Last week, we asked the Cambridge librarians for their favorite cozy books for winter reading; this week, we have additional recommendations from the Somerville librarians to round out a long list of cozy/winter/holiday reads to keep you stocked with ideas through the new year. We’ve included lightly edited blurbs from the publishers to explain each title.
“Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman
“If you’re looking for a good winter read, look no further than ‘Norse Mythology.’ Gaiman takes tales both familiar and unfamiliar and retells them each as short stories, bringing to life the characters we know such as Odin and Loki. These gods are crafty and devious, and there’s no better way to read about their schemes than under a cozy blanket.” – Tim
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating his fiction, presents the Norse gods and their world – from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok – in a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life.
“Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow” by Jessica Townsend
“During the winter, I like to revisit my favorite fantasy novels. There’s something cozy about revisiting a magical world not our own. At the top of my TBR stack right now is ‘Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow’ by Australian author Jessica Townsend. For middle-grade readers, this fast-paced story of a cursed girl who escapes to a magical land to avoid certain death is full of imaginative world building. The scene where Saint Nicholas and the Yule Queen compete to create the most elaborate yuletide spectacle is perfect for the season.” – Karen
Morrigan Crow was born on Eventide, the unluckiest day, and is cursed to die on her 11th birthday, blamed for all misfortunes in her town. A mysterious man named Jupiter North rescues her and takes her to Nevermoor, a magical city. There, Morrigan must compete for a spot in the prestigious Wundrous Society, facing dangerous trials while struggling to uncover the talent she believes she lacks.
“The Shamshine Blind” by Paz Pardo
“Alternative history meets the classic noir detective novel to create a perfect escape from dreary winter days. It’s 2009 and federal agent Kay Curtida, stationed in a dreary town outside the ruins of San Francisco, gets a lead on a drug cartel trafficking in counterfeit ‘psychopigments’: color-coded drugs that induce emotional states. Sunshine Yellow can treat depression, for instance, and the police shoot Cloud Grey, which inflicts paralyzing listlessness instead of bullets. Soon Curtida and her partner are working a labyrinthine case involving a religious cult, a missing scientist and Big Pharma. The alternative world is as much a draw as the mystery itself, both presented via Curtida’s pitch-perfect voice.” – Kevin
In an alternate 2009, the United States has declined in power since Argentina’s victory in the Falklands War due to the creation of “psychopigments” and Kay Curtida, a psychopigment enforcement agent in Daly City, spends her days dealing with small-time criminals. When an old friend brings her a lead on a major case, her life is thrown into a web of conspiracy, forcing her to confront personal and family truths.
“A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers
“It’s one of my all-time favorite books, and it carries that special type of comfort to it which makes it a cozy winter read. I also first finished reading the series (it’s two books, and I accidentally read them in reverse order) in the winter. I made a treat of it and went to a nearby coffee shop to read. Yes, I did end up crying in public. It follows Sibling Dex, who, despite living in a near-utopian future society, is struggling with feelings of depression and discontent. They end up being the first person to meet a robot since they became sentient and left human society to live in the wild, and develop a really sweet friendship with the robot Mosscap.” – Niki
It’s been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend. One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of “What do people need?” is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how.
“How the Dukes Stole Christmas” by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan and Joanna Shupe
“’How the Dukes Stole Christmas’ is a holiday historical romance anthology for people who love Hallmark Christmas movies but wish they were a little closer to Bridgerton! These four holiday-themed novellas have something for everyone, but I’m partial to the last in the collection, ‘Christmas in Central Park,’ by Joanna Shupe, set in Gilded-Age New York City and taking inspiration from one of my favorite Christmas watches, ‘Christmas in Connecticut’ – consider this a bonus recommendation if you’ve never seen it. All of the stories combine humor, heart and a little spice to make a perfect Christmas treat.” – Brigid
From the ballrooms of London to abandoned Scottish castles, four bestselling authors whip up unforgettable Christmas romance. In addition to “Christmas in Central Park,” the novellas include “Meet Me in Mayfair” by Tessa Dare, “The Duke of Christmas Present” by Sarah MacLean, “Heiress Alone” by Sophie Jordan.
“How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood
“‘How to Read a Book’ is a heartbreaking and heart-lifting story of people who meet at a bookstore in Portland, Maine. I can’t tell you any more without spoiling the story, but it’s 100 percent worth a read.” – Alison
Violet Powell, recently released from prison after serving time for a drunken-driving crash that killed a local teacher, crosses paths with Harriet Larson, a retired teacher dealing with an empty nest, and Frank Daigle, the husband of the woman Violet killed. Their chance meeting in a bookstore in Portland leads to unexpected connections and profound change for each.
“The Box of Delights” by John Masefield
“Tolkien, Lewis, Cooper, Rowling and many other fantasy writers were inspired by John Masefield’s magical, slightly menacing, midwinter fantasy. Young Kay Harker has been tasked with protecting a Box of Delights that allows its owner to time travel. Set between the Solstice and Epiphany, this is an ideal holiday read for the whole family. I recommend reading it aloud, as Masefield’s language is rich and lyrical. The story is simple enough for a young listener but sophisticated enough for an adult to tally the allusions and revel in fantasy’s rich roots.” – Tammy
When Kay Harker meets a mysterious Punch-and-Judy man on his way home for Christmas, he little realizes that he is about to be plunged into adventure. The old man entrusts Kay with a strange puzzle box, the Box of Delights, before suddenly disappearing. Kay soon discovers two things: the box can transport him through time and space, and there is a plot to steal it. He must battle heroically against terrifying forces of evil to win the day.
“Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake” by Alexis Hall
“While this story might not take place during any winter holiday, it’s the perfect feel-good and funny escape from the hectic holiday season. Featuring a single mum exploring her new passion, a precocious 8-year-old and a full cast of quirky yet supportive (with some less-than-supportive) co-contestants on a fictional televised baking competition (a la ‘The Great British Bake Off’). Cheering Rosaline on as she learned to stand up for herself and go after what she wanted made this book just fly by.” – Muhl
Rosaline Palmer, struggling financially while raising her daughter Amelie, gets a chance to turn things around by competing on a popular baking show. While determined to win the prize money, Rosaline finds herself torn between charming Alain, who meets all her expectations, and the shy electrician Harry, who challenges her beliefs about love and family.
“Company” by Shannon Sanders
“If you enjoy interconnected, slice-of-life short stories, I highly recommend this excellent debut collection by Shannon Sanders, which mainly focuses on different members of one middle-class Black family living in the D.C. area. The holiday season is the perfect time of year to read this book, as all of the stories involve visits or gatherings of some kind and explore the nuanced and often complicated dynamics and hierarchies involved in having company over, or in being a guest. Also, one of my favorite kinds of reading experiences is getting to see the same characters and/or events from different vantage points, and there’s a lot of that in this book. I just loved it.” – Cathy
Sanders explores the complex dynamics of the Collins family, whose inheritance includes strict societal rules, family secrets and an opal necklace of mysterious origin. Through a series of gatherings, the family members navigate relationships marked by love, conflict and unspoken histories, all while confronting the past and their own choices. The story reveals deeper truths about inherited and self-made rules that shape their lives, blending humor, sorrow, and intimate moments.
A stronger
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