Cozy Season Reading List, Curated by CrossFit’s Bookworms
As the weather cools and training routines move indoors, it’s also the time of year to curl up and get cozy with a good book.
- Whether it’s for motivation, mental recovery, or simply a good story by the fire, reading is an essential part of many people’s winter reset.
We caught up with a few CrossFit athletes we know have a strong reading game to see if they have any recommendations.
Here are the books they selected, along with reasons why you might want to add them to your cold-weather collection as well.
Dani Speegle
Besides sharing that she always rereads the Harry Potter books during the holidays, Speegle recommends the Lovelight Farms series by B.K. Borison.
- This small-town romance series, set around a Christmas tree farm, combines love stories with themes of found family. Each book centers on different characters discovering love in the town of Inglewild.
Speegle adds about the series: “All very holiday themed and great for this time of year.”
Jessi Smith
Smith recommends the Powerless trilogy by Lauren Roberts.
- This series is a dystopian fantasy about Paedyn, a young girl hiding in a world ruled by the magically gifted. She must confront danger, deception, and forbidden love to survive.
Alison Scudds
Scudds recommends Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.
- The book follows Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up in deep space with no memory, only to discover he’s humanity’s last hope to save Earth from extinction. As he pieces together his mission, he creates an unexpected alliance that could change the course of both their worlds.
“I recommend listening to the audiobook because it’s beautifully narrated, and they’re making it into a movie early next year,” Scudds added.
Hannah Black
Black told the Morning Chalk Up that her book choice, Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf, was initially recommended to her by Brent Fikowski.
- Chop Wood Carry Water is a motivational fable about mastering the mundane and embracing discipline on the path to greatness. Through the story of a boy training to become a samurai archer, the book teaches timeless lessons on perseverance, humility, and purpose.
Abbie Domit
An avid reader, Domit didn’t just have one recommendation, but a handful. The first is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.
- “Gothic suspense, very atmospheric – set in an old mansion with often stormy weather and psychological thrill. Also a classic, perfect for cooler, colorful weather,” Domit said.
“For a book I’d recommend to anyone, but especially if they want to cozy up and immerse themselves, I’d recommend The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Absorbing, coming of age with lots of changes relating to feelings during autumn. So, so good,” Domit added.
- “I feel like another very good book for autumn is Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. Really, several of her books gave me fall vibes.”
Arielle Loewen
Loewen chose Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
- The story retells the biblical tale of Hosea, set during the California Gold Rush. It follows Angel and Michael on their journey toward healing, faith, and redemption.
Another recommendation from Loewen is Forrest Gump by Winston Groom.
- In case you haven’t seen the movie starring Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump narrates the story of a kind-hearted man who unwittingly influences significant historical events through his remarkable life journey.
Loewen also shared a few of her daughter Blakely’s favorites this time of year: Happy Haunting Amelia Bedelia and Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish.
Shelby Neal
Neal’s suggestion is Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer.
- Modoc is the true story about a lifelong bond between a boy named Bram and his elephant, Modoc, as they travel across continents. Their incredible adventures demonstrate the power of loyalty, love, and the unbreakable connection between humans and animals.
Featured image: Janko Ferlič
