Diverse Winter Book Recommendations is a blog post I have been thinking about for a while, except it took me so long to decide on books! There’s no surprise in that given how indecisive I am, but hopefully the wait is worth it. Here’s to hoping we can all diversify our reading before the new year!
I try my best to include different genres, but I mean genres such as horror never really gave me winter vibes. But if you do have any recommendations, I’m always down for making my tbr longer – let me know in the comments!
Finally, diverse books in my eyes means representation of POC, mental health, LGBTQIA+ and disability. Basically, any marginalised group being represented in books are diverse to me!
Fantasy Diverse Winter Book Recommendations
The Gilded Wolves By Roshani Chokshi
I’d one hundred percent recommend this book and especially the sequel which is even set during winter in Russia! A heist set in 1800s Paris with angsty romance and found family. Plus, characters are diverse either by religion, ethnicity, being a part of the LGTBQIA+ community and with a character on the autism spectrum. This book has such a great plot and the subplots are just as good!
Raybearer By Jordan Ifueko
When the weather is gloomy, there’s nothing better then curling up with a gripping fantasy which mirror important issues in our society. With West African mythology, beautiful writing and talks of culture- I can forever list reasons to read this book! In fact, I even have a full review here😉
These Violent Delights By Chloe Gong
A recently released book which deserves all the hype! A retelling of Romeo and Juliete set in 1920s Shangai with gang rivalry. I will definitely have a full review to come but for those of you who love a good enemies to lovers romance done well with an intriguing plot – this one is for you! And if that doesn’t convince you, a retelling of the classic Shakespearean tragedy sounds wonderful doesn’t it 😉
The Tea Dragon Society By Katie O’ Neil
A queer, middle grade fantasy graphic novel just screams cutesy, cosy read for winter! Winter can definitely be a busy period with Christmas just around the corner and so graphic novels are great to fit in some reading. The full blurb can be found here. In short Greta is a blacksmith apprentice who discovers the world of tea dragons.
Romance And Contemporary Diverse Winter Book Recommendations
Love From A To Z By S.K. Ali
A heartwarming contemporary which discusses so many important issues! The characters are both Muslim and deal with coming of age, Islamophobia and with one being diagnosed with sclerosis. Despite these heavy topics Adam and Zayneb are such a delight to read about and this book seriously gave me all the feels! Definitely a favourite of mine, a full review is here and the full blurb is here.
Wrapped Up In You By Talia Hibbert
This can’t be more fitting for a winter recommendation, it’s a Christmas own voices romance! Talia Hibbet has written amazing diverse romance books and I have no doubt her newest book will be great too. Whilst it’s a little risky for me to include this book given I haven’t read it, I wanted to recommend it because it’s recently released! And it’s going to be #bookychats December’s pick. If you want to learn more about my book club, this blog post is for you! The full blurb is here, a cute friends to lovers novella is just what we need for this year.
Me Before You By Jojo Moyes
Books with a movie adaptation available to binge straight after is the best, especially when you can’t get enough of it! Featuring Lou, a hilarious protagonist, who wants to show paralysed Will that life is worth living. This is definitely not a smushy romance and it is quite realistic, so I’d suggest having tissues on hand;) Full blurb here.
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow By Luara Taylor Namey
Although Me Before You isn’t too cutesy, this book definitely is! Set in Winchester, England, filled with yummy baked goods descriptions with amazing family and friends, This contemporary does deal with loss, so I’d recommend checking up on trigger warnings just in case! Full blurb is here.
The Two Extras, Poetry & Thriller
I did really want to have a range of genres and even if I only have two recommendations for each poetry and thrillers, I’m sure that’s ok! If not, more recommendations can be found on my bookstagram!
The Poet X By Elizabeth Acevedo
I cannot and will not stop recomending this book! Written in verse, readers follow Xiamora as she finds her own voice through slam poetry. Although it deals with heavy topics, it has an element of hope so it’s quite fitting for this year especially. A quick read that’s memorable. Full review here and full blurb here.
A Deadly Inside Scoop By Abby Collette
A cosy, fun mystery set in an ice cream shop – could that be anymore of a winter book? When Win finds a dead body in the snow on the first day she opened the ice cream shop, she’s determined to catch the killer with her tight knit family and friends. This book is great if anyone is in need of an escapism and the full blurb can be found here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and you have found some great recommendations! Let me know if you have read any of these books or if you want to pick up any of these!