For this roundup, I visited Second Story Books and White Rabbit Books & Curiosities, asking the employees what they enjoyed reading during the chilly months. I also stopped by the Durango Public Library and spoke with a couple librarians receiving great recommendations for children and adults.
A book enthusiast at Second Story Books recommends Kristin Hannah, noting, "Though she’s not a cozy read, she’s more of a tearjerker." Recently, she read Hannah’s book The Women, calling it "a three-Kleenex-box book." Other books by Hannah include The Great Alone and The Nightingale. This bookseller also recommends Amor Towles, claiming he always keeps you on your toes. She said, “There is no formula to him yet that I have read, and I have read them all.” He wrote A Gentleman in Moscow, Rules of Civility, and The Lincoln Highway.
Keenaw Kimmel, the proprietress of White Rabbit, has recently been drawn to historical fiction, admitting, "This is kind of new for me. I was never a history person in school… but if someone can bring history to life, that’s kind of my new favorite thing." She recommends All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. But maybe historical fiction isn’t for you, if so, Kimmel also recommends anything by Mary Oliver, vouching, “Anything she has written at any point in the season strikes a chord with me”.
At the library, I spoke with Robyn Brant, the Collection Development Librarian. When I asked what genre was popular she led me to the mystery section, stating cozy mysteries and thrillers are well sought out this time of year. She pulled books by Jenn McKinlay and Jacqueline B. Frost, both mystery writers who lean more towards a cozy experience.
Callie Blackmer, a Youth Services Librarian in the Kids’ Library, thinks it’s the perfect time to pick up one of Jan Brett’s books. She is a children’s book author and illustrator, best known for her classic cozy children's stories with immersive illustrations and detailed vignettes.
On these chilly cold nights, I hope you grab a warm blanket, a hot beverage, and settle in with a good book. Support local businesses and shop small this holiday season.