As the dark weather envelopes Edinburgh in its grasp, book lovers want one thing and one thing only. To curl up with a good book and watch the season pass from a nearby window. But, as many of you will know. There is nothing worse than aching for a good new book and not knowing where to begin. As a certified Autumn and Winter lover, this article will give you my humble recommendations of the best books to sink your teeth into over the colder months.
I could not begin a list of recommendations without first discussing my all-time favourite book. Little Women. The opening line, “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” is, of course, a giveaway that this book fits the season perfectly. But the spirit of the book goes beyond that captivating first page. Louisa May Alcott captures the essence of Christmas, girlhood, and that quintessential time between being a woman and a girl so beautifully in her work, with cosy imagery and timeless characters, making Little Women the perfect novel to end your year with.
Another firm favourite of mine, and one which will come as no surprise, is A Christmas Carol. While many hear this title and are taken back to secondary school English lessons. It is worth giving it another stab, especially at this time of year. Dickens is, of course, known for his imagery – and incredibly long descriptions- which permeate A Christmas Carol. Throughout the pages of this book, you are transported to Victorian London. Dickens employs a genius analysis of the class dynamics of the time, while tying his novel up neatly with a happy ending. What more could you want for a Christmas read? Equally, be sure to watch the best Christmas movie of all time, A Muppets Christmas Carol, to fully immerse yourself in the world of Dickens.
Now, one thing about my recommendations is that I will always encourage adults to revisit children’s books once they are grown. And what better time to do this than the season which is all about embracing your seasonal whimsy and reconnecting with childhood joy? Be sure to check out classics such as Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express.
Finally, a vastly underrated seasonal read is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas. In a similar vein to children’s fiction, this captivating collection of letters, which Tolkien wrote to his children as if from Father Christmas are completely enchanting and will fill you with nothing but seasonal merriment.
Illustration Via Hal Purton @hop_sketch for The Student