Ten Winter Reading Recommendations 2023

[@pattyfalls7801]

I adore The Snow Child! Some other, very different books with winter vibes: A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles These Silent Woods, by Kimi Cunningham Grant Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, by Olga Tokarczuk Winter Solstice, by Rosamunde Pilcher Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan I’m eager to try some of your recommendations!

[@TKTalksBooks]

WOW I loved all of these!

[@SavidgeReads]

I sadly didn’t love A Gentleman in Moscow or Small Things Like These but Olga’s book I’ve been wanting to get to for ages. I like the title of These Silent Woods. I’ll look it up. Thank you.

[@deblawrence8341]

When Eowyn Ivey's "The Snow Child" was first published, she did the book tour rounds down in the lower 49 and I was fortunate enough to see her when she came to Rochester, NY. She was absolutely lovely! Two wintery books to recommend: Dostoyevsky's "The House of the Dead" Sjon's "The Blue Fox"

[@SavidgeReads]

She is such a lovely woman. I hosted her in the UK when she toured with her second novel… my mum was in the audience and asked an amazing question that made mine all seem quite inferior haha.

[@nwwisconsin]

Wow Simon. Six more on my TBR from your 10 winter recs. You rock!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh hope you enjoy them when you get to them, do report back!

[@alexander-de]

I would love author spotlights! One of my main grievances with BookTube is that, as you say, it can sometimes be too surface-level and performative in that it’s about lists, the past and future or quantity over quality, rather than focusing on (the present). Cheers and happy holidays! 🎄

[@SavidgeReads]

I don’t think all of BookTube is surface level. Just to clarify. Hahaha. I think social media can be, performative too. It’s really hard to catch some nuance but also sometimes BookTube should just be a safe space for escapism. But that’s me. Not everyone will agree which is fine.

[@philstrand]

Having Just read everything Claire Keegan has published, I'm looking forward to rereading Small Things Like These again soon and every December going forward. I'd have paced out the Keegan books if I could, but I read Foster and just could not stop until there was no more Keegan to read. But I think I'll reread all her books because they're wicked good and so short. Other favorite winter reads for me tend to fall into the genres of gothic fantasy or psychological horror: Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), the Gormenghast novels (Mervyn Peake), The Name of the Rose (Umberto Eco), The Shining and Misery (Stephen King), classic supernatural tales, and James Joyce's short story "The Dead". Not necessarily a winter read, but the book I'm most looking forward to reading once the holiday rush has abated is an ARC of Percival Everett's upcoming novel: James. Books I'm giving as gifts this year: Foster - Claire Keegan Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan So Late in the Day - Claire Keegan North Woods - Daniel Mason Trust - Hernan Diaz Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver

[@SavidgeReads]

Sad I wasn’t a fan of Small Things. I did kind of like her newer one but I think she’s maybe just not for me. There’s something about her writing that leaves me a little cold, which should be kind of idea for winter 🥶 hahaha. I’ve still not read North Woods. I’m kind of shocked as I was certain it would be a favourite of the year but for whatever reason I’ve not sat with it and had a read. Maybe next year.

[@audreyapproved]

Ooo this is a unique list, I hadn't heard of quite a few of these!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@normanorourke3244]

Merry Christmas to you and Chris

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you. And to you and yours. Though there will be more content before Christmas Day. Lol. There may even be some content on Christmas Day. Maybe.

[@charlottemolloy]

Blimey, your idea of the seasons is a lot different to mine. I'd say winter is December-March with end of March/early April being the start of Spring 🌱

[@SavidgeReads]

I think yours are probably along the lines of the normal ones. Though it’s been brill seeing how some other people see the seasons in their own different ways.

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Life After Life has been on my shelf forever. I need to get it. I’ve never seen that cover of it before. Looove The Snow Child and can’t wait for her new book. The cover of The Rabbit Back Literature Society is amazing. I’ve had Confessions of Frannie Langton has been on my shelf forever. Thanks for these great winter reads. 😊💙

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s the proof edition of Life After Life I had in my mitts as I was very luckily sent it early. Ooh have you read Eowyns second novel, that’s also super good. Hope you enjoy Frannie when you get to her.

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

@@SavidgeReads ohhh the proof edition. Lucky! I still need to read Eowyn’s second novel and hope to soon. 😊💙

[@YourTrueShelf]

I really love it when you do backlist videos 😍 Life after life is one of my favourite books of all time, I love it and I love to re-read it. Ooh the Gustav Sonata is one I have on my tbr. I adored the snow child too. Carol (although it was the price of salt when I read it) was also very enjoyable and yes as you say, sinister. The woman in black is terrifying! The play scared me so much!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. I laughed when I twigged blacklist was backlist. I was thinking I don’t think I’ve blacklisted any books this year. Well maybe one. Very excited I’ll be taking Chris to see The Woman in Black in the spring. It sold out in Liverpool!!!

