Compiled by Alison Fox, Borrowing & Course Materials Coordinator

The Winter Solstice, happening on December 21st this year, is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s the darkest night of the year, making it the perfect time to relax, unwind, and reset. To help you get in the solstice spirit, here are some book recommendations curated by Alison Fox, our Borrowing & Course Materials Coordinator.

The Winter Solstice
By Ellen Jackson, Illustrated by Jan Davy Ellis

Putting contemporary traditions in context, this cultural and historical overview of the Northern Hemisphere’s darkest time of year is certain to be illuminating for both kids and adults.

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
By Gabor Maté & Daniel Maté

A physician’s take on the impact of the stresses of culture on the body, and his compassionate guide for health and healing.

Wintering
By Katherine May 

May is known for her books about drawing strength from nature. This lovely memoir is full of wintery scenes and pertinent lessons from plants and animals about dormancy.

Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto
By Tricia Hersey

A call to reclaim sleep, daydreaming, naps, and humanity in the face of unrelenting “grind culture” and its messages about our worth being solely in what we produce.

How to Connect with Nature
By Tristan Gooley

A humorous and frank little book of advice and insight from an experienced natural navigator-explorer.

The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters
By Jeff Belanger, Illustrated by T. Reed

As this thoroughly fun history of the folklore roots of Christmas reminds us, the longest nights of the year are a time for fear and monsters.