Winter Break Reads: Cozy Up with These Page-Turners

iStudent Blog

Published: December 28, 2024 by Gabe Farmer

Winter break is here, and whether you’re curling up by the fire or hiding from the cold under a pile of blankets, there’s no better time to lose yourself in a great book. Instead of swiping through endless Netflix options or doomscrolling social media, why not swipe right on your next favorite read? To help you make the perfect match, I’ve put together “book profiles” for a few standout titles, each with its own unique vibe. From laugh-out-loud rom-coms to awe-inspiring sci-fi, these reads will keep you company when the sun begins to set at 4 pm. There’s something here for everyone, so grab a cup of cocoa and pick your next favorite escape!

Romantic Comedy: Funny Story by Emily Henry

Funny Story by Emily Henry - I'm a feel-good romantic dramedy with a sharp sense of humor and a heart of gold. I thrive on clever dialogue, authentic characters, and the magic of unexpected connections. You can find me making you laugh, cry, and root for love all over again. Swipe right if you're ready to believe in happily-ever-afters (with a few plot twists along the way).

Funny Story’s main character, Daphne is a children’s librarian (topical!) who recently went through a tough break-up (hopefully not topical). Don’t worry, though, as with all Emily Henry novels, this is a witty, feel-good story about second chances, self-discovery and finding humor in life’s messiness. Ideal for anyone who needs cute banter and a good laugh this winter.

Sci-Fi Adventure: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - I'm a high-stakes, sci-fi thrill ride with a surprising sense of humor and a knack for solving puzzles. I thrive on clever problem-solving and unexpected friendships. When I'm not hurtling through space, l'm exploring big questions about humanity and resilience. Swipe right if you're into smart heroes and a story that's as brainy as it is heartfelt.

Meet Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up in a distant galaxy with no memory of his mission or why the fate of humanity rests on his shoulders. Packed with science, humor and hope, this book is perfect for anyone craving a smart and gripping adventure. I have read this one twice and I can confirm it is fantastic! If you enjoy listening to audiobooks, this one is particularly well done, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Read it before the movie starring Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller comes out next year!

Fantasy: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Piranesi by Susanna Clark - Im a mysterious, atmospheric tale that feels like stepping into a dream. My world is vast, beautiful, and full of wonders, but don't let that fool you. I have a few dark twists up my sleeve. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking stories, labyrinthine puzzles, and a touch of the surreal. Swipe right if you're ready to lose yourself in the unknown.

Step into a mysterious, labyrinthine house that feels like something out of a dream. Piranesi has always lived here, tending to its many halls and statues, but when secrets begin to surface, everything he thought he knew is called into question. Ethereal and haunting, this book will keep you engaged and guessing. This is a truly unique read and I highly recommend diving in without any further research. I went into this one with no information and had one of my favorite reading experiences to date.

Historical Fiction: Babel by RF Kuang

Babel by R F Kuang - I'm an ambitious, sharp-witted tale set in an alternate 19th-century world where words hold literal power. If you enjoy questioning authority, diving into themes of language and empire and stories that stay with you long after the last page, we're a perfect match. Swipe right if you're ready to challenge the system with me.

Kuang transports you to Oxford in 1828, where magic and translation collide in a dark, atmospheric tale about power, rebellion and identity. Robin Swift is a brilliant yet conflicted young scholar who we follow as he navigates the gilded halls of Babel, Oxford’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. He grapples with his loyalty to both his motherland and his adopted empire. Perfect for readers who love history, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking questions about colonialism, language and revolution.

Non-Fiction: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - I'm a thought-provoking and deeply human story that bridges the gap between scientific discovery and the ethical questions it raises. Dive into the life of Henrietta Lacks, the woman whose immortal cells revolutionized medicine but left her family struggling for recognition. Swipe right for a journey through the beauty and complexity of discovery and its human cost.

Part biography, part scientific exposé, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks unveils the hidden story behind one of modern medicine’s most groundbreaking tools: HeLa cells. From the tobacco fields of Virginia to cutting-edge laboratories, this book blends science, history, and ethics to explore the life and legacy of a woman whose unwitting contribution to science changed the world. Perfect for readers curious about the intersections of humanity, medical advancement and social justice.

Swipe Right on One of These Page-Turners

With so many amazing books to choose from, winter break is the perfect time to let a story take you somewhere new. Whether you’re laughing along with Daphne in Funny Story or pondering language and power in Babel, there’s a read here to match every mood. These are just a few of the thousands of books that caught my eye this year, leave a comment and share your own recommendations! Have you read any of these picks, or do you have a must-read to add to the list?

And if you’re looking to connect with fellow readers, why not start a conversation on Goodreads? I’ve created a group for the SJSU iSchool over on Goodreads, follow the link to join the conversation! Let’s keep the bookish love going this winter. Happy reading, and here’s to starting the new year with a story you won’t forget!

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