Winter is the perfect time to slow down. In winter, living in Edmonton, Alberta, means less daylight, and temperatures fluctuate between 5 to -40 degrees Celsius. Although I don’t love the cold weather, a cold winter is a perfect incentive to put on fuzzy, comfortable clothes, make a giant pot of tea, and read books. Here is a list of fiction and non-fiction books I’m eager to read this season. These might be great to try if you are looking for inspiring books!

Non-Fiction

I used to only listen to non-fiction books on audible. Still, I felt that I was distracted because I was either driving or working on chores, so I’m trying to get back into reading the physical copies to ensure the information sticks! Here are my recommendations for 2023.

The Everyday Hero- Robyn Sharma

A personal growth book by a talented and successful business coach Robin Sharma. I’m curious about what methods of balancing discipline and success Sharma has for us in the digital age. I have read one of his other books, The 5 Am Club, and while I don’t personally practice the strict routine of getting up before dawn, the book was insightful. I wonder how his perspectives have changed and or evolved since The 5 am Club was written 3 years ago. I enjoyed some of the suggestions in his previous book; however, the fictional storyline was a bit cringy. Nevertheless, I know he came from a good place; perhaps this book has matured his writing style.

How to do the Work– Dr. Nicole LePera

I used to see a psychologist regularly; however, due to the expense, I have chosen to try to learn as much from others as possible. While I enjoyed therapy, I always felt lighter; I’m interested in knowing what “work” I can accomplish independently. Often, I would have my finger on the dial to call my therapist and then stop myself and ask, “what would she ask me in the session,” and could come up with the answer on my own. Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera writes this book, and her background may foster a unique approach to self-development I’ve never considered. LePera looks at therapy in a holistic manor; she believes that the mind has the power to change our perspectives, even though we’ve been conditioned into coping mechanisms that don’t serve us.

The Courage to be Disliked- Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitae Koga

I’ve always admired Japanese culture, their attention to detail, keeping traditions, and honoring respect for all beings. So my instant prejudice to the culture would question why two Japanese authors would write about being disliked. This contradiction makes me want to dive right in.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience– Brene Brown

I was gifted this book for my birthday last year and only got around to reading the first two chapters, but I’m looking forward to cracking into the rest of it. I’m a huge fan of Brene; I’ve listed to several of her audiobooks and think she’s a great warrior and advocate for introducing vulnerability in a work-obsessed western culture.

Fiction

I love fiction, the psychology of the flaws that a protagonist must overcome, and their journey is just such a great escape from life’s monotony. I used to read a lot more, and lately, it’s been my biggest regret that I haven’t read more often… hmm it might be because of the giant metal block that’s always glued to my hand.

Us Against You- Fredrick Backman

This book is the sequel to Beartown. It follows a full range of young and old characters living in a small town obsessed with hockey. The characters all face interpersonal problems, and the plot twists add up delightfully as each character navigates their hopes and dreams in the baren hockey town. Both dramatic and suspenseful, this book is so engaging it’s not hard to keep the pages turning. Politics, secrets, and relationships haunt the members of the town, however, the dramatic elements in the book are so thoughtfully portrayed.

The First to Die at the End-Adam Silvera

This was a trendy YA novel on the BookTok list last year, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. So far, I’m enjoying it; the novel is easy to read yet thoughtful at the same time. It’s nice to read about young adults, as they seem less complicated than adult characters!

Carrie Soto is Back- Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book was at the top of the 2023 Good Reads choice awards for historical fiction. Then one of my close friends raved about it, so in the cart, it goes. Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, known for having several best sellers, I really enjoyed her other novels, Daisy Jones and the Six and the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. So I’m eager to see if this book, whose protagonist is a 37-year-old tennis champ, will also satisfy my admiration for this author.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow- Gabrielle Zevin

Another Good Reads winner and recommendation by a friend. A book about childhood friends who learn about the power of hustle and connection sounds like a fantastic journey to read about.

Summary

Is it just me, or does everyone tend to read more in the winter? Is it the weather or all the new year resolutions? Anyway’s, reading is often better with a baked good. Try making my gluten-free banana bread.