It’s Sunday afternoon again, and you’re staring outside your window, looking at the dreadful Dublin downpour. There’s no signs of stopping, so you wonder to yourself how to spend your afternoon. You eye the bookshelf next to your bed, and you see a stack of brand new books to tackle. Or, you might not have any books to read and you want to get that New Year’s Resolution of reading 5 books this year done. So off you go to Hoggis and Figgis, but you’re not sure what to buy. I’m here to help suggest a few books that ring true (or not so much) to the March gloom.
Note: Some of these books contain triggering themes such as suicide, abuse, and death.
Human Acts by Han Kang
Human Acts is arguably one of my favorite books of all time. Recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Han Kang writes a truly devastating yet impactful book about the 1980 Gwangju Uprisings. Each chapter takes place from the POV of individuals that were all affected by the uprising. A unique feature of this work is Kang writing in second-person throughout the novel. While the whole book is not placed in second-person, integral parts relating to the main character is used in this rare literary format. Kang reflects on religion, death, loss, politics, and love throughout this remarkable book and explores how immoral and moral humans can be. While not written in a wintery setting, this is a book that everyone should read due to the heartfelt and powerful content.
The Odd Woman and the City by Vivian Gornick
As a young woman navigating urban life, I can find it to be overwhelming and even awkward at parts. For me, I find the winter season a time where I remember every embarrassing thing that has happened in my life here in Dublin. Vivian Gornick’s The Odd Woman and the City quite literally saved me from my humiliation of being an off-putting young woman in Dublin. Vivian Gornick writes about her life in New York City, analysing how the greatest place in the world has influenced her life. Gornick writes about personal experiences of love, loss, and friendship within an urban setting. By the end of the book, you’ll likely feel comforted and more aware of your own life in an urban setting due to Gornick’s humorous and thoughtful prose. Even if you have never been to New York City, you’ll appreciate the setting by the end of this 200 page book.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Small Things Like These is a modern classic written by Irish author Claire Keegan. This short novella takes place during Christmas 1985 in New Ross, Ireland. Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, begins to recall troubled memories visiting an abusive Magdalene laundry. While Bill now lives a comfortable life with a wife and children, he begins to remember his childhood living in a similar laundry as well as empathize for the girls living in the local laundry. This book changed my life, helping me remember how important it is to be kind and show empathy to everyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Now, it is a film with Cillian Murphy starring in it (though I would argue the book is much better).
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
Ethan Frome quite literally takes place in the cold winter of New England. This short novella takes place in the late 19th century of the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. Titular character Ethan Frome lives as a caretaker for his sickly wife, Zeena. Their unhappy marriage is thrown into chaos once Zeena’s cousin Mattie begins to live with the couple. Mattie and Ethan begin to fall in love, but all does not end well in Starkfield by the end of the book. I highly recommend this book for people looking for a good book to finish within a day.
Devotions by Mary Oliver
If you’re a fan of poetry, or you’re ready to become one, I recommend Devotions. This collection of poems written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Mary Oliver helps us all remember to be present and mindful within our lives. While these poems are not all necessarily about the coldness of winter and the uncertainty of spring, they all feel like a warm hug. Oliver’s straight to the point writing makes readers like myself feel less alone in the trials and tribulations of life. Each poem selected in the book will ring true to the reader, no matter how different you might be from Oliver herself.
I Used To Be Charming by Eve Babitz
If you’re looking for a personal book of collected essays that can give you a laugh in this cold weather, I recommend I Used to be Charming. Hollywood-It Girl Eve Babitz recalls old lovers, parties, and social dynamics in the city of Los Angeles. While these stories are written from decades ago, the reader will appreciate the insight on the city of Angels as well as Babitz’s sincerity over views of life. Her prose effectively makes the reader reflect on their own life, even empathizing to Hollywood royalty such as Eve Babitz.
On Palestine by Ilan Pappè and Noam Chomsky
This book is incredibly important to read now more than ever. On Palestine reflects on the history of Gaza as well as the West Bank, reflected through conversation between Illan Pappè and Noam Chomsky. Noam Chomsky is known as one of the most significant modern day philosophers, as well as one of the leading vocal activists regarding the situation in Palestine. His insight on the history of Palestine is thought-provoking and educational within this book. On Palestine helps the reader understand how international relations can pressure Israel to end their human rights abuses towards the civilians of Palestine. While it was published over 10 years ago, the content is even more relevant today.
All About Love by Bell Hooks
Valentine’s Day is upon us. What else is better to do than read a book about love? Bell Hooks masterfully explores the idea of love and how it affects life. She reflects on personal childhood abandonment wounds and how they affected her love life as an adult. In addition, she ponders how gender plays into sexuality, revealing hard truths regarding love in modern-day society. While love can be a losing game, Hooks argues that no matter the circumstances, the human race should choose to be open and willing for it. I recommend this book for anyone starting a relationship, ending one, or willing to work on outlooks concerning romance.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
If you’re looking for a fictional piece regarding the trials and tribulations of love, I highly recommend Giovanni’s Room. Legendary writer James Baldwin explores the mystery of love, gender, social constructs, and sexuality within this classic. David, an American in Paris, meets the Italian bartender Giovanni and begins an affair with him. While David combats his internalized homophobia, he starts to fall in love with Giovanni. He moves in with Giovanni, but shortly finds out after that his girlfriend Hella is coming back to Paris for him. This beautiful yet heartbreaking book is truly one of the greatest works exploring themes of love and sexuality.
Emma by Jane Austen
What better way to end a list of not-so wintery/cozy novels with a wintery, cozy novel? If you’re looking for a classic that partly takes place in the winter, I recommend Emma by Jane Austen. While we are all no stranger to Jane Austen, Emma is a classic and humorous novel about love and relationships. Emma Woodhouse, a 19th century rich socialite from the fictional town of Highbury, has decided that she enjoys matchmaking. Throughout the novel, she begins to place herself in budding relationships within her town and prove that she can bring the right people together. However, she begins to get into trouble as she negatively impacts her social circle. In addition, will Emma be able to find love herself? Emma is a charming yet introspective book about societal expectations and love.
