Hi Rosamunde, RUclips suggested this video to me and I’m glad I’ve discovered your channel. I went back and watched your newbie tag video and realised we have the same taste in authors and genres. I really enjoyed your newbie tag video to learn more about you. I too am in my 60s and have been a life-long reader. Reading to my children was a great joy. We adore The Chronicles of Narnia. My daughter is now a librarian and we all still love reading. I was born in West Yorkshire, my beloved Brontë country, but moved to Australia as a child. Wuthering Heights remains a favourite book that I first read in my teens. Congratulations on writing three books! That’s something I haven’t done! I look forward to watching more of your videos as you discuss books I love and learn about books and authors I haven’t read yet. And your little dog is adorable. Thank you. Theresa
I happened to stumble upon this video and I’m so happy I did, I loved it! I live in the US in Florida so I need all the help when it comes to feeling a winter atmosphere 😆 I’m excited to try some of these recommendations! I’ve never read many of the popular classic authors like Brontë and Dickens so you’ve inspired me to try them finally! And I’m looking forward to more winter season recommendations! Thank you for your lovely video!
Good for you!!!! I haven’t finished watching the video yet, so don’t know if she encouraged this, but I highly recommend reading classics from Oxford’s World Classics collection. They have such helpful notes to help you along, especially if it’s your first foray into classic literature. The notes give wonderful context so it’s easier to understand. I, personally, have a hard time reading Dickens without their notes, but not everyone does. Best of luck and enjoyment in your reading, however you choose to start!
Lovely video. I would also recommend The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, in which the story starts on Christmas time. During Christmas I love to read ghost stories from classic writers.
The Woman in Black is my absolute favourite ghost story! It's what made me fall in love with the classic ghost story trope we see in English ghost stories. I also love to read ghost stories from classic authors. I've recently gotten back into the genre after I picked up the Oxford Book of English Ghost Stories from my local secondhand bookshop. Only picked it up for one story (The Phantom Coach) but they have a wide range of authors I wanted to read. I also found a collection of ghost stories written by M.R. James and snatched it up before somebody else found it.
What a lovely channel! I'm so glad RUclips recommended you. And the first book you talked about was Titus Groan, which I read just this year and fell in love with! The writing is amazing. While it is bleak, there are some hilarious parts, especially in the second book with Irma and the Headmaster. There are some good wintery children's books, like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Long Winter.
Thank you - great to hear from another Mervyn Peake fan! Oh yes, if you look at some of my previous videos you'll find that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was my favourite children's book - and I mention it a lot!
Just found your channel and am happy I did! Just started Pillars of the Earth. The first line in one of the early chapters is "By Christmas they were starving." I was so affected by this sentence. Definitely because of the approaching holidays I'm sure.
Ethan Frome is a great winter/cold weather read. As for Dickens I’ve been reading something by him each December for the past couple of years. Even though I know this isn’t the one you’ll mention in your next video, I think Oliver Twist is a great book to read around Christmas.
Dear Rosamunde, I am an Italian teacher of English language and literature and I am on cloud nine for having just discovered your channel. Amazing contents and obviously your accent is music to me.
Completely agree with you on the point about reading books which fit with the season - I tried reading game of thrones on a sunbed by a swimming pool and just couldn’t enjoy the parts set in the north as they described the snowy scenes! My fav winter reads are both Stephen King - The Shining or Misery! Loved this vid.
Thank you! Yes, I can't imagine trying to read books like that on a sunbed! I admit I haven't read much Stephen King (just being a bit of a coward) - but I am planning to grit my teeth and read more, because he is such an excellent writer.
Thanks for the recommendations. I am in the US in south Florida in a tropical climate with no winter. I love reading winter books in the winter since I don't get to experience the season myself.
Hi - thanks so much for your comment. And, it's a good reminder that not everyone experiences the same seasons - but I'm glad to hear that you enjoy winter books anyway, and get to imagine the cold and the snow vicariously!
I remember going to Florida (to Treasure Island) during Reading Break one winter with my friends. I come from Canada which was in the middle of a polar vortex so the Florida climate was a welcome relief and none of us wanted to go home. Mind you, I do come from a country where we're crazy enough to wear shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter when it's freezing enough to kill us, but eh... that's Canadians for you.
I read Titus Groan in 1970, and it is a book that has stayed with me as a favourite, although I don’t remember details of the book. I recently purchased a copy to read it again and was thrilled to hear someone talk about it. You’ve got a new subscriber just based on that first book I’ve heard you talk about.
The YT algorithm brought me here. I'm so glad it did. 😊 Love the way you talk about books. Northern Lights has been on my Tbr for a very long time. Now I added Titus Groan and The Left Hand of Darkness. I also habe the Earthsea Books on my Shelf. Thank you for the great book recommendations. Greetings from Germany 🙋♀️
Wonderful video. At this time of year, I often reread the Christmas novels, novellas and stories by Mary Balogh. The theme is often the redemptive power of Christmas to bring together new lovers, estranged couples, and families in general, often families of different classes. It's all done so gently and tenderly, with a touch of "magic" in one or two of her stories.
