This is the second in an ongoing series called “A book for every season” where Technician’s staff gives their book recommendations according to the season. 

“Eileen” by Ottessa Moshfegh

Goodreads rating: 3.59 stars

This humorous, dark and twisted thriller novel follows a secretary named Eileen who works at a correctional facility for teenage boys during the Christmas season. Eileen lives with her father in New England and feels trapped in her dreary life. When a new employee is hired, her life takes a turn as she spirals into obsession. 

“Eileen” encapsulates the somewhat trapped feeling of winter because of its cold and dreary tones but maintains a funny atmosphere through the narrator’s escapism. If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery novel to cozy up on the couch with, this is the book for you.

“Hunger” by Knue Hamson

Goodreads rating: 4.06 stars

“Hunger,” an autobiographical novel, narrates the story of a struggling writer living in Oslo, Norway during the 1800’s. Hamson describes a period of his life when he was struggling to achieve his goals as a writer and artist while living in hunger and poverty. The main character’s sanity and reality begin to crumble, leaving the reader to experience the narrator’s delusionary life along with him.  

Although it dives into some pretty deep topics, this book takes you through many ups and downs, using symbolism and surrealism to reference earlier authors such as Kafka and Camus. “Hunger” is a great read if you enjoy going along through life’s tribulations with a character trapped in the pages. 

“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer

Goodreads rating: 4.01 stars

This unforgettable book about a man who abandons his possessions is surely one to pick up during winter break if you want to be transported to another world. It details a man who goes to the wilderness of Alaska to escape his life and create a new one for himself, which doesn’t go quite as expected.

Krakauer writes with an empathetic tone while describing the desolation of the main character’s independence. This riveting and adventurous nonfiction book is perfect for anyone thinking of running away from the possible bores of life, as it will likely convince you to do otherwise. 

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

Goodreads rating: 3.94 stars

“The Goldfinch” follows a young boy’s journey after surviving an accident in an art museum. As he grows up, drifts between homes as he searches for his identity, meeting friends who change his life for better and for worse. 

This almost 900-page book is a great lengthy read to pick up during the long winter break. The characters are captivating and charming, and the author leaves you wanting more of this beautiful story filled with heartbreak, love, and suspense. 

“The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins 

Goodreads rating: 4.00 stars

This classic slow burn novel is a great slow-paced pick to calm down after a busy semester. It follows Walter Hartright, a drawing master who is drawn to a mysterious figure. Throughout the novel, the protagonist questions his sanity and identity, all in the master’s Gothic estate. 

“The Woman in White” is a great novel to pick up to indulge your taste for mid-Victorian classics, especially if you want a drawn out narration of the story. 

“The Shining” by Stephen King 

Goodreads rating: 4.26 stars

“The Shining” follows a family of three who move to an idyllic, old and secluded hotel to get a fresh start and repair their bonds. However, the family dynamic quickly devolves as Jack, the father, slowly loses his sanity and his family is tortured by the horrors and dangers of the hotel. All the while, winter closes in, leaving the family trapped with the supernatural forces within. 

This book feels like winter — the cold and sometimes homey imagery pulls you into the hotel with the family, leaving you wanting to continue turning pages to see what will happen next. 

“A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway 

Goodreads rating: 4.02 stars

This classic memoir details the early life of Ernest Hemingway before he was a well-known writer. He reminisces about his time in Paris while he was finding his identity, spending his days with big names such as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and James Joyce. 

Hemingway writes with a warm, humorous and affectionate tone towards his past in 192 pages, the perfect length to flip through while drinking a cup of hot cocoa during your winter break. 

“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath 

Goodreads rating: 4.05 stars

Follow the slow breakdown of Esther Greenwood with Sylvia Plath’s famous novel “The Bell Jar.” Esther is a successful, gifted and attractive woman who hopes to be a poet, but when she goes to New York City for an internship, she becomes discontented and starts to grapple with her identity and sanity. 

Wintertime can feel isolating — cold weather and early sunsets make people want to stay in — but it’s important to remember that everyone is struggling with something, and that struggle looks different on everyone. “The Bell Jar” offers a unique perspective into that lesson, so give it a read this season. 

“The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden 

Goodreads rating: 4.10 stars 

This book details a winter in the Russian wilderness with the main character, Vasilisa. Vasilisa loves the folklore of creatures and beings that appear in the night and the spirits her family honors to protect their house from those evils. When her father gets a new wife, she forbids them to honor the rituals, and danger surrounds and confines them. 

The vivid storytelling blasts you into Russia’s winter nights and makes you want to cozy up by the fire for some of Vasilisa’s stories. Enjoy the atmosphere of the chilly days and nights, so you can appreciate the warm months.