Lately, I have been doing a lot of curling up in my free time. I have been watching TV, watching movies, and just plain napping. But something I haven’t done in a while, and something I really miss, is reading! In previous years, I have gotten a huge burst of motivation to read during this time of year. I think it was because I wanted so bad to finish my yearly goal of books read, and I know the end of the year was coming up.
However, this year, I have been feeling very unmotivated to do something I truly love. I think with everything going on in the world, it has been increasingly difficult to shut my brain off and focus on a story.
However, I am going to change that because I know myself better. I know that I often read for escapism. The point of reading intriguing and fantastical stories is to forget about the stresses and worries of everyday life.
In order to accomplish that, I have actually been waking up a little earlier than I need to each morning so I have time to read before I go to work! I know, me, the night owl, getting up earlier! I have just been so tired each time I come home from work, I don’t feel like reading. I just want to do something mindless like watch TV. So, by waking up early I have found I start my day on a good foot, and I really enjoy getting lost in the pages before work.
The best books that I have been reading lately, and the ones I have been able to get out of bed for, are the cozy books. The books I read when I feel like I need a warm hug from a huge fluffy blanket.
1. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
I talked a little bit about Erin Morgenstern in my post earlier this year about Summer books I love to escape into. The Night Circus was the first I read from this author and I absolutely loved it. Well, this year I read Morgenstern’s second book, and let me tell you, it is just as magical and wonderful. This is definitely the book to read when it is rainy and windy outside.
2. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Do you find horror books as cozy as I do? Maybe you don’t but you have to admit, reading or watching horror stories is always best wrapped in a blanket while the weather outside matches the vibe inside of the book. This was a really strong horror novel and is a great introduction to the genre for anyone who is curious. There are ghosts, murderers, and all the fun stuff you would expect. The twists and turns were honestly unexpected. You can see all my thoughts on this book in my full review on my bookish blog, here!
3. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Want to get utterly lost in a world that is completely different from our own? The Fifth Season is a high fantasy novel with twists and turns. The coziest part though was the characters, I wanted to sit around the campfire with them, telling stories. This is a really dense high fantasy so I wouldn’t recommend this as an entry into the genre, but it is definitely incredible and the world is built down to the atom.
4. Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Find more cozy vibes in romance? This is the book for you. I was in love with the relationship that was created between the two main characters of this book. I would not be mad settling down and curling up with this book again. I will be doing a reread very soon.
5. The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holms
A contemporary mystery/thriller more your cup of tea? Check out this book by Steena Holms. I was thoroughly surprised by how much I actually loved this book. Each twist in the plot left my jaw hanging open, I was not prepared.
These have been some of my favorite books over the past couple of Autumns, and I am excited to read more like them. That is the beauty of reading. I will never be done exploring and finding new stories. There will always be something out there for me to discover.
What books have you been curling up to this month? Let me know in the comments below! I would love any recommendations.
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