[@YourTrueShelf]

@@SavidgeReads oooops!! Now edited!!! You'll love the play. I saw it as a teen and was so scared!

[@SavidgeReads]

@@YourTrueShelfI’ve seen it about four times. I love it. Especially going with someone who hasn’t seen it and watching them freak out. Haha.

[@maryshimp2664]

Author spotlights would be wonderful! Love your channel and your mothers keep up the great work in the New Year!

[@maryshimp2664]

Love Wicked, need to read the rest of the series!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you so much that’s really kind of you. Fingers crossed we will keep the bookish content coming in 2024. I’ll defo give the author spotlight videos some thought.

[@kathleenwalsh3556]

HI Simon Excellent!

[@SavidgeReads]

Many thanks!

[@spexi513]

Congratulations on your mock exams!!! You’ll have crushed em by now !

[@SavidgeReads]

I passed them! Hooray. Now just the real thing left.

[@nathansnook]

yes yes it's Carol season! been meaning to get to reading the original text by Highsmith! Ice by Anna Kavan is a trippy, chilly read perfect if you want to dive deep in the depressing depths of snow!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have Ice on the shelves so that could definitely be one I head to this season. Definitely get to Carol… This Sweet Sickness and Deep Water.

[@CosyMidlifeBookNook]

Wicked is on my of my favourite books I read it about 20 years ago and the musical is incredible..I had no idea a film was coming up yayyyyy

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes. A film in two parts. The cast is brilliant too.

[@kathy2539]

I'd very much like you to do some author spotlights, next year. I'd like to hear a bit more of your own personal favourite authors.

[@SavidgeReads]

I shall see what I can come up with Kathy 😉

[@karenmoore4430]

I read The Gustav Sonata recently . Wonderful book. Happy Holidays Simon thanks for your content this yearxx

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you Karen. I’m really pleased you’ve enjoyed it!

[@Nickelini]

I like your definitions of seasons 😀 I do start thinking of spring in January, but I don’t call it spring until February when the crocus and cherry trees bloom here in Vancouver

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I love a crocus. And a snowdrop. And a bluebell. Oh I’m off on flowers. Lol.

[@amandarademaker7269]

Hope all went well with your exams. The Snow Child sounds good. I'm hoping to read A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the Box of Delights in December. I love the show Wicked but I've never read the book!

[@SavidgeReads]

All exams passed, thank goodness. I highly, highly recommend Wicked, such a great book. I saw the new Wizard of Oz musical yesterday… kept thinking ‘oh but it’s no Wicked’. Ha. 🧙‍♀️

[@amandarademaker7269]

@@SavidgeReads Well done on passing your exams. I'll need to get a copy in the new year :) Have a great Hogmanay and all the best for 2024!

[@maryeddy802]

One of my very favorite books is "Winter in Madrid" (sorry, Simon, "winter" in title) by CJ Samson, described as a "historical crime novelist". Set in Spain after the civil war and as the Germans are moving across Europe. Madrid is in ruins and its citizens are trying to survive a bitter winter, enter a British spy, a shady businessman and Red Cross nurse. I think CJ Samson is an incredible writer and I savor his books. This is a really moving book that will stay with you

[@SavidgeReads]

Don’t be sorry at all. That’s one of my favourite books, thought the way he wrote about the Spanish flu and the war was incredible. A brilliant book. Must read more of his, I read the first of the Shardlake (I think that’s right) series and thought that was very good too.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

You’ve fed my TBR list so much today that I’m going to have to let out its waistband.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. This just really made me laugh!

[@amandainoak]

Wicked holds a special place in my heart. I read it just out of college in 97. I really didn't get on with the sequel, sadly...

[@SavidgeReads]

I read the next two and didn’t love them as much but I think that’s probably because Wicked is soooooooo good.

[@donkeirstade5304]

Gregory Maguire also has a a novel of his twist on the Nutcracker called Hiddensee

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooooh that would be quite a festive wintery book I imagine. Will have to look it up. Thank you!

[@spexi513]

Absolutely agree regarding a lot of Christmas 📚, but not so much winter ones . I’d been lurking on booktube 👀 for winter recommendations so this video is clutch 📚🪱 ❄️ 💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Do check out the ones by Mum, Ana and Jen if you’ve not already. I linked them in the description box.

[@Nicole-n9x]

Loved so many of these books, Life after Life, the Snow Child, The Gustav Sonata and just started The Weekend last night. I didn't realize it was set around Christmas! Great recommendations!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed the book recs. Apt you picked up The Weekend!!

[@cecilialau_]

Hope you had a good experience doing your mock exam, Simon! Also, very much agree that wintery books can exclude Christmas… Just give me snow or frosty weather, and I’m happy. I don’t really go for Christmas books actually (love the season though but when it comes to books I’ve maybe only seen mainly romance ones which I tend to skip). Anyway, I hope you enjoy your weekend of book selling!

