Winter in Miami is refreshing, to say the least. What we quantify as winter is a mild spring day for some of the more brutal areas of the Northeast. Even so, you may find yourself on a boat in January, missing the cold.
Some might appreciate Miami’s winter mildness, but if you ever crave a chilly day, try out one of these books to feel the chill this winter.
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Dark academia, murder and the middle of Vermont. Tartt articulates an intricate, captivating story of a group of friends in a small, isolated university and the sacred bond they form. This intense psychological thriller is twisted and entrancing, chock-full of ice-cold imagery as winter becomes an entity that symbolizes confusion, horror and emptiness.
“My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh
What says winter more than hibernation, even if it is voluntarily drug-induced? The unnamed antihero of Moshfegh’s most famous novel is unsatisfied with her life post-graduation and decides to undergo a year of hibernation to “reset” herself. This novel creates an atmosphere of haziness and isolation, all very reminiscent of the cold season.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
I couldn’t make this list without acknowledging Harry Potter. The entire series is already nostalgic of snowy days with a cup of hot chocolate, but also contains some of the most iconic scenes in literature. Butterbeer, sweaters knit by Molly Weasley and cozy scarves that match the houses are some of my favorite wintry things interwoven into these books.
“These Violent Delights” by Micah Nemerever
Set during the winter in 1970s Pittsburgh, this book’s subject matter is miserable and isolating. Doesn’t that sound like an accurate description of winter itself? This novel is another dark academia pick, populated with morally ambiguous students that descend into madness and violence.
“Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng
This carefully drawn family portrait examines themes of grief, legacy and generational trauma through the unique perspective of an Asian-American family in 1970s Ohio. With dark themes and stunning imagery, “Everything I Never Told You” is reflective and encompassing.
“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch
This science-fiction novel explores deeply emotional and philosophical concepts as it follows the protagonist through different universes to reunite with his family. This story’s twists and turns throughout space and time will make your head spin as you ponder themes of love, parallelism and existentialism.