Cozy Content for the Cold Weather
Graphic by Anika Dua
It’s February in Syracuse, which means it’s cold, slippery, and our peaceful walks to class have become death-defying arctic hikes. We at Jerk understand this pain, and want to help get you through this tough time by giving you a list of books that’ll beat all of those BookTok trends. And if you’re not into reading, stick with me, we’ve got a few other recommendations like podcasts and music that might be more your style.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - Not a particularly viral novel, but we think the adorable cover is enough to make it the next big BookTok hit. The story follows a cafè in Tokyo where guests are given the ability to time travel. There are three main sections of the book, each telling a different time travel story from characters that all intertwine in their real lives. The comfy, cozy vibes are SO STRONG and we’re loving it.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Don’t skip over this book just because it’s something your sixth grade english teacher made you read! Little Women is an oldie, but a goodie. The wholesome story of family, Christmas, and young love is just the perfect pick-me-up for the Syracuse winter blues. Bonus points for the amazing film adaptation by Greta Gerwig that is a perfect alternative for the non-readers on this site.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - It’s pretty popular, but it’s worth all the hype. It has the perfect mix of family drama, wild house parties, and love triangles. Oh. My. Maybe reading about surfers living in California can help you pretend it’s not zero degrees outside.
And for the non-readers, here’s some other entertainment options that give the same feeling as a good book.
Wizards of Waverly Pod podcast - Something about winter always makes us feel nostalgic, and what’s a better way to satisfy that magical, missing piece than with a podcast. I know you’ve seen this podcast online, and we are just as excited to listen. Grab your headphones and a latte from Pages, and get ready to revisit your favorite childhood TV show.
Evermore album by Taylor Swift - We know this album isn’t new, but winter and Evermore go so flawlessly together. Plus, us Jerks are admittedly BIG swifties. The vibes given from every song will 100% turn you into THAT hot mysterious person in flannel walking to class.
Greenlights audiobook by Matthew McConaughey - This half-autobiography, half-self-help book is the perfect inspirational listen. Audiobooks are a great distraction from your numbing fingers while you’re walking to class, and we think this one is alright, alright, alright (real ones see what we did there).
We wish you all luck this winter, and hope these cozy suggestions can fend off some winter sadness. And before you know it, we'll be wishing for air-conditioned dorms.