Cozy winter reads

Cozy up with these reads this winter, compiled by Amanda Anderson Matthews and Molly Haines Riddle

It’s 1950s Philadelphia in Sadeqa Johnson’s “The House of Eve,” and 15-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

With their stories colliding in the most unexpected ways, Ruby and Eleanor will each make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.

In Evie Woods’ “The Lost Bookshop,” Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives for too long.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder, where nothing is as it seems. 

“The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook” by Amanda Haas is an excellent addition to the home cook’s library, especially for anyone suffering from inflammation. Haas is a recipe developer and cook on a journey to heal her inflammatory diseases through dieting. It’s a similar book to “Fix It With Food” by Michael Symon.

This book was written for those seeking help healing illnesses such as heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, IBS, or allergies. These recipes won’t cure anyone but are designed to improve health and quality of life. The cookbook includes an introductory section explaining how foods can help the healing process. It offers a list of foods to avoid (linked to inflammation), foods you should include, and why. It also offers insight into attempting an elimination diet to identify any triggers. The cookbook is broken into six chapters, from basic pantry staples to meat and vegetable dishes and desserts. The recipes lend themselves easily to substitutions. The pages often include beautiful pictures and are laid out for easy use. 

Recommended recipes are garlic-lemon vinaigrette, the curry-spiced nut mix with maple and black pepper, and quinoa salad. Test out the recipes listed on Haas’ website, especially this nut recipe: https://www.amandahaascooks.com/curry-spiced-nut-mix-with-

maple-and-black-pepper/#recipe.

“Wynd, Book One: The Flight of the Prince” by James Tynion IV is the first in a graphic novel series involving Wynd, a teen boy with magical powers referred to as “weirdblood,” in a time and place where magic is banned. Wynd lives a happy life in Pipetown with Miss Molly and his best friend Oakley, working in the basement of Miss Molly’s pub. Here, he keeps his magic and pointy ears hidden from the town. When danger knocks, Wynd is forced to make a choice to save his life. Thus begins his epic journey with a prince, his crush, and Oakley as they fight forces much larger than themselves to do what is right for everyone living in Esseriel.

The book touches on thematic elements like belonging, friendship, and loyalty with fabulous illustrations that enhance the story with detail. 

This book may only suit some as it involves fighting, gore, and monsters. Middle schoolers and, undoubtedly, high school students will enjoy this series. It will definitely appeal to younger readers as well, but adults should use discretion; it’s recommended for ages 13 and up.