Cosy winter reads to warm up your heart

Around 17 years ago, I came across a simple story in my Bangla language class. It painted a serene picture of a winter morning in a village. Two children, rising only after the sun had come up, eagerly waited by their grandmother's side as she prepared rice cakes (pitha) for them. The warmth of the scene and the children's joyful anticipation left an impression that still makes me smile whenever I think of it.

The story captured a kind of winter morning that felt worlds apart from the hustle and noise of city life—where the reluctance to leave the cosiness of bed marked the beginning of the day.

Although I've never experienced a village winter like the one in the story, its imagery has stayed with me all these years. That's the power of a well-told tale—it lingers in your mind, ready to be revisited whenever you need it.

With dry leaves rustling and the chilly air outside, everyone's cosied up in their rooms. It's the perfect time to dust off the books you say you will read but keep delaying it for another day.

Winter is here, time to bring back your reader self.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

The trope of a grumpy old man with a grey cloud over his head and a wife full of life is one I never tire of reading. 'A Man Called Ove', however, adds a twist that caught me completely off guard. 

The story is simple yet heartwarming—one of those books you pick up on a cold winter day to feel its comforting warmth. Though the pace is steady, the writing style keeps you hooked until the very end. 

One line, in particular, stayed with me even after all these years— "We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and we stand there holding on to words like 'if'." 

It's a heart-wrenching yet beautiful reminder of the more important things in life.

Tithidor by Buddhadeva Bose

Sometimes, we need a book that feels like a slice of life, and Tithidor turned out to be just that for me. After sitting on my TBR (to-be-read) pile for too long, I'm glad I finally picked it up. The story follows Swati, the youngest daughter of Ajen Mitra, who is the apple of her father's eye. 

The traditional familial bonds and cherished relationships of Kolkata have been brilliantly depicted in the story, which may transport readers to a bygone era.

Through Swati's journey, we experience life in all its shades—happiness, sadness, and an evolving understanding of grief. Bose's storytelling relies heavily on the 'show, don't tell' approach, letting readers feel the characters' emotions as they navigate their relationships, whether together or apart. You can't help but smile at their moments of connection and see yourself in their playful, endearing interactions.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Everyone has their own set of 'what ifs' to dwell on—whether during idle moments or tough times. We often second-guess our life choices, wondering if a completely different path might have led to a better outcome. Rarely do we focus on what we already have; it's simply easier to daydream about a life we don't live. 

The Midnight Library is the perfect answer to all those lingering 'what ifs,' offering a touch of magic that adults could certainly use. At just 304 pages, it's a book you can dive into—and maybe even finish—while waiting in a cafe for that friend who's always '5 minutes away.'

Rusty, the boy from the hills by Ruskin Bond
 
If you're new to the world of Ruskin Bond, consider this your sign to pick up one of his books this winter. 'Rusty, the Boy from the Hills is not just a cosy read but a love story to all our childhoods—those long afternoons spent wandering through fields, the friends we made, the pets who followed us everywhere, the 'eccentric' family members we had (or still have), and the heartbreak of losing someone we loved. 

This book is the perfect companion for a chilly winter night, allowing you to relive the sweetness of childhood through Rusty's adventures.

Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell

There's nothing better than escaping to a tropical land during winter, but when your bank balance lets you down, Gerald Durrell has your back. I was absolutely blown away by his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words—it truly felt like he transported me to the places he visited and the experiences he lived. 

The book follows a family moving from England to Greece during the Second World War, and how they adapt to the weather, the land, the people, and their new lives. The trilogy includes 'My Family and Other Animals', 'Birds, Beasts and Relatives', and 'The Garden of the Gods.' 

A line from the book beautifully captures the wholesome journey Durrell takes you on— "In those days, living as we did in the country, without the dubious benefits of radio or television, we had to rely on such primitive forms of amusement as books, quarrelling, parties, and the laughter of our friends.