I live in the southern US and miss cold and snowy winters (at least for 1-2 months). Reading wintery books helps me feel the season. Thanks for the recommendations.
You tube put your video into my feed and I am glad they did. Very enjoyable video. So many books, so little time. I already have so many books on my TBR list I could read every second of every day 24/7 and never get to them all! So very hard to decide what to read next. Congrats on your channel and I looking forward to seeing more of you and your fur baby! Happy Holidays from the USA in bleak Indiana
A lovely English accented lady talking about winter books, preferably curled up on my sofa under a fuzzy blanket on a dim, chilly day with a fire crackling in the grate… what could be better??
Golden Compass is so good. I love that world. I named one of my pets after Pan. When people see me write Pan’s full name, people think I made it up until I tell them that he’s named after of my fave characters.
I’m in the States. 53 and back in college. lol. It’s 6 am EST. the last 2 weeks of an arduous semester and I needed a video that was interesting but relaxing. And you and your video are perfect. I’ve found myself just grinning and so grateful for you in realizing the stress of exams had faded. I’m in. Subscribed and I can’t wait to see more. Thank you for your truly lovely personality and video. We need more sweetness and people with interesting personalities and stories. Well done and thank you so much. 🙏🏻✌🏼😊
Just got recommended this video on my feed and I am glad that I clicked! In my part of the world (Canada), it's been feeling like winter since mid October since we got our first snow. The snow didn't last at first but the plummet in temperature and the cold blustery wind most certainly did. Whenever things get cold where I am, I tend to always pick cosy mysteries or Sherlock Holmes. When I was a child, however, it was always L.M. Montgomery's works. Wintertime for me as a child was trying to read as many L.M. Montgomery books as I could. I'm going to be adding many of these books to my wish list. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I can even find some of these titles since I live on the other side of the world and what can be easily found in bookshops in the UK can be impossible to find in bookshops in Canada.
Thank you for the recommendations. I have a Library of America edition for Ursula K. LeGuin which includes The Left Hand of Darkness, so I will likely be choosing that one to read this winter. Another good one for this time of year is Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher.
Hi, Rosamunde, thank you for sharing, I had to watch 2 times to write down the authors and the titles… the first 3 are classics I’ve never heard of (in Germany) and they are perfect for some Christmas gifts… I’ll also do some research about your own books! Greetings from Monika, a classic book lover, probably the reason, why RUclips recommended you❣
Texan here. Glad I stumbled on your video as I’m ready for some winter books. After listening to your intro, I was hoping Left Hand of Darkness was on your list. I’m so glad to find that it made the cut.
Im so happy YT recommended me your channel! At times I feel like book-content youtubers are all recommending the exact same books in all of their videos, so it's honestly refreshing to see different titles and author of whom I had never heard about before. Plus, you have such a lovely way of talking! Just became a subscriber.
I love that RUclips recommended this to me! thank you so much for the recommendations, I'm also in Florida and am wanting to lean into all of the chilly, cosy feelings xx
I just discovered your channel and I am so glad it did. Great recommendations and thanks for sharing your experience with Philip Pullman! It’s always nice to hear when famous people are nice and kind in real life!
Loved the video!! I absolutely love Northern Lights and His Dark Materials series!! I actually didn't realize at first you were talking about that book, because in the US it's called The Golden Compass, and I'd never heard that the there was a another title as its original name. I read it as a kid and a second time when I got older - and loved it both times -, but I think I may be due a re-read!
Oh yes - I'd forgotten that the books were under different names in the US. The next time I mention them I'll try and remember to use the alternative titles for my US viewers. They are amazing books, aren't they?
Thanks for the recommendations! Left Hand of Darkness has been on my TBR for a few months and I‘ll probably now make it one of my last reads of the year now knowing it‘s a great winter fit. First thing that came to mind for me was actually also Dickens, but for me it would be Bleak House. I think it‘s favorite Dickens and really considering re-reading it during the winter.
I've been really focusing on reading classic literature lately. Thanks for recommending. I'm happy to find people on RUclips that are a bit more original in their reading recommendations and not just doing all the same lemming books of the year that recently released. Not that there's anything wrong with newer novels but there are so many wonderful classics with so few people speaking about them. Currently I am in the midst of Bram Stoker's Dracula. I agree with reading in the season and have really been appreciating how much more meaningful and impactful it makes the reading experience. Also just finished Great Expectations and Christmas Carol.
Your comments on Left Hand of Darkness are 100% spot on. So few novels have the power to change the reader in such an indescribable way. I need to add it to my ever growing “re-read immediately” stack!
Great recommendations, thank you! I read the first book of the Northern Lights series almost 20 years ago but I never finished the trilogy, I think it's time I do so.
Just had your video recommended to me and I am so happy it was. I enjoy your descriptions your incontrovertible joy and the warmth you bring to the video. I look forward to binge watching your videos and reading books you recommend.
