If you are looking for a book to read when trapped inside during cold weather, I highly recommend the books on this list. They range in subject matter, length and style, but I truly loved reading each and every one.
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini is well-known for his beautifully-narrated novel “The Kite Runner,” but his second novel is perhaps even more emotional and insightful. It chronicles the stories of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, united by their marriage to one man. The story is an emotional roller coaster that will leave the reader hanging on to every word, and the ending is one of my favorite resolutions to any book I’ve ever read.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s self-describing novel is a heartbreaking insight into depression and mental health treatment during the late nineteenth century. It is a classic, and for good reason; it is gripping, relatable and haunting until the very end. If you had not had the chance to read this book yet, I highly recommend it.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini
In contrast to "The Bell Jar," this story about a young man who finds himself in the mental health ward of a hospital after nearly attempting suicide takes a lighthearted approach to mental illness without glorifying it or sugarcoating it. It has realistic characters and a solid storyline, and it is prime material for light reading.
“Night” by Elie Wiesel
"Night" is as heavy in content as it is few in pages. It tells the true story of Elie Wiesel’s experience as a Jewish man during the Holocaust. He was held in Auschwitz and witnessed unimaginable horrors while there. This book is by no means cheerful, and I would not recommend it for people who are looking for light reading.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
This timeless classic has been one of my favorite books for years. It is the epitome of the Gothic style, with dark, gloomy scenes, twisted mysteries and a brooding love interest. Jane Eyre is a strong female character who controls her life on her own terms. It is a long novel, but it is extremely well-written and will keep the reader engaged until the last page.
“A Yellow Raft in Blue Water” by Michael Dorris
"A Yellow Raft" chronicles the story of three generations of women in a Native American family, told in reverse chronological order. Each part of the book reveals a new perspective that deepens the story enormously, and each woman is unique and strong in her own right. The narrative is extremely well-done, and although the book is not difficult to read, it contains layers upon layers of fantastic material.
Happy reading!
