If you’re keeping track, this is my second “books I read” post out of three posts so far this year. I promise Just Being Kara is not turning into a book blog.
The truth is a little less glamorous: I’m trying to get back into the habit of writing regularly, and these kinds of posts are the easiest place to start. Reading and writing have always gone hand in hand for me, so talking about books feels like a natural way to get the words flowing again.
February was also a short month, and apparently, my reading list reflected that. I only finished two books. I’ve been working through a very long one as well, but I didn’t quite make it to the end before the calendar flipped to March.
Even though the list is short, both of the books I finished were ones I really enjoyed, and they fit my lifestyle and interests perfectly.
So here’s what I read in February.
February Reading Quick Summar
If you’re just here for the highlights, here’s the short version:
Books Finished: 2
Favorite Book This Month: How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz
Currently Reading: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Series I’m Working Through: Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Both books this month ended up fitting really well with the kind of lifestyle I enjoy…embracing winter, simple living, and slowing down enough to enjoy a good story.
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days
by Kari Leibowitz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
I absolutely loved this book.
I am the winter lover in my office. Whenever it snows, my coworkers all know I will be thrilled. I look forward to a cold, snowy winter every year. Honestly, I feel like I was made for winter weather.
Part of that might be practical. With my red hair and fair skin, I burn quickly in the summer heat. But beyond that, winter just feels like home to me.
My husband and son love winter too, which makes it even better. We spend a lot of time outside together walking through the woods, riding our snowmobiles and side-by-sides, and I especially love getting out to snowshoe. There is something incredibly peaceful about the woods after a fresh snowfall.
And when we’re not outside, we lean fully into the cozy side of winter. Think a warm house, a fire going, the dogs nearby, a good movie or book, and a hot cup of coffee.
This book explores how our mindset about winter shapes our experience of it. Instead of seeing winter as something to endure, it encourages readers to embrace it and find ways to thrive during the colder, darker months.
What I loved most is that as I read it, I kept realizing something: I’m already doing many of the things the book recommends. Spending time outside, embracing seasonal activities, and creating cozy indoor rituals all help make winter something to look forward to instead of dread.
It was actually a little affirming to realize that the way we naturally approach winter here in Vermont aligns so closely with the research and ideas the author discusses.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone who struggles with the long, dark winter months and wants practical ways to shift their mindset and enjoy the season more.
A quick pause for fellow book lovers
If you enjoy cozy book recommendations and simple living inspiration, you might like my weekly email newsletter.
It’s called “Hey Friend, Here’s What’s Happening,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like…a short, friendly note from me each week sharing what I’m reading, writing, cooking, and loving lately, along with new posts from the blog and a little encouragement for the week ahead. Oh, and don’t forget the grocery deals I share!
If that sounds like your kind of thing, you can join us here:
Now, back to the books.
Little House in the Big Woods
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you love simple living stories.
I actually read this book for the first time last year. Somehow, I made it through childhood without ever reading the Little House series.
But as someone who loves homesteading and simple living, the story immediately resonated with me.
Recently, a friend gifted me the entire Little House series, which felt like the perfect excuse to start from the beginning again and read the whole set from start to finish.
Reading Little House in the Big Woods as an adult is a really interesting experience. What stood out to me most was how much of their lifestyle felt familiar.
Living in Vermont, there are a lot of similarities between the rhythms described in the book and the lifestyle we live here today. The emphasis on seasonal living, preparing for winter, gathering wood, and making the most of what you have all felt very relatable.
There’s something comforting about reading stories centered around simple family life, hard work, and the changing seasons. It reminds me why I love the slower, more intentional lifestyle we try to cultivate here.
The book paints such a vivid picture of everyday life, making butter, preparing food for winter, family gatherings, and evenings spent together. Those little details are what make the story feel so warm and memorable.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone who loves homesteading, simple living, cozy historical stories, or wants to revisit a classic series.
What I’m Reading Right Now
The book that slowed my February reading pace is Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
It’s quite a bit longer and more academic than the other books on my list, but I’m reading it for professional development.
In my work in development and fundraising, understanding the psychology behind how people make decisions (and what motivates them to give) is incredibly valuable. This book is considered a classic in the field, so I’m taking my time with it and trying to really absorb the ideas.
At the same time, I’m continuing through the Little House series and am currently reading Little House on the Prairie.
So my current reading stack is a mix of professional development and cozy classics, which honestly feels like a pretty perfect balance.
What I’ll Probably Be Reading Next
If my reading habits continue the way they have been lately, March will likely include:
- Finishing Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
- Continuing through the Little House series
- Probably adding in another cozy or lifestyle-focused book
Winter is still going strong here in Vermont, which means there are plenty of evenings ahead that are perfect for curling up with a book by the fire.
Let’s Talk Books
Even though February’s reading list was short, both books were ones I genuinely enjoyed.
One reinforced my love for winter and the lifestyle we embrace here in Vermont. The other reminded me how much I enjoy stories about simple living, homesteading, and the rhythms of seasonal life.
And honestly, sometimes two really good books are better than a long list of forgettable ones.
If March brings a few more snowstorms, a cozy fire, and a little extra reading time, I certainly won’t complain.
Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:
What are you reading right now?
I’m always looking for book recommendations, so feel free to share in the comments.
And if you enjoy cozy book lists, simple living inspiration, and glimpses of life here in Vermont, I’d love to send you my weekly email.
Each week I share what I’m reading, writing, cooking, and loving lately, along with new blog posts and a little encouragement for the week ahead.
You can join the newsletter here: