Great Books for Cold, Rainy Days

May 1, 2024

Winter has officially ended, and one thing we've learned is that there's nothing better than snuggling up with an unputdownable book? This rainy season, we’re all about diving into the pages of debut authors who are bringing a fresh breeze to the literary world.

Book blogger and reading enthusiast Olivia Cervera shared her thoughts: “I love exploring debut authors; they often bring fresh ideas to the literary world and have the potential to become new favorites.”

So grab your coziest blanket and steaming cup of cocoa. It’s time to discover new authors!

A Total Charmer.

Imagine trying to live a normal teenage life, but your reality is anything but ordinary. That’s exactly what Ellie Haycock faces in Gretchen Schreiber’s heartwarming debut novel, “Ellie Haycock is Totally Normal”.

Juggling the typical highs and lows of high school while spending her days in a hospital, Ellie’s story is a unique blend of humor, sweetness, and the struggles of growing up as she navigates the complexities of new friendships and love.

Read more about “Ellie Haycock is Totally Normal” here.

This is Your Sign to Start Reading Graphic Novels.

Get ready for an epic journey back in time with Robin Ha;’s latest graphic novel, “The Fox Maidens.” This beautifully illustrated story, infused with rich Korean mythology, introduces us to Kai Song, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a a warrior in 16th-century Korea.

“The Fox Maidens” is filled with thrilling action, unexpected twists of love, and a deep dive into an era of intrigue and bravery. The book made it to the top of 15-year-old Charlotte Marsch’s reading list because it’s a gateway to “learn more about Korea and its culture,” she said.

Read more about “The Fox Maidens” here.

Craving a Classic? Here Are Tales as Old as Time With a Twist.

Have you ever considered Pride and Prejudice in outer space, Frankenstein under the sea, or The Great Gatsby on an island off the coast of Costa Rica?

In “Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories” that’s exactly what happens. This groundbreaking anthology edited by Sandra Proudman, places Latinx characters at the forefront.

“As much as we are invited to read the classics, the reality is that they lack representation,” Cervera said. “But [this] is a book I would read to enjoy my favorite classics with characters from the Latino community.”

Read more about “Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories” here.

With these three new books in tow, winter is shaping up to be a literary wonderland. Schreiber’s “Ellie Haycock is Totally Normal”, Ha’s “The Fox Maidens”, and Proudman’s “Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories” offer a diverse range of experiences, from heartfelt stories, magical classics, and daring adventures for all readers. So, bundle up, find a comfy reading nook, and let these tales transport you this winter. Happy reading!

- Story by Brigid McCormack, read more about the writer by clicking here.

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