Wintertime and reading go hand-in-hand. These short, chilly days leave little to do but rediscover the joys of reading: find a well-loved book, breathe in deeply, and savor the aroma of ink on paper. When reading a classic especially, you embrace a story that unites you with the masses before who have devoted their time to that very same story. So, go on, grab one of these reads, settle into your comfiest spot with your coziest blanket, and savor the long nights the way so many before you have: with a good book.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A group of schoolboys are marooned on an island after their plane crashes and the sole adult authority figure dies, leading to anarchy and inevitable power struggles. The young boys contend with their newfound freedom, often to disastrous effects.
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The fortunate son of a wealthy man, Amory Blaine seeks fulfillment through money, education, and love. As Amory follows his fancies, and suffers inevitable losses, he finds the more life is stripped down, the easier it is to see the truth.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This book transports the reader into 1920s Brooklyn, with its tenement-lined streets and ambitious residents. A true product of New York, 11-year-old Francie grapples with the stark reality of her situation while looking forward to a time when she can hopefully escape the financial and familial issues that hold her back.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The story begins with the narrator. “Call me Ishmael,” he says in introduction, while inviting the reader to join him in his seafaring journey. As Ishmael faces the ultimate struggle in defeating the white whale, be prepared to face your own hesitations and deepest fears along the way.