For some people, walking in a winter wonderland is overrated. The wind, the ice, the frostbite. They’d rather snuggle up in a blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and crack open a bestselling novel.

If this sounds familiar, you’re in luck. According to Google, there are around 129,864,880 books in the world, giving you plenty to choose from. Of course, this can feel quite overwhelming, too. So, if you’re looking for a good place to start your winter reading list, consider the following:

Apples Never Fall

Liane Moriarity is a frequent name on the New York Times Bestseller list and her new novel, Apples Never Fall, is no exception. This book tells the story of Stan and Joy Delaney, their four adult children, and the picturesque life that’s threatened when a mysterious stranger shows up with ulterior motives. When Joy goes missing, everyone forgets about the stranger, pointing the finger at Stan, instead.

In true Moriarity fashion, the plot blends mystery and suspense with humor and fun. It’s filled with relatable family dynamics, sarcastic one-liners, and tons of tennis. If it follows the lead of this author’s other works, including Big Little Eyes and Nine Perfect Strangers, it’ll be made into a series…with Nicole Kidman in the mix, naturally. 

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

The Elizabeth Holmes trial has renewed interest in Theranos, the health technology company that claimed it could perform diagnostic tests from mere droplets of blood. For those who want an up close and personal glance at what went on behind the scenes, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup does the trick.

This book was written by John Carreyrou, the Wall Street Journal reporter who broke the story of the Theranos fraud, and it’s fair to say, is Elizabeth Holmes’s personal nemesis. It reads like a documentary, one that reminds us the truth is stranger than fiction.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Gail Honeyman’s novel is a fast, fun, and quirky read. It tells the story of Eleanor Oliphant, an odd woman lacking social skills and tact. Her life is uneventful and carefully orchestrated, right down to the frozen pizza she microwaves religiously. 

But then she meets Raymond, the IT guy in her office with social misgraces of his own. Together, they rescue Sammy, an elderly man who’s fallen on the sidewalk, and form a tripod friendship that leaves a profound impact on everyone involved. This book reminds us of the power of connection and that people are who they are for a reason.

The House of Broken Angels

Luis Alberto Urrea is known for his storytelling and for good reason. The House of Broken Angels was written, in part, due to the death of Urrea’s older brother. It revolves around Miguel Angel de La Cruz, aka Big Angel, a dying patriarch who invites his extended Mexican-American family to San Diego for a final birthday bash. When his mother suddenly dies at almost 100, the family is left with double the grief.

With a plot that swings back and forth among characters, depicting multigenerational joys and challenges, there’s a lot to absorb. But this is a touching and intimate tale that’s hard to put down. It’s also filled with those tiny little details that make a good book extraordinary.

Year of Yes

Shonda Rhimes is best known for her work in television (ahem, Grey’s Anatomy), but she can be found on Amazon as well as ABC. Year of Yes is part memoir, detailing her book-loving childhood, and part self-help (she wrote it after her sister told her that she never said “yes” to anything). 

Chronicling a year where Shonda agreed to do everything she was afraid of, her account is raw, real, and human. It’s filled with what we’ve come to expect from the queen of TV: wit, heart, and potent punchlines. It’ll entertain you, sure, but it just might empower you along the way.

Windermere Apartments in Littleton is the perfect place to curl up with a book. We offer spacious and updated floorplans for cozy nights in and we’re located within walking distance to restaurants and bars for nights on the town. Contact us to learn more about our modern residences and welcoming 55+ active community.