Embrace the fleeting winter in North Carolina with comforting indulgences like hot chocolate, soothing soup, and a good book. Engaging in the pages of a real book not only provides a welcome escape from the cold but also has remarkable mental health benefits. In just 10 minutes of reading, you can reduce anxiety and depression by an impressive 68%. Amidst the post-holiday hustle, it’s time to nurture ourselves. Reading opens doors to new worlds, fosters cultural understanding, encourages empathy for diverse perspectives, and ultimately contributes to a happier mindset.

CHILDREN

For early readers, the Branches series is a delightful choice. With captivating stories like Dragon Masters and Owl Diaries, featuring vivid illustrations and sight words, these books enhance comprehension. Another fantastic recommendation is anything Mo Willems, fun books that will surely have you and your children laughing out loud. If you’re seeking fresh additions to your child’s reading nook, consider the following.

The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
This book is so sweet and hugs you in a way that only Pooh can. Beautifully illustrated, this book is perfect for read-aloud sessions with your four-year-old and older children. In a world that often feels upside down, The House at Pooh Corner embraces kindness and humanity, offering a nostalgic, heartwarming, and uplifting experience for readers of all ages.

I Want to Be a Scientist by Laura Driscoll
Empower the inquisitive minds of four-eight year olds with this beginning reader that instills the message “You can be anything.” This book encourages children to explore the realms of science, igniting the potential for the next Einstein to emerge.

A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
If you loved The One and Only Ivan, you’re in for a treat with this adventure that echoes the spirit of The Little Engine That Could, but in Outer Space. Resilience and perseverance win in this wonderful book sure to inspire old and young alike.

Break by Kayla Miller
Engage and help solidify reading habits in the 8-12 age group with a funny graphic novel. Join Olive in this relatable book while she is stuck with her father at his new apartment during spring break … will she make it through, or will her spring break be a spring bust?

YOUNG ADULT

You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus
Love a clean, non-gruesome murder mystery? You found it here. Dive into a gripping tale where everyone harbors secrets – but what happens when someone’s secret leads to death? The compelling narrative and skillful writing make You’ll Be The Death of Me a binge-worthy page-turner.

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black
Holly Black writes YA fantasy like no other, and The Prisoner’s Throne – the stunning, conclusion to her Stolen Heir duology – is no exception. Picking up where the gripping cliffhanger left off, her latest work features fan-favorite characters and epic battles.

ADULT

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
Described as “cozy yet creepy,” local author T. Kingfisher’s works have a magnetic pull from the very first page. Once you start What Feasts At Night – the follow-up to her bestselling gothic novella What Moves the Dead – you’ll find it hard to resist devouring the entire book in one sitting.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides
This fast-paced, I-can’t-put-it-down, force-of-nature new book by the author of The Silent Patient, features an ensemble cast of characters that you won’t soon forget. You’ll find yourself completely absorbed in this unforgettable novel, leaving you utterly breathless. It’s a gripping narrative that will captivate you from start to finish.

Led Zeppelin: The Biography by Bob Spitz
This biography by the bestselling author of the history of The Beatles provides an exclusive backstage pass to Led Zeppelin, allowing you to witness the profound impact the band has had on the world of rock ’n roll. This mammoth read offers an in-depth exploration of the band’s influence and legacy that helped shape the music scene.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
The passing of Matthew Perry left everyone with a profound sense of loss last year. Scheduled for paperback release in March, this book is a raw, beautiful, and gossipy account filled with love, humor, and genuine reflections on real life. A true treasure for those who admired and cherished the late Matthew Perry.

The Climate Book: The Facts and Solutions by Greta Thunberg
The Climate Book is a must-read for anyone curious about the changing climate. Amidst the storms and droughts, you have to wonder what our role is in all of it. Featuring insights from 50 of the world’s greatest minds, this book presents the facts regarding one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Women by Kristin Hannah
I had the absolute pleasure to discuss this book with the author, her husband, and nine other booksellers in November. We all know about the Vietnam War, and how terribly the soldiers were treated upon their return. They were children, fighting for our country. In The Women, Kristin dives into the experiences of the war’s other unsung heroes – the women. The nurses there to help had no experience with the devastating trauma they witnessed. Yet mentally, physically, and emotionally fatigued, they persevered. Personally, Frankie is my favorite character. She was so real. I cried with her. I fell in love with her. And I wished her better from her parents and society. This book will leave you rethinking everything you know about war.