You tube managed a great recommendation with your channel! I adore content like this and quickly subscribed…now off to watch your Christmas reading list!
Love your recommendations! I think my next read will be Left Hand of Darkness. I've only read a short story of Le Guin (The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas) which is my all time favorite short story.
I was already planning to re-read three of these over winter! 😊I haven't read Lorna Doone or the The Left Hand of Darkness - will need to add them to my list.
I remember reading an article that mentioned, or perhaps quoted, Philip Pullman as saying that he didn't write the His Dark Materials trilogy to be children's books. It was, rather, the publisher's decision to promote them as such based on the fact that two of the three main characters were pre-adolescents. My husband and I both read these books not long after they were published. Discussing the story, we realized we disagreed on how to pronounce Lyra's name. My husband looked up Mr. Pullman's address, which was listed (at that time, probably no longer) in an online version of his telephone book, and wrote to him asking. Mr. Pullman wrote him back personally with the answer. (For the record, my husband was pronouncing it correctly, I was wrong. LOL) We were rather shocked he had taken the time to reply. We still have that letter. I also enjoyed Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness. She is somewhat of a "local" writer (same US state) and we were all quite sad at her passing. For much of my teen years and young adulthood, I would tell people my favorite book was Jane Eyre. And then I'd say "But don't read Wuthering Heights." It was so many decades ago now, and I was probably way too young to understand it. I've been tempted to pick it back up and see if my opinion might be different now. (Yes, I know, written by different Bronte sisters.) I've only read a few of Dicken's novels, but so far Great Expectations is my favorite. So glad I happened to find this video.
What lovely stories - thanks for sharing that. And yes, now you mention it I think I had heard Pullman intended them as adult reading - makes absolute sense.
I'm going to try "The Left Hand of Darkness" :D & I got such a strong "Great Expectations" vibe for some reason and then you pulled it out!!! I feel psychic.
Yes - do persevere with it. It can be a difficult read in parts, but it is beautifully written and it's one of those books that once you've read it, you'll be really glad you did!
Apologies for being so wordy but you did ask, LOL. I too like to read books in the same season as the book setting or vibe. Books that have a few key wintry scenes that make me think they are good winter choices - Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke, and The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. I also like Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series and save the wintery ones to read in winter. I used to read In the Land of Winter by Richard Grant around the winter solstice every year.
Gosh I have a Gormenghast omnibus edition and I've never gotten past the first few chapters. The language is BEAUTIFUL but it feels so dry. I'm glad to see it getting a vote!
I’m currently reading wuthering heights and it’s definitely perfect for this time of year. I’m really interested in Left Hand of Darkness now, thank you for the recommendations!
I read Lady Audley's Secret in October (not for Victober since I always suck at keeping up) and absolutely adored it! Have you read Aurora Floyd by the same author? I am only asking because this book has been on my radar and I don't know too many people who have read it.
Wonderful choices! I absolutely love to hear you explain them as well. You are a superb Booktuber and Becky and I can hardly wait to see the rest of your content! Scott.
Thanks for the great recommendations! I've read and loved all except Loorna Doone - which I guess is a very good reason to pick up Loorna Doone. :) I like some murder mysteries in the winter, and 4.50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie is a favourite. For children's books, I've always loved Magyk by Angie Sage - a well-written feelgood adventure story with lots of snow.
I wrote three books last year. Do try them. 1. “Meditation and Spirituality a Philosophy” Sub-titled- “A path to attain a Steady Meditative State” 2. “Spiritual Encounters” Sub- titled - “Meeting the Himalayan Yogis” 3. “Social Pandemic” Sub-titled - “A Terminally ill Modern Society”
I am so happy that I stumbled upon your video, I was looking for a book recommendation for my week off work. Thank you so much! I was so lost! I will started soon reading them. Thank you again!
My favorite books to read in Wintertime: The Wind in the Willows / Kenneth Grahame The Woman in White / Wilkie Collins Make Way for Lucia / E.F. Benson The Borrowers (complete adventures) / Mary Norton Great Expectations (again) / Dickens I Capture the Castle / Dodie Smith As you no doubt noticed, I am a lifelong lover of children’s literature. Great Expectations is my favorite of all Dickens novels. Thank you for a wonderful video!
I could be wrong but I believe Nothern Lights is called The Golden Compass in the USA. I was just recommended that book two day ago. I don’t have a copy of either title yet but that is something I was told. Just sharing the information.
The adaptation of the first book was called The Golden Compass. Not a great film, I think it was made for US audiences and halted because of the trilogys' critique of the church.
I started reading Great Expectations for the first time a few weeks ago! I ended up setting it aside for the time being because I'm finishing my master's degree soon and I just don't have the time at the moment, but I can't wait to get back to it! One of my personal favorite winter books is Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. It's so bleak and tragic, but I keep coming back to it.
❤📚📚❤️ I just found your channel, subscribed! I'm reading The Pillars of the Earth now and loving it. I love doing a re-read of Little Women in the winter months. I'll be adding a few of your suggestions to my tbr, others I've read, and totally agree with you.
