Here are the book titles keeping me toasty this winter

SOPHIA TOMPKINS

Online Editor

As winter break approaches, it is time for me to determine what my winter break To-Be-Read will be. During the school year, I find that it’s hard to read as much as I want to. I lack the time to read for fun because the work I have for my classes usually takes priority over reading for fun. The books I put on this winter’s TBR are books I added this year or in late 2024 and that I have chosen to read over break because they were high up on my list in terms of interest. 

“The Actor as Storyteller” by Bruce Miller 

Book Blurb: An introduction for actors on the aspects of acting. From approaching a script to the rehearsal room, this book covers it all. The book focuses on choice-making, the concept of the actor as storyteller and specific tools in an actor’s toolkit.

Why I want to read it: This was a book that we had readings out of in my acting class. I found the readings for this book to be very informative and fun. I have been wanting to read the rest of this book since I took the class. Even though I am not an actor, I want to learn more about that aspect of theatre because it will help me understand more of what an actor does to prepare for a show. 

“Hungerstone” by Kat Dunn

Book Blurb: Lenore’s marriage of ten years has gone south at the height of the industrial revolution. When they move to London, an accident brings Carmilla into their lives. Carmilla is only vibrant at night, and girls from the villages are falling sick. Carmilla has awoken something in Lenore, and now she must choose between her husband and what Carmilla has awakened in her. 

Why I want to read it: I love retellings; retelling is a genre of books I find I can never put down. Something about retellings of classics keeps my interest more than the classic would on its own. This retelling is especially interesting because I have never read a story like this, and I am interested to find out if I like it. 

“The Wren in the Holly Library” by K. A. Linde

Book Blurb: When New York City fell to monsters, a treaty was made. Tonight, Kierse enters the Holly Library, and she does not know it is the home of a monster. She finds herself in a bargain with the monster, and they will put their futures at risk. He has been playing this game for years, and once she joins, she will not escape. 

Why I want to read it: The premise of this book always seemed interesting to me. It feels like they took some well-known tropes and put them together as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I am eager to see how they do it. 

“Secrets of the Deep” by Marisa Noelle

Book Blurb: Cordelia has avoided the ocean since her brother died. When she gains the courage to finally go to the ocean, she discovers she is a mermaid. She is entrusted with a relic, and it is up to her to break the curse that traps the mermaids in the water. The selachii, mysterious shark shapeshifters, also want the relic. Cordelia doesn’t know who to trust.  Trusting her head will lead to betrayal, and trusting her heart will keep the mermaids cursed. 

Why I want to read it: I have always loved mermaids. When I was little, I decorated my room in mermaid paintings and sea creatures and picked up every mermaid book I could find. When I found this book, I knew immediately it was gonna be a book I knew I’d want to read. I was excited to read about a mermaid who hates water. 

“The Case of the Curious Client” by  T. G. Campbell

Book Blurb: The Bow Street Society is a group of amateur detectives in Victorian London. Its civilian members have a unique skill or knowledge from their occupation. The society is hired by Mr Thaddeus Doresy to find his missing friend. When their clients’ credibility is cast into doubt, the society must consider whether they have been sent on a wild goose chase. Events take a dark turn, and the society must race to solve the case and save the life of the client. 

Why I want to read it: I have always loved reading mysteries, so when I found a mystery series that highlighted the “ordinary jobs” people had during the 1890s in London, I was excited to grab the first one. Most mysteries I have read have been about experienced detectives who are really good at solving mysteries, but these guys are amateurs. They haven’t combed over every detail of a case for fun or are natural at telling if you are lying. This makes me want to read this book because I want to know how they use their everyday occupation to solve the case.