Guest Book List #2: Lauren of I Was a Teenage Book Geek on Winter WonderReads

I always love Lauren of UK-based I Was a Teenage Book Geek's thoughtful and intelligent reviews. Today she tells us about books to snuggle up with.

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Winter WonderReads

Lauren in a cold climate, but otherwise
probably enjoying Harry Potter World!

I don't know about you, but when it's cold outside I just want to curl up by the the fire with a mug of peppermint hot chocolate and a good book. Truth be told, I'd way rather read about snow crunching underfoot than actually pull my wellies on and traipse through the stuff. Luckily, there are plenty of titles that can give you that wintry feeling from the comfort of your own armchair. Here are some of my favourites.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Let's face it, this timeless children's classic wouldn't be quite as spellbinding if Mr Tumnus and friends had been basking in an eternal summer for the last 100 years. Snow = magic.

Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier
In this contemporary fantasy, Aussie protagonist Reason opens a door and finds herself in a magical wintry New York City. Think Narnia, minus the talking animals and way more cosmopolitan.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Beautiful, lyrical novel where intense cold causes humans to shift into wolf form. Breathtaking.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Not wintry the entire way through, but this classic tale of four sisters during the American Civil War does feature some of the most wonderful holiday scenes ever written. Who doesn't love the part where the sisters give their Christmas breakfast away?

Sweet Valley High: Winter Carnival 'created by' Francine Pascal
Or, Special Christmas / A Deadly Christmas / any other holiday-themed special edition of whatever series you were utterly obessed with, back in the day. Because: festive nostalgia is the very best kind of all.

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
This fairytale retelling is both elegant and fierce. A polar bear love interest, a castle made of ice, and Artic blizzards: this is one captivating journey.

Let It Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle
Three holiday romances unfold in the middle of an epic snowstorm. Think gingerbread latte in book form. Cran-awesomesauce.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
One of my favourite novels of 2010, this romance illustrates exactly why New York City should be named the official home of the holiday season. And why you probably shouldn't throw snowballs at ten-year-olds.

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Thank you, Lauren! Don't forget to check out her blog at I Was a Teenage Book Geek.

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