Little Women is such a perfect December read! I also recommend Work: A Story of Experience by Alcott as well. It’s complex and gorgeous, and perfect for cold months.
I am so glad I found your channel. You are the first person I have found that discussed Titus Groan. I read it in the 80's when I was in my 40's. If I can find a copy, I think it is time for a reread. I've also read most of Urusula Leguin's work and love it.
Thank you for the intro to these fun classics. I love Wuthering Heights, as well. I've just recently reread it for the who-knows-how-many'th time! haha!
Oh how lovely to be reminded of Lorna Doone. Re and reread as a 'romantic teenager'. Might just have to re-read........ another one I also remember from then was The Children of the Forest. Don't particularly enjoy historical fiction now but am inspired! Thank you so much. Subscribed. 😊
Ursula LeGuin is one of my top favorite authors. Own all her books. I am reading Hogfather (Terry Pratchett). Always do in December. Note: Winter Solstice is MID winter!!!!!
I like to read certain books based on the weather or season also. A lot of great British writers, Dickens of course and for fantasy Mary Stewart'’s Merlin cycle beginning with the Crystal cave. I love a great mystery on a gloomy Winter day, Ruth Randell is a favorite writer of mine. And Josephine Tey wrote some good ones.
What a lovely treat stumbling upon your channel. Love many of these novels! And Le Guin is one of my favourite writers ever. Excited to have found and subscribed to your channel!
Love "Great Expectations" and I also liked "Wuthering Heights" and "Lorna Doone". Will put your other recommendations on my reading list. :) My favourite autumn/winter reads are probably ghost stories, especially by M.R. James and Susan Hill. I also love classic mystery novels (Sherlock Holmes etc.). One novel I associate with winter is "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Great read. A great near future/dystopian sci-fi read is "Station Eleven" by Emily St John Mandel. Highly recommended.
I’ve had a bindup of the gormenghast novels that I got at a thrift store for years but I’ve never heard anyone talk about them! Seeing that you liked his dark materials and the left hand of darkness I’m super excited to check Titus groan now, thank you!
Hello, I am a new subscriber from New Zealand. It is summer now, but I so love your choice of winter books to read. I read Titus Groan in my early 20s and absolutely loved it, have never forgotten it, so nice to have someone mention it. Looking forward to rereading it. Cheers
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Hi Rosamunde, RUclips suggested this video to me and I’m glad I’ve discovered your channel. I went back and watched your newbie tag video and realised we have the same taste in authors and genres. I really enjoyed your newbie tag video to learn more about you. I too am in my 60s and have been a life-long reader. Reading to my children was a great joy. We adore The Chronicles of Narnia. My daughter is now a librarian and we all still love reading. I was born in West Yorkshire, my beloved Brontë country, but moved to Australia as a child. Wuthering Heights remains a favourite book that I first read in my teens. Congratulations on writing three books! That’s something I haven’t done! I look forward to watching more of your videos as you discuss books I love and learn about books and authors I haven’t read yet. And your little dog is adorable. Thank you. Theresa
I happened to stumble upon this video and I’m so happy I did, I loved it! I live in the US in Florida so I need all the help when it comes to feeling a winter atmosphere 😆 I’m excited to try some of these recommendations! I’ve never read many of the popular classic authors like Brontë and Dickens so you’ve inspired me to try them finally! And I’m looking forward to more winter season recommendations! Thank you for your lovely video!
Thank you very much! I am so glad I've inspired you to try these books!
Feeling the same in cali 😅
Good for you!!!! I haven’t finished watching the video yet, so don’t know if she encouraged this, but I highly recommend reading classics from Oxford’s World Classics collection. They have such helpful notes to help you along, especially if it’s your first foray into classic literature. The notes give wonderful context so it’s easier to understand. I, personally, have a hard time reading Dickens without their notes, but not everyone does. Best of luck and enjoyment in your reading, however you choose to start!
@@carlygriffith6441 I so appreciate the recommendation, that sounds perfect! I’ll look into that for sure, thank you so much! ☺️
@@mandimal You’re so welcome! I hope you enjoy your discovery of classics as I much as I am enjoying mine. ♥️
Every winter, I reread or re-listen to Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. Christmas in Scotland in a big old house. Love it!
Left Hand of Darkness was my stand out read of 2022. It's a small book but a big engrossing read.
Wuthering Heights will always be my favorite book of all time. The two part movie with Tom Hardy is probably my favorite movie version of the story.
Lovely video. I would also recommend The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, in which the story starts on Christmas time. During Christmas I love to read ghost stories from classic writers.
The Woman in Black is my absolute favourite ghost story! It's what made me fall in love with the classic ghost story trope we see in English ghost stories. I also love to read ghost stories from classic authors. I've recently gotten back into the genre after I picked up the Oxford Book of English Ghost Stories from my local secondhand bookshop. Only picked it up for one story (The Phantom Coach) but they have a wide range of authors I wanted to read. I also found a collection of ghost stories written by M.R. James and snatched it up before somebody else found it.
