10 CLASSIC BOOKS FOR WINTER AND SNOW

Looking for the perfect reading list to cozy up with during the winter months? In this video, we explore 10 timeless classic books that are perfect for snowy days and cold winter nights. Whether you're seeking literary masterpieces with wintry settings, heartwarming tales to enjoy by the fire, or iconic works of fiction that evoke the magic and mystery of the season, this list has something for every book lover.

Discover winter-themed classics and unforgettable stories that capture the beauty and challenges of winter landscapes, the warmth of human connections, and the introspective solitude of the cold season. Perfect for fans of classic literature, seasonal book recommendations, and timeless winter reading ideas, this video is your guide to the best books to read this winter.

0:00 - Intro
0:24 - Call of the Wild
2:03 - Ethan Frome
3:58 - Dr Zhivago
6:41 - The Hollow Man
8:42 - The Ice Palace
10:07 - High Citadel
11:38 - One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich
14:13 - Uncommon Danger
16:04 - The Kreutzner Sonata
18:42 - Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow
22:58 - Make Your Recommendation

Whether you're building a seasonal TBR (to-be-read) list, searching for snow-themed novels, or simply looking for cozy classics to pair with a hot cup of cocoa, this video will help you find your next favorite read. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more curated book recommendations and literary inspiration!

[kimberly]

Everytime, without fail, that you do one of these videos I know I will be ordering books. Which in the end, is a great thing. Uncommon Danger, and Smilla’s sense of Snow have been ordered.

[susantownsend]

A Child’s Christmas in Wales, by Dylan Thomas. It contains one of my favorite lines in all of literature:
“…in the muffling silence of the eternal snows - eternal since Wednesday…”
How better to capture a child’s timeless view of life.

[stephaniewhittle]

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". Where it's always winter and never Christmas.

[elsieconnell]

You have inspired me to start reading again. I have ordered MIss Smillas feeling for snow and Ethan Frome. Thank you, Tristan, for what you do.

[tristanquezadadiaz]

Jack London 's stories make you feel the freezing cold in your bones

[kimbarnetson]

I was just about to mention " The long winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder when you said it 😊, I know it's a children's book and has been written with them in mind so some of the more adult concerns are missed out, but it is so evocative of this family, isolated despite being in town, by the extreme weather. The struggle to survive, the lengths people went to to keep warm or have a little something to eat. If you want to know more from an adult perspective try reading her autobiography " Prairie Girl" which explains the real events and the reasons for her editing. I also agree with the other comment about " A child's Christmas in Wales "by Dylan Thomas. Only last week I bought a miniature version of it in my local bookshop. I really enjoy your videos, thank you.

[fantasybibliophiles]

In the US the book is called Smilla’s Sense of Snow and it’s burned in my brain for life. I thought it was so beautiful and moving. I love her character and how she unravels the mystery. Not normally a mystery reader but this one! I recommend it for a winter setting read too! I’ma recent subscriber and I love your videos❤. Thank you.☺️

[alilatifshushtari]

I have read 'one day in the life of Ivan Denisovich' twice, once at home, and once in winter, inside the military camp where I was fulfilling the mandotory service. It was always cold and snowy that winter and for the whole 58 days of my service there, I was sick. Ivan really helped me there... I cannot stop my tears when I reach the ending. Thanks for sharing it Tristan.

[mlouw]

My dad read Ethan Frome aloud to me and my sisters when we were children. I was absolutely devastated by the ending, but wow did it make an impression. I still think of it often. I also happen to be from New England so sometimes I’ll see a scene that brings it to mind.

[artiste]

Just finished "Ethan Frome". Fascinating book. Brilliant writing.

[davidmccalip]

Hello Tristan! I hope you are doing well. I literally just finished Dr. Zhivago last night. I did enjoy it, but not as much as other Russian writers. Another book for winter that I would recommend would be Eco's The Name of the Rose. There may not be as much snow as the books you listed, but it does take place in winter. Have a great day!

[Yesica]

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster - Jon Krakauer.
It is exactly as the title says. I don't even know why I picked it up. It's not my usual style of book. But it was "un-put-downable." And SO COLD! I live in Chicago, so I am used to cold, to an extent. I had no idea cold could be THIS painful, this torturous. Obviously, I knew climbing mountains was difficult and dangerous. But I had no idea how brutal, how dirty, how painful, and how deadly it really is. To this day, I wonder, why would anybody want to put themselves through that ordeal. I've always wanted to see mountains. But I have NO desire to climb one!

[dm]

My Mom had me read One Day In The Life of Ivan Denisovich when I was in High School. She said it was an important book to read for our day. I’ve read it many times since. Definitely a winter book for sure. For me it’s also one of those books that has a therapeutic aspect to it as well. As bad as things get, at least they aren’t that bad.

This video reminded me of an old New Yorker cartoon. - a guy is reading a book on the beach and two police officers are telling him that it’s summer and Dostoyevsky shouldn’t be read in the summer.

[deblawrence]

LOVE this list of books! I think the one I shall reach for is Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow. Another wintery story that everyone knows, but they haven't necessarily read: "A Christmas Carol." Dickens writing is magnificent!

[KevinRoberts-rg]

I recently read "Snow" by John Banville, a mystery set in 1950's Ireland during a harsh, snowy Christmas. While it's a recent novel the snow that continually falls throughout the book makes for a very atmospheric and claustrophobic read

[ericgeneric]

Although this isn't on topic for your video, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Hans Fallada's Alone in Berlin novel. I'm in the process of reading it now and it's a very thought-provoking book. Happy holidays!

[ilonaforsman]

Thank you for your video. I'm a 68 year old woman from Finland. I have read all those books several times but not Edith Wharton book, I wrote the name down so if it's in the library and translated in finnish I will read it. One fantastic winterbook is Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann 😊😊😊 btw.winter is my favorite season😊

[dessireshallenberger]

Thank you for these recommendations! Especially the lesser known books by revered authors, and a few in the comments have filled my January and February list of books to read! ❤ 👌

[adhegi]

Great recommendations, Tristan! I also highly recommend “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson, set in the US Pacific Northwest in the 1950’s. It’s a love story and murder mystery in a small town dealing with post WWII trauma. Beautifully written and wonderfully plotted! The trial, which forms the framework for the story, takes place during a blizzard.

[wynandl.oberholzer]

"Hello my bookish friends"... tale of two cities is amazing...