Long winter nights are the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate or tea and a good book or movie. The Dartmouth interviewed several students on their favorite reads and watches of the winter so far.
“American Pastoral” by Philip Roth
Editor-in-chief of Dartmouth’s literary and arts journal The Stonefence Review Alison Blake ’26 recommended Philip Roth’s 1997 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “American Pastoral.”
“My expectations were through the roof in the first place, but I still had my mind blown,” Blake said. “The book is all about the main character’s inner life and American Dream aspirations, but not in a cliché way. I told all my friends about it — it was a game-changer.”
“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind
Nicolas Groeller ’29 recently read this historical fantasy novel about a boy growing up in Paris in the 18th century, who has an incredible sense of smell, yet no scent of his own. The narrative follows his obsession with capturing the perfect fragrance that drives him to murder.
“The main character is so interesting,” Groller said. “He has this innate ability to remember every single smell he has encountered, and only perceives the world through that scent. … It wasn’t the most heart-warming story, but a perfect cozy armchair read — the narrative was captivating.”
“Funny Story” by Emily Henry
On vacation with her family over winterim, Kat Mueller ’28 flew through Emily Henry’s books.
“They’re really fun and easy to read, so I was tearing through one a day at the beach,” she said. “I think her best book is ‘Funny Story.’ It was the perfect beach read — I read it all in one sitting. It’s hilarious.”
“11/22/63” by Stephen King
Virginia Averyt ’28 recommended Stephen King’s 2011 sci-fi novel, “11/22/63,” a revision of the story of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in which a high school teacher travels back in time to attempt and try and stop the tragic events of that fatal day.
“It’s a really interesting dissection of the conspiracy,” Avery said. “I am sacrilegious about reading the book before the movie, and I saw [the series] on Netflix, so I had to read it.”
“The Hierarchy” series by James Islington
Turner Holmes ’28 read “The Strength of the Few,” the second book of James Islington’s “The Hierarchy” series, which came out in November.
“I would recommend the first book, ‘The Will of the Many,’ to anyone,” Holmes said. “It was incredible. It is a sci-fi series about a Harry Potter-esque academy. I thought the second one was also good; it served as a transition point in the series, expanding the scope of the storyline. I don’t think it was quite as good as the first — granted, it was hard to beat — but I do think the third and fourth books are going to be incredible. I think anyone who is interested in sci-fi or fantasy would really like this series.”
“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
Kai Talbert ’29 stumbled across Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” over his winterim.
“My favorite line is ‘the darkest evening of the year.’” Talbert said. “Despite how short the days and how long the nights are, it is still one of the brightest times of the year, because we’re all stuck at home together with the warmth of family. We can still enjoy the beauty of nature and snow, despite the bitter cold. It reminds me we can really make the best out of the situation.”
“People We Meet On Vacation” (2026 film