[@SavidgeReads]

Mock exam done. Final term official exam done. And now I can switch off from work mode properly. My weekend of bookselling was an absolute treat. I’ve been a big shoddy with comments lately. Sorry!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Good luck Simon ❤I’ve only read 3 on the list. The Gustav Sonata, The Weekend, The Confessions of Frannie Langton ( now adapted to film) I go to extremes in winter. Either I’m reading Aussie crime fic or books set in snow . Some I can think of that I’d recommend Snow by John Banville Snow by Orhan Pamuk The Winter Solider by Daniel Mason Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan ☘️👋🍀📕📖🇮🇪☕️📚

[@SavidgeReads]

I have North Woods to read by Daniel Mason so if I enjoy that will head back to The Winter Soldier. I won’t be reading anymore Keegan. She’s just not for me.

[@fayegibbons97]

After a 99 degree (F, 37c) day here in Australia, I love listening to you talk hearing you talk about snowy novels!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha, with that one sunny Christmas Australian one at the end 😉

[@phoenixjones660]

Oh but The Woman in Black is terrifying, the movie even more ( that rocking chair 😱) . Second vote for The Winternight Trilogy ( 🐻 and Nightingale) . Any Nordic noir for obvious reasons ⛄. Anything to distract me from ❄️ weather 😆 Seasons for me go, Jan ❄️, Feb to ⏰ forward 🌱, April to ⏰ back, 🌞🍓, Nov 🍁🍂 and lastly, Dec is 🎄🤶🦌....can you tell I 🧡🩵💛 summer? Enjoy the BSL exam, Simon, sure it's gone well ❄️🎄🧣

[@SavidgeReads]

I passed my mocks so that’s good. Will see how the next one goes. I loooove seeing how different people have the seasons in their heads. I liked the movie but there’s something about the stage show that is next level scary. 👻

[@phoenixjones660]

@@SavidgeReads 👏🏼🌟

[@kimalawler]

Great recommendations! I’m very tempted for a reread of the Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’ve not heard of that.

[@kimalawler]

@@SavidgeReads Russian folklore and historical fantasy, proper winter vibes throughout

[@mrsbookworm72]

More winter. 👏👏👏. not really keen at all on hallmark Christmas books although I do however enjoy one Sarah Morgan each year and that’s enough for me ! 😂😂

[@mrsbookworm72]

Also love the snow child

[@SavidgeReads]

I like a Christmas-ish book if it’s not a saccharine Christmas fest. Haha.

[@CarolAttrux]

Thank you so much for these recommendations! I added many of them to my list! Carol is a very good movie starring Kate Winslett. Have a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🧑‍🎄📚

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve seen the move with Cate Blanchett in. Thought it was fab. She was fab. Would definitely recommend that people read the book and then watch the movie.

[@CarolAttrux]

@@SavidgeReads Yes, my mistake! Cate Blanchett. It was excellent!

[@spexi513]

Stillicide sounds up my lane - you had me ‘haunting’ . The Weekend one sounds interesting- I personally feel like there’s a deficit of 📚 w “older” protagonists & get hype when I find good ones . I am currently reading Camp Zero bc it’s winter vibes, but am only about 30 pages in so we’ll see. Blahdiggityblah, appreciate the video as always! 📕🪱❄️💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’ve not heard of Camp Zero so will look it up!

[@jumanaabbas6503]

What about One by One by Ruth Ware. I don't read a lot of thrillers, but I do enjoy her books.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve still not read that one. Great recommendation.

[@CosyMidlifeBookNook]

I absolutely adored The Snow Child would love you see it dramatised. The Rabbit Back Literature Society has been on my TBR for a while, reminded me why I want to read it ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve reminded myself why I bought his next book. Can’t believe I’ve still not read it!

[@amandainoak]

It's high time I watched Carol. I'm basically in love with Cate Blanchett, I don't know what my problem is.

[@SavidgeReads]

I don’t see that as a problem. Ha.

[@CosyMidlifeBookNook]

I have just re read Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar which is a retelling of the nutcracker. Was even better the second time

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not heard of that, I shall look it up. Thank you. I’ve just realised I don’t think I have even read The Nutcracker. May need to rectify that.

[@JamieStafford-l7o]

Just started Northern Lights for my december read. I didn’t read it as a kid but appreciating it now especially because it’s a perfect fit for me and this time of year. Claire Keegan is next on my list. Simon ( or anybody) I’m travelling India for a few weeks in January and wondering does anybody have any recommendations? Thinking escape and adventure as the mood.

[@SavidgeReads]

Are you after books based in India that are escape and adventure or just books in general with those themes?

