End of Winter Guide: Art, Books, Films, Music, Activities, and Everything in Between.
"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." – Albert Camus
Hello reader, in the bleakness of midterms your routine can feel like an endless cycle. Never fear, for spring is coming soon, lighter days are on the way. Before the spring reset, here is your recommendation guide on Bossier's last winter favorites for things that will make you feel je sais pas… alive!
Books:
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine - An immersive sci-fi political thriller that explores cultural identity and colonization through the eyes of an ambassador thrust into imperial intrigue.
The Biography of X by Catherine Lacey - A captivating exploration of art, identity, and legacy through the fictional biography of an enigmatic cultural icon. Perfect for those contemplative winter evenings when you're questioning everything about yourself and others.
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers - A darkly satirical novel blending cannibalism with feminist commentary, following a food critic with unusual appetites. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you're craving something that will shock you out of winter doldrums, look no further. The prose is decadent, the humor is pitch-black, and the commentary on women's appetites—both literal and metaphorical—is razor-sharp.
Films and TV Shows:
The Notebook - The classic romance that never fails to warm hearts even in the coldest weather.
Severance - This mind-bending psychological thriller about work-life balance taken to extreme lengths will keep you theorizing until spring arrives.
Music Albums:
A Carnival of Fears by Yellow House (album) - Atmospheric melodies that perfectly complement winter contemplation. The band's ability to blend folk instrumentation with electronic elements creates soundscapes that feel like walking through a snow-covered forest at twilight.
Burnout Days by Flipturn (album) - Upbeat indie rock to get you through those final winter days.
Thelonious Monk Quartet's "Monk's Dream" - Monk's unconventional piano playing and angular compositions provide intellectual engagement during long winter nights. The playful dissonance keeps your mind active even as the world outside slows down.
Bill Evans Trio's "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" - This live recording creates an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a cozy jazz club even when you're bundled up at home. Evans' introspective piano style is perfect for winter reflection.
Culinary Recommendations:
Annie's Mac and Cheese (White Shells) - The ultimate comfort food. If you are the fancy type, elevate it with truffle oil and breadcrumbs, or eat it straight from the pot during late-night study sessions. No judgment here.
Cardamom buns - These Swedish-inspired treats offer a sophisticated spice profile that feels especially appropriate for winter. The aromatic cardamom provides warmth beyond simple sweetness.
Earl Grey tea - There's nothing quite like the bergamot-infused warmth to make you feel cozy and sophisticated simultaneously. Build a ritual around your afternoon cup—warm the pot, measure loose leaves, time the steep precisely, and add just a whisper of honey. The aromatic steam rising from the cup creates a moment of mindfulness on otherwise chaotic days. It's the small luxuries that make winter bearable.
Activities/Experiences:
Trips to the museum - For days where you want to relax and learn, consider a museum date. Museums offer controlled environments where you can wander and wonder without weather constraints, plus the hush of gallery spaces provides a welcome respite from winter's sensory assaults.
Writing letters or postcards - There's something magical about sending and receiving handwritten notes in a world of texts and emails. The practice of articulating feelings through handwriting forces a slowness that screens don't encourage.
Oil painting classes - The tactile experience of mixing colors and applying them to canvas bypasses the overthinking that plagues so many winter days. The studio's bright lights are also a form of accidental light therapy, combating the darkness that threatens to send us all to bed prematurely.