. To be fair, I’ve already read The Winternight Trilogy once before, so I know I won’t have trouble getting into it again. The trilogy follows Vasilissa Petrovna, from her life as a rebellious child in her small Russian village to her defiance as a young woman challenging the religious and political fabric of Russian society.
The novels take heavy inspiration from Russian folktales and mythology, creating a lyrical and fantastical story with compelling and magical characters. Set in medieval Russia, the snow-shrouded forests and villages that fill the story make it perfect for winter reading. This fantasy tale brings to life the very real historical conflicts between the spread of Christianity and the traditional folk animism of the older world. I truly can’t wait to read it again.
BAbel by r.f. kuang
R.F. Kuang has probably been my most anticipated author to read this entire year, and I am finally committing myself to tackling the monolith of a book that is Babel. I’ve heard so many good things about this novel, and it seems like just what I need to sink my teeth into this holiday season.
According to the novel’s Goodreads page, it takes place in a fictionalized version of Oxford University and features a unique magic system where translators practice “Silver-working—the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars.” The story also delves into themes of imperialism and the complexities of academia. If there’s one thing I’ve consistently heard about Kuang, it’s how she has the ability to inflict deep emotional trauma on both her characters and her readers—something I’m both excited and a little scared about. I got this book for my birthday and can’t wait to crack it open.
Misery by Stephen King
Here’s the revised version with grammatical adjustments while keeping it close to the original:
For the past few years, I’ve made it a tradition to read one Stephen King novel each year, and this year I’ve chosen Misery. I watched the movie adaptation with my family last year, was completely hooked on the story, and knew I needed to read the novel. All the King novels I’ve read so far have leaned more on supernatural horror to drive the conflict. However, this one tells the story of a famous novelist who is taken in by a superfan after a bad car accident and instead relies on the psychological terror of human obsession and captivity.
Even though the spooky season has passed, there’s something about the isolating and cruel cold of winter that makes for perfect horror reading. I’m really hoping Misery will fulfill my craving for those vibes.
The secret history by donna tartt
I first read The Secret History last year during my first semester of college, and it kind of changed my brain chemistry (for better or worse, I’m not sure). This quintessential dark academia novel, with its atmospheric Vermont setting and eclectic, pretentious cast of characters, is absolutely perfect for a winter reread. However, I don’t plan on rereading the novel in the traditional sense; instead, I hope to listen to the audiobook.
You can find it for free on YouTube in two parts, and what makes it so special is that Donna Tartt, the author, narrates it herself. Tartt’s melodic Mississippi accent is perfect for reciting the novel, and I could honestly listen to her speak for hours. Another great thing about having the author narrate their own audiobook is the unique appreciation they bring to their characters and plot, making the experience of revisiting the story even more meaningful. I plan to listen to The Secret History audiobook on long car rides or walks in the woods near my house, and I can’t wait for Donna Tartt’s lyrical writing and voice to sweep me away once again.