[@JamieStafford-l7o]

Just in general, an instant escape to take my mind away from long plane and train rides.

[@mariasmiles68]

I have Life After Life and Wicked on my shelves but have not heard of the others, but they all sound good especially The Gustav Sonata. My daughter got to see Wicked in Chicago with the original cast while on a choir trip. I would love to see videos highlighting an author. I still think about the one your mom did about Kate Atkinson b/c I had never heard of her before that video. Soon after that, I found Life After Life in a thrift store and scooped it up.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh you’ve a treat ahead with Kate. She’s a Savidge favourite. My gran was a huge reader and a big fan of her work too. I’m hoping to get to film with Kate again next year. We shall see 😉

[@janebowell3985]

Thank you Simon for your great recommendations and wishing you and family a very Merry Christmas 🎄 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure Jane. Same to you and yours, though… You’ve more content coming from me before Christmas. Be warned. Hahaha.

[@janebowell3985]

@@SavidgeReads Oh brilliant looking forward to that, Simon. :)

[@cindyhaiken5644]

KZbin and I are having a moment. I posted a comment last night and now I don’t see it. Maybe I was too tired? Anyway I love this list, even the ones that don’t instinctively seem wintry (The Weekend is a good example). I sort of think that anything Susan Hill writes qualifies as wintry! Right now I am savoring Laurie Lee’s lovely Village Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year, along with the new British Library Women’s Writers collection Stories for Winter and Nights by the Fire and Nature Tales for Winter Nights, which has a simply stunning cover. Hope you aced your exams!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I very recently discovered that I know the consultant on the British Library Women Writers collection and so need to get to them. Especially My Husband Simon. Although maybe Chris needs to read that?

[@cindyhaiken5644]

@@SavidgeReads Ha! Maybe he does!

[@socaltoobie8984]

Just read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Definitely a winter read! More of a novella (70 pages on my Kindle). Beautifully written. Poignant. Touching. Lovely!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was one of my least favourites of the year it came out. I am very much in the minority. I’ve tried more Keegan and she’s just not for me and that’s fine.

[@socaltoobie8984]

@@SavidgeReads ❤️

[@carolewatson2113]

Fingers crossed for your exams, Simon (see what I did there)

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanking you!

[@janepeacock3704]

Hi 👋🏻 first, for some reason I can’t give this video a 👍🤔 (there’s a 👎🏻 only & I don’t want to press that!! maybe I’ve done something 😬) Anyway, what some brilliant choices - I’ve read those by Kate Atkinson (have it to reread) & Eowyn Ivey (have “To the Bright Edge of the World” to read); have Rose Tremain’s (been meaning to read it for yonks 🙈); like the sound of Rabbit Back Literature; have read “Carol” (enjoyed it plus the film); got Susan Hill’s to read (film good 🙀!!) Plus, I’d like to read your last 3 picks 👏🏻🤓 I recently attended & really enjoyed the Booker 2023 shortlisted readings & Sara Collins was a great ‘host’ (she’s a judge next year I believe 😌) There’s so many ‘wintery’ books I want to read, including Kate Mosse’s “The Winter Ghosts” & “Stolen” by Ann-Helen Laestadius ❄️❄️❄️ Hope your exams went well 🤞X

[@SavidgeReads]

I wouldn’t stress over the thumbs up, but thank you for it in the comments. Sounds like you have some lovely wintery reads ahead Jane!

[@janepeacock3704]

😘

[@EvieM1]

All the best for your exams.

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you. Mocks done. Real things very soon.

[@roseofwind1]

This is not a book, but a snowy wintry very Nordic series, but it was out of this world to me - Fortitude series. Anyone watched it?

[@CosyMidlifeBookNook]

Yes it's fab

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not even heard of it but shall look it up!

[@dianedickson6366]

yes indeed more winter and less Christmas - I'm in favour of that. I'm not a grinch but I love books with really great weather settings. Yes, Loved Life after Life. I agree about Kate Atkinson - excellent. The Rabbit book sounds interesting. I may well have a look at the Frannie Langton book - thanks for that recommendation. Oh yes The Weekend also looks like something for me. I like Australian books at the moment. I really enjoyed Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow it was years ago but I still remember that one.

[@SavidgeReads]

I like a bit of Christmas and a jingle and some tinsel, don’t get me wrong lol. I just don’t need loads of it or it to take over winter. Like I don’t want autumn to just be about Halloween. For me, personally. Hahaha. I know to some it’s their everything.

[@susprime7018]

I have enjoyed Highsmith novels and short stories. One of these days I might also read another collection of her short stories that have been on the shelf for several years or maybe not, so many books. I bought Wicked when it was newly published and enjoyed it and kept it, as it is an object of beauty. I read Salt Lick and the anniversary edition of Ice, both dystopian, which for some reason I have always enjoyed, also Children of Men by P.D. James.