Arguably the best part of a BC winter is the weather-made excuse to stay indoors curled up under a thick quilt while the rain or the snow (as the case may be) falls against the window. We can’t think of a more iconic time of year to nestle into a good, cozy book. We’re guessing that since you’re here perusing books by brilliant BC publishers, you feel the same. Here are a few of our choice selections for your winter weather sit-in for this damp and chilly season.
Short stories you can commit to
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, sometimes committing to an entire novel-length story can be daunting when the siren call of hibernation is such a powerful temptation. But these books offer you stories in bite-size. Make yourself comfortable on the couch and take in a few before the drowsy winter lull overtakes you.
A Dream of a Woman by Casey Plett (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Always Brave, Sometimes Kind by Katie Bickell (TouchWood Editions)
Winter arts and crafts
There’s something about the long cold nights of winter that sparks the creative spirit. Whether it’s the magic that comes from the silent and snowy landscape, or just that we’ve got nothing better to do with our time, the holidays are a great time to pick up a craft. Let these books stir the hobbyist in you to create something cozy this season.
A Pocket Guide the the Unheralded Artists of BC Introduction by Marsha Lederman ( Mother Tongue Publishing Limited)
Unravelling Canada: A Knitting Odyssey by Sylvia Olsen (Douglas & McIntyre)
Fascinating true stories
When the snow is piling up and you can’t reasonably be expected to leave your house, there is no better time to pick up an engrossing story of people in far away places and different times. Try one of these real-life adventure tales from the nest of your comforter and a mug of warm cocoa.
Sister of the Ice by R. Bruce Macdonald (Harbour Publishing)
A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya by Michael Schauch (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
For entertaining the kids
So the kids are home on winter break and you need a way to entertain them without straying too far from the comfort of your book nook. Fear not! These great books for children and young readers are perfect for getting the imagination going and maybe even starting a nice warm bowl of soup!
The Canoe He Called Loo Taas by Amanda Reid-Stevens, illustrated by Micheal Nicoll Yahgulanaas (McKellar & Martin Publishing Group, Ltd.)
Lentil Soup by Carole Tremblay, illustrated by Maurèen Poignonec (Orca Book Publishers)
Just comfortable books for a cozy season
What could be better than a book that simply wraps you up in its pages and asks nothing more of you than your enjoyment? As you settle in for the winter, bring one of these slice-of-life books with you and just delight in the comfort of the written word.
Picket Fences by Emma L.R. Hogg (Tidewater Press)
Home on the Strange: Chronicles of Motherhood, Mayhem, and Matters of the Heart by Susan Lundy (Heritage House)