What a lovely channel! I'm so glad RUclips recommended you. And the first book you talked about was Titus Groan, which I read just this year and fell in love with! The writing is amazing. While it is bleak, there are some hilarious parts, especially in the second book with Irma and the Headmaster.
There are some good wintery children's books, like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Long Winter.
Thank you - great to hear from another Mervyn Peake fan! Oh yes, if you look at some of my previous videos you'll find that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was my favourite children's book - and I mention it a lot!
Just found your channel and am happy I did! Just started Pillars of the Earth. The first line in one of the early chapters is "By Christmas they were starving." I was so affected by this sentence. Definitely because of the approaching holidays I'm sure.
Amazing book.
Absolutely love that book and now it’ll have to go on my re-read list. 😊
This is my November read! I'm on page 789, and loving it!
Have read it three times! Great from the opening line!
Such a great book!
Ethan Frome is a great winter/cold weather read. As for Dickens I’ve been reading something by him each December for the past couple of years. Even though I know this isn’t the one you’ll mention in your next video, I think Oliver Twist is a great book to read around Christmas.
I agree. I re-read it a couple of years ago, and I am also re-reading all the others, so I'll be reviewing them all at some point!
Dear Rosamunde, I am an Italian teacher of English language and literature and I am on cloud nine for having just discovered your channel. Amazing contents and obviously your accent is music to me.
Completely agree with you on the point about reading books which fit with the season - I tried reading game of thrones on a sunbed by a swimming pool and just couldn’t enjoy the parts set in the north as they described the snowy scenes! My fav winter reads are both Stephen King - The Shining or Misery! Loved this vid.
Ooooh, yes, The Shining is a good one for winter.
Thank you! Yes, I can't imagine trying to read books like that on a sunbed! I admit I haven't read much Stephen King (just being a bit of a coward) - but I am planning to grit my teeth and read more, because he is such an excellent writer.
Thanks for the recommendations. I am in the US in south Florida in a tropical climate with no winter. I love reading winter books in the winter since I don't get to experience the season myself.
Hi - thanks so much for your comment. And, it's a good reminder that not everyone experiences the same seasons - but I'm glad to hear that you enjoy winter books anyway, and get to imagine the cold and the snow vicariously!
I remember going to Florida (to Treasure Island) during Reading Break one winter with my friends. I come from Canada which was in the middle of a polar vortex so the Florida climate was a welcome relief and none of us wanted to go home. Mind you, I do come from a country where we're crazy enough to wear shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter when it's freezing enough to kill us, but eh... that's Canadians for you.
I read Titus Groan in 1970, and it is a book that has stayed with me as a favourite, although I don’t remember details of the book. I recently purchased a copy to read it again and was thrilled to hear someone talk about it. You’ve got a new subscriber just based on that first book I’ve heard you talk about.
I read the Gormenghast trilogy about 25 years ago. Phenomenal! The style seemed to me like a mating of Charles Dickens and Samuel Beckett.
I have read all 3 books in the Titus Groan trilogy loved them must try and get them 2nd hand to read again Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Winter Solstice by R. Pilcher is my favorite winter/Christmas book. Happy you’re channel popped up!
Mine too
The YT algorithm brought me here. I'm so glad it did. 😊
Love the way you talk about books. Northern Lights has been on my Tbr for a very long time. Now I added Titus Groan and The Left Hand of Darkness. I also habe the Earthsea Books on my Shelf.
Thank you for the great book recommendations. Greetings from Germany 🙋♀️
Wuthering Heights is my absolute favorite classic novel. Glad it made your list. Cheers from Texas. ✨
Lovely video! I think Alcott is compulsively readable in winter time. ❤
I’ve read all the Titus Groan it was brilliant.
Wonderful video. At this time of year, I often reread the Christmas novels, novellas and stories by Mary Balogh. The theme is often the redemptive power of Christmas to bring together new lovers, estranged couples, and families in general, often families of different classes. It's all done so gently and tenderly, with a touch of "magic" in one or two of her stories.
I live in the southern US and miss cold and snowy winters (at least for 1-2 months). Reading wintery books helps me feel the season. Thanks for the recommendations.
Great selection. Lorna Doone fab. (Exmoor is in both Somerset and Devon)
I read "the left hand of darkness" and loves it. Also loved her book "the dispossessed"
You tube put your video into my feed and I am glad they did. Very enjoyable video. So many books, so little time. I already have so many books on my TBR list I could read every second of every day 24/7 and never get to them all! So very hard to decide what to read next. Congrats on your channel and I looking forward to seeing more of you and your fur baby! Happy Holidays from the USA in bleak Indiana
A lovely English accented lady talking about winter books, preferably curled up on my sofa under a fuzzy blanket on a dim, chilly day with a fire crackling in the grate… what could be better??
Golden Compass is so good. I love that world. I named one of my pets after Pan. When people see me write Pan’s full name, people think I made it up until I tell them that he’s named after of my fave characters.
