As the holiday season is quickly approaching and the temperatures are dropping, I thought I would give you all a cool list of winter themed books to read during these cold winter days.
You can find the list of books on my Bookshop List called, “Winter Books In Weird Wayward Worlds.” Of the fifteen books on the list, here are the three I am most excited about:
Please note, I am part of the Bookshop.org affiliate program and all links on this post go to Bookshop.org. On any purchases made through these links, I will be receiving a 10% commission.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
This thought-provoking story written by legendary sci-fi author, Ursula K. Le Guin, is about a human ambassador sent to an ice planet to facilitate its inclusion in the intergalactic civilization. This book was most well-known for its intellectual approach to psychology and human society, showing a gender fluid world during a time where gender was rarely discussed, examined, or accepted as it is today. If you are looking for a story that challenges you to look at the world, even through a science fiction lens, differently; I suggest this book.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
This book I had not heard of prior to compiling this list, but after reading the description, I am eager to pick this one up soon. The story takes place in a Russian village where they honor the folklore spirits that protect the village. Once Vasya’s father remarries, her stepmother forbids the family from honoring the spirits. The village’s defenses soon worsen, and it is up to Vasya to save her family and the village. If you are looking for a monsters and magic type of a story, this is the one.
Winter World by A.G. Riddle
The truest to winter story is about a coming ice age that is pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. It isn’t until NASA finds a mysterious object drifting toward the sun do they send a team of scientists to make contact, in the hopes, to uncover the secrets it possesses and prevent the coming end to humanity. This feels like a harder science fiction story that is definitely in the realm of possibility. If you enjoy stories about drastic climate change with the fate of the world in the balance, this might be one to check out.
What are your thoughts on these books? Do any of them sound good? Please let me know in the comments. If you can’t afford to purchase these books, always remember to check your local library.
Until next time, read, write, repeat.
J.J.
