Winter Reading List

 

Winter is finally and officially upon us. I am crossing my fingers hoping for snow as well as preparing for a very festive, quiet Christmas. This time of the year is perfect for bundling up in bed with some socks and blankets, a cup of hot chocolate resting nearby, and a good book in your hand. No season conjures such cozy feelings. The dark, cool weather crafts the ideal book reading and movie watching scenario. Here are the six books I want to read this wonderful season. 

Comfort Reads

The past few months have been trying. Living through a pandemic is certainly a strain as daily life has been permanently altered. Many people are experiencing more anxiety and fear than they have previously. During quarantine, reading became a more popular activity due to the extra time on hand. What is more perfect than reading a comforting book that allows you to escape into another life for a while? I  have found myself reaching for some comforting books myself. These are the kind of novels that make you feel at home, where you are relaxed and at ease, which is precisely what we need right now.  

3 Movies I Have LOVED Recently

Even with movie theaters still closed due to the pandemic, I have been watching tons of films. I love a good story--that's one of the reasons I adore reading so much. Movies are a perfect combination of my love of plot and photography (or cinematography). Between Netflix, Disney+, Redbox, and all of the other platforms available to rent or purchase movies on, there is no shortage of content to enjoy. Here are five spectacular movies to watch this weekend.

Best Book Couples

 

I would not dub myself as a "romantic," per say. Romance as a genre is one I tend to avoid. Plots with magic and action appeal to me more than those centered around a relationship. However, I am human, and there are some couples in my favorite books that I simply adore. We all have those couples that we root for or "ship." I suppose you could say this is a list of my fictional OTPs. 

The Best Middle Grade Book Series for All Ages

We all have those books we read as a child and have held dearly in our hearts ever since. These are the books and memories that we look back on fondly. Yet, some middle grade or children's book series are entirely enjoyable at any age. I read some of these as a kid, yes, but some I read as a teen or an adult. My older age did not diminish my adoration for these books. Everyone, old, young, or somewhere in between, can read and appreciate these ones.

2020...a Look on the Positive Side

At the start of this year, we dreamed of a fresh beginning for a new decade. People joked about a Roaring Twenties repeat and moving forward with good intentions. We were going to grab onto life and march decidedly into the coming year. In January, I left on my first international flight alone to study abroad for a semester in Edinburgh, Scotland. Two and a half months later, the pandemic was hitting us in full swing and I got called home to the USA. All of my upcoming travel and study plans were tossed out of the window. Thus began months of ongoing quarantine. I suppose this year did not go as intended, huh?

Autumn Reading List

Autumn: the season of campfires, pumpkins, and sweaters. It is a time for cozying up in bed with a good book or settling down with popcorn to watch a scary movie. Summer fades into world of Halloween, schoolwork, and spices. The heat will linger until the first fall chill chases it away for the rest of the year. Personally, I love autumn. I cannot wait to enjoy a good s'more and bake some pumpkin cupcakes. As usual, I am sharing a short list of books I hope to read this season. With my university work I never know when I will have time for reading but I still try to make it a priority when I can.