I’m in the States. 53 and back in college. lol. It’s 6 am EST. the last 2 weeks of an arduous semester and I needed a video that was interesting but relaxing. And you and your video are perfect. I’ve found myself just grinning and so grateful for you in realizing the stress of exams had faded.
I’m in. Subscribed and I can’t wait to see more. Thank you for your truly lovely personality and video. We need more sweetness and people with interesting personalities and stories. Well done and thank you so much. 🙏🏻✌🏼😊
Happy to have found this video!
Just got recommended this video on my feed and I am glad that I clicked! In my part of the world (Canada), it's been feeling like winter since mid October since we got our first snow. The snow didn't last at first but the plummet in temperature and the cold blustery wind most certainly did.
Whenever things get cold where I am, I tend to always pick cosy mysteries or Sherlock Holmes. When I was a child, however, it was always L.M. Montgomery's works. Wintertime for me as a child was trying to read as many L.M. Montgomery books as I could.
I'm going to be adding many of these books to my wish list. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I can even find some of these titles since I live on the other side of the world and what can be easily found in bookshops in the UK can be impossible to find in bookshops in Canada.
Your channel was recommended by youtube to me and i love this video so please keep making more!!! And i love classics.
Thank you for the recommendations. I have a Library of America edition for Ursula K. LeGuin which includes The Left Hand of Darkness, so I will likely be choosing that one to read this winter. Another good one for this time of year is Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher.
The beautiful mind of some senior people and you’re up there. Appreciated very much your recommendations
I was also in my late twenties when I first read Titus Groan, I’m 31 now. 😂 What a lovely video! I’ll definitely be subscribing.
Hi, Rosamunde, thank you for sharing, I had to watch 2 times to write down the authors and the titles… the first 3 are classics I’ve never heard of (in Germany) and they are perfect for some Christmas gifts… I’ll also do some research about your own books! Greetings from Monika, a classic book lover, probably the reason, why RUclips recommended you❣
Thank you! So glad to hear that.
Texan here. Glad I stumbled on your video as I’m ready for some winter books. After listening to your intro, I was hoping Left Hand of Darkness was on your list. I’m so glad to find that it made the cut.
Thanks! Glad to meet another Ursula le Guin fan - it is a great book, isn't it?
Glad to have stumbled upon this channel. Will surely check your recommendations. Have a nice winter. ✨
Thank you - you too!
Im so happy YT recommended me your channel! At times I feel like book-content youtubers are all recommending the exact same books in all of their videos, so it's honestly refreshing to see different titles and author of whom I had never heard about before. Plus, you have such a lovely way of talking! Just became a subscriber.
I love that RUclips recommended this to me! thank you so much for the recommendations, I'm also in Florida and am wanting to lean into all of the chilly, cosy feelings xx
I just discovered your channel and I am so glad it did. Great recommendations and thanks for sharing your experience with Philip Pullman! It’s always nice to hear when famous people are nice and kind in real life!
Loved the video!! I absolutely love Northern Lights and His Dark Materials series!! I actually didn't realize at first you were talking about that book, because in the US it's called The Golden Compass, and I'd never heard that the there was a another title as its original name. I read it as a kid and a second time when I got older - and loved it both times -, but I think I may be due a re-read!
Oh yes - I'd forgotten that the books were under different names in the US. The next time I mention them I'll try and remember to use the alternative titles for my US viewers. They are amazing books, aren't they?
Thanks for the recommendations! Left Hand of Darkness has been on my TBR for a few months and I‘ll probably now make it one of my last reads of the year now knowing it‘s a great winter fit. First thing that came to mind for me was actually also Dickens, but for me it would be Bleak House. I think it‘s favorite Dickens and really considering re-reading it during the winter.
I've been really focusing on reading classic literature lately. Thanks for recommending. I'm happy to find people on RUclips that are a bit more original in their reading recommendations and not just doing all the same lemming books of the year that recently released. Not that there's anything wrong with newer novels but there are so many wonderful classics with so few people speaking about them. Currently I am in the midst of Bram Stoker's Dracula. I agree with reading in the season and have really been appreciating how much more meaningful and impactful it makes the reading experience. Also just finished Great Expectations and Christmas Carol.
Your comments on Left Hand of Darkness are 100% spot on. So few novels have the power to change the reader in such an indescribable way. I need to add it to my ever growing “re-read immediately” stack!
Now this is MY kind of book youtube channel! I love the classics, and not many channels seem to talk about them!
What a lovely channel with amazing suggestions!
Great recommendations, thank you! I read the first book of the Northern Lights series almost 20 years ago but I never finished the trilogy, I think it's time I do so.
i’ve been looking for a reason to start the gormenghast books and this just convinced me! ❤ definitely adding all of these to my winter tbr
Just had your video recommended to me and I am so happy it was. I enjoy your descriptions your incontrovertible joy and the warmth you bring to the video. I look forward to binge watching your videos and reading books you recommend.
You tube managed a great recommendation with your channel! I adore content like this and quickly subscribed…now off to watch your Christmas reading list!
Ooh, so happy I found you. I loved these recommendations. I agree, I relate more if I am reading with the season in the story.
Love your recommendations! I think my next read will be Left Hand of Darkness. I've only read a short story of Le Guin (The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas) which is my all time favorite short story.
I was already planning to re-read three of these over winter! 😊I haven't read Lorna Doone or the The Left Hand of Darkness - will need to add them to my list.
I remember reading an article that mentioned, or perhaps quoted, Philip Pullman as saying that he didn't write the His Dark Materials trilogy to be children's books. It was, rather, the publisher's decision to promote them as such based on the fact that two of the three main characters were pre-adolescents. My husband and I both read these books not long after they were published. Discussing the story, we realized we disagreed on how to pronounce Lyra's name. My husband looked up Mr. Pullman's address, which was listed (at that time, probably no longer) in an online version of his telephone book, and wrote to him asking. Mr. Pullman wrote him back personally with the answer. (For the record, my husband was pronouncing it correctly, I was wrong. LOL) We were rather shocked he had taken the time to reply. We still have that letter. I also enjoyed Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness. She is somewhat of a "local" writer (same US state) and we were all quite sad at her passing. For much of my teen years and young adulthood, I would tell people my favorite book was Jane Eyre. And then I'd say "But don't read Wuthering Heights." It was so many decades ago now, and I was probably way too young to understand it. I've been tempted to pick it back up and see if my opinion might be different now. (Yes, I know, written by different Bronte sisters.) I've only read a few of Dicken's novels, but so far Great Expectations is my favorite. So glad I happened to find this video.
What lovely stories - thanks for sharing that. And yes, now you mention it I think I had heard Pullman intended them as adult reading - makes absolute sense.
I'm going to try "The Left Hand of Darkness" :D & I got such a strong "Great Expectations" vibe for some reason and then you pulled it out!!! I feel psychic.
I started reading The Left Hand of Darkness yesterday but put it away because I wasn't in the mood. Perhaps I should pick it back up!
Yes - do persevere with it. It can be a difficult read in parts, but it is beautifully written and it's one of those books that once you've read it, you'll be really glad you did!
Apologies for being so wordy but you did ask, LOL. I too like to read books in the same season as the book setting or vibe. Books that have a few key wintry scenes that make me think they are good winter choices - Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke, and The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. I also like Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series and save the wintery ones to read in winter. I used to read In the Land of Winter by Richard Grant around the winter solstice every year.
Gosh I have a Gormenghast omnibus edition and I've never gotten past the first few chapters. The language is BEAUTIFUL but it feels so dry. I'm glad to see it getting a vote!
A great list. Thank you for your insightful commentary.,
I’m currently reading wuthering heights and it’s definitely perfect for this time of year. I’m really interested in Left Hand of Darkness now, thank you for the recommendations!
have been meaning to read Northen Lights for a while now, this was just the push I needed to get me reading! thanks for the great video :)
Last year I read "Lady Audly's secret" in winter. A very good reading.
I read Lady Audley's Secret in October (not for Victober since I always suck at keeping up) and absolutely adored it! Have you read Aurora Floyd by the same author? I am only asking because this book has been on my radar and I don't know too many people who have read it.
@@TiffWaffles No, I haven't. Thank you for the tip.
I'm also a seasonal mood reader, to the point where i think i may organize my books shelves by season next year. love these recommendations!
Lovely suggestions! I can’t wait to do my book round up for the year! I’m currently reading lots of ghost stories - getting into the winter spirit!
Wonderful choices! I absolutely love to hear you explain them as well. You are a superb Booktuber and Becky and I can hardly wait to see the rest of your content!
Scott.
Really enjoyed the love and reverence you spoke about these books with.
Thank you for the fantasy recommendations, I had not heard of the first two and am going to check them out.
Thanks for the great recommendations! I've read and loved all except Loorna Doone - which I guess is a very good reason to pick up Loorna Doone. :) I like some murder mysteries in the winter, and 4.50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie is a favourite. For children's books, I've always loved Magyk by Angie Sage - a well-written feelgood adventure story with lots of snow.
I wrote three books last year. Do try them.
1. “Meditation and Spirituality a Philosophy”
Sub-titled- “A path to attain a Steady Meditative State”
2. “Spiritual Encounters”
Sub- titled - “Meeting the Himalayan Yogis”
3. “Social Pandemic”
Sub-titled - “A Terminally ill Modern Society”
Thank you, RUclips for your channel recommendation!!
I am so happy that I stumbled upon your video, I was looking for a book recommendation for my week off work. Thank you so much! I was so lost! I will started soon reading them. Thank you again!
My favorite books to read in Wintertime:
The Wind in the Willows / Kenneth Grahame
The Woman in White / Wilkie Collins
Make Way for Lucia / E.F. Benson
The Borrowers (complete adventures) / Mary Norton
Great Expectations (again) / Dickens
I Capture the Castle / Dodie Smith
As you no doubt noticed, I am a lifelong lover of children’s literature. Great Expectations is my favorite of all Dickens novels. Thank you for a wonderful video!
I love your energy!
I could be wrong but I believe Nothern Lights is called The Golden Compass in the USA. I was just recommended that book two day ago.
I don’t have a copy of either title yet but that is something I was told.
Just sharing the information.
The adaptation of the first book was called The Golden Compass. Not a great film, I think it was made for US audiences and halted because of the trilogys' critique of the church.
Yes, the first book is called The Golden Compass in US editions.
So happy I found your channel ❤ love your recommendations ❤
This was lovely 💚 Your book copies were beautiful!
Loved The Left Hand of Darkness. Loved your comments about Sci-Fi and fantasy which most of my friends dismiss.
I was just thinking of picking up Wuthering Heights this winter. Hearing you talk about it really gave me the push to decide to read it!
I started reading Great Expectations for the first time a few weeks ago! I ended up setting it aside for the time being because I'm finishing my master's degree soon and I just don't have the time at the moment, but I can't wait to get back to it!
One of my personal favorite winter books is Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. It's so bleak and tragic, but I keep coming back to it.
❤📚📚❤️ I just found your channel, subscribed! I'm reading The Pillars of the Earth now and loving it. I love doing a re-read of Little Women in the winter months. I'll be adding a few of your suggestions to my tbr, others I've read, and totally agree with you.
Little Women is such a perfect December read! I also recommend Work: A Story of Experience by Alcott as well. It’s complex and gorgeous, and perfect for cold months.
@@katieglow95 Thank you for the recommendation!
Indeed. I hope to never forget Joe. ❤
I am so glad I found your channel. You are the first person I have found that discussed Titus Groan. I read it in the 80's when I was in my 40's. If I can find a copy, I think it is time for a reread. I've also read most of Urusula Leguin's work and love it.
Thank you for the intro to these fun classics. I love Wuthering Heights, as well. I've just recently reread it for the who-knows-how-many'th time! haha!
Oh how lovely to be reminded of Lorna Doone. Re and reread as a 'romantic teenager'. Might just have to re-read........ another one I also remember from then was The Children of the Forest. Don't particularly enjoy historical fiction now but am inspired! Thank you so much. Subscribed. 😊
I stumbled on your video because of RUclips's vortex and I'm so glad! You're só sweet! Hugs from Brazil!❤
Ursula LeGuin is one of my top favorite authors. Own all her books.
I am reading Hogfather (Terry Pratchett). Always do in December.
Note: Winter Solstice is MID winter!!!!!
Pratchett 💖
Thank you for creating this video for us!
(❤From S.California)
I like to read certain books based on the weather or season also. A lot of great British writers, Dickens of course and for fantasy Mary Stewart'’s Merlin cycle beginning with the Crystal cave. I love a great mystery on a gloomy Winter day, Ruth Randell is a favorite writer of mine. And Josephine Tey wrote some good ones.
Ruth Randell I meant to say.
It comes changing what I type, weird. Ruth Rendell
😂
What a lovely treat stumbling upon your channel.
Love many of these novels! And Le Guin is one of my favourite writers ever. Excited to have found and subscribed to your channel!
Was a coincidence - just finished reading “The left hand of darkness” this evening , real treasure!
Just discovered this channel, thank you for sharing all these amazing recommendations 🥰
Thanks for the literary tips! I'm passionate about books 📚 and I was lucky enough to have RUclips recommend your channel! ❤🇧🇷👏😊
Love "Great Expectations" and I also liked "Wuthering Heights" and "Lorna Doone". Will put your other recommendations on my reading list. :)
My favourite autumn/winter reads are probably ghost stories, especially by M.R. James and Susan Hill. I also love classic mystery novels (Sherlock Holmes etc.). One novel I associate with winter is "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Great read.
A great near future/dystopian sci-fi read is "Station Eleven" by Emily St John Mandel. Highly recommended.
Wonderful choice of reads - thank you!
I’ve had a bindup of the gormenghast novels that I got at a thrift store for years but I’ve never heard anyone talk about them!
Seeing that you liked his dark materials and the left hand of darkness I’m super excited to check Titus groan now, thank you!
How lovely to come across your channel in the middle of the day in Istanbul❤
And I really recommend you to read Yasar Kemals' books.
Hello, I am a new subscriber from New Zealand. It is summer now, but I so love your choice of winter books to read. I read Titus Groan in my early 20s and absolutely loved it, have never forgotten it, so nice to have someone mention it. Looking forward to rereading it. Cheers
Love these recommendations, thank you! I’ve had the left hand of darkness on my kindle for a while, time to crack it open I think!
Thank you! These are some lovely books and I look forward to your other wintery videos!
I rather enjoyed the wintery 1937 Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon but perhaps it is better suited for the Christmas list. 🎄
Herein South Africa summer is approaching but your suggestions are great Thanks so much
Welcome to booktube! I like your recommendations so much more than some other channels. Stick around, won’t you? ❤
I certainly intend to!