My 2024/2025 Winter reading list

It’s cold outside, I don’t want to go anywhere, and there’s nothing I want to do more right now than read. This mood isn’t likely to change through most of Winter.

Which, when you think about it, is what Winter is for.

So, here’s what I plan to read during the winter of 2024, 2025. If you’ve read my planned reading lists before, you might notice this list is shorter. I have more information to come regarding this. You might also see some repeats from my last list. This is because Maggie Smith died and I had to read all of the Harry Potter books again. These things happen.

As always, this is a reading list that encompasses my many hats. I’m a writer, a witch, a horror critic, and sometimes I like to read something for fun. Hopefully, you’ll discover something here that you didn’t know about or had forgotten. If you plan to read any of these, or if you have already, let me know in the comments.

Appalachian Folklore Unveiled by Darkness Prevails

I’m all about folklore and legends. And, of course, I live in Northern Appalachia. So this book looks right up my alley.

Also, I discovered this book exists because it was featured on my local library’s website. Get involved with your local library, my friends. The benefits are endless.

Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg

I recently discovered a treasure trove (like, four) of Natalie Goldberg books I’ve never read. And through a series of events, most of which sucked, I’ve only read one of them so far. But this one is about her struggles with writer’s block during Covid lockdowns. I can’t imagine Natalie Goldberg having writer’s block, so this one is near the top of my list.

The Morrigan by Courtney Weber

I’ve already read a book by this author about Hekate. It was fantastic, faith-affirming, and packed with information I did not have.

I’ve been fascinated by The Morrigan since reading Mists of Avalon as a child. I know, that’s pretty basic but there it is. So I can’t wait to learn more about Her.

Long Quiet Highway by Natalie Goldberg

This was originally published in 1993, and it’s about Goldberg’s journey as a student of Zen Buddism. It also feels like it’s going to be about America. I’ll let you know after I read it.

Poetry as spell casting byTamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill, Lisbeth White

Honestly, the title says it all. Art is witchcraft and vice versa for me. So using poetry as spell casting is right up my witchy little ally.

This book is also about bringing about good changes in the world. Which I think we could use right now.

An Apostate’s Guide to Witchcraft by Moss Matthey

Any of my very Christian readers might worry about this one. But it’s about a topic that I need some help with, healing religious wounds and trauma. Because Jesus loves me, but the church of my childhood did not. Or, at least it wasn’t a healthy love.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

I actually don’t know a lot about this book except that it’s a dark, cold wintery haunted house story. And it must be damn well popular because I have been on the waiting list at my library for it forever. Watch Haunted MTL, I’ll be reviewing it as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Who holds the devil by Michael Dittman

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at a local author’s event. He seems like a dear. And when he talked about this book, I had just one question for him. Is the witch the good guy? When he said yes, I had to read it.

Also, it’s about a tree that was holding back an ancient evil in my hometown. I also wrote about trees holding back an ancient evil. Obviously, I had to read it. Again, watch Haunted MTL for the review.

Fairy Heards and Mythscapes by Kerry E.B. Black

I also met Kerry at the same author’s event, and we swapped books. I always love someone else who understands that fairy’s are dangerous and should be treated with respect and caution. Can’t wait to crack into this one.

Witchcraft for wayward girls by Grady Hendrix

Two of my favorite writers are putting out books this year about witchcraft. I know it isn’t just for me, but I like to think it’s a little bit for me.

This is a story about a pregnant teenager sent to a school for girls in that situation, who learns witchcraft as a way to take back control of her life. Relatable.

We’ll prescribe you a cat by Syou Ishida and Madison Shimoda

This one is way different than anything else on this list, as it is not horror and still fiction. Essentially it’s a story about lonely people who are, for many reasons, given a cat. I have two, and a dog, and I can tell you they’ve saved me during some dark times.

Never underestimate the power of pets.

This one’s probably going to make me ugly cry on public transportation.

Don’t let the forest in by C.G. Drews

Finally, I put this book on my to-read list because Bookstagram will not shut up about it. Then, of course, there’s the cover.

This seems to be a story about a writer and artist who accidentally birth monsters. Which, you know, sounds like catnip to me.

And, again, have you seen the cover?

So that’s the plan. I hope to get through all of these books and find that they lived up to the hype.

Now it’s your turn. What are you reading this winter? Let us know in the comments.

You can find all of these books, and follow along with everything I’m reading on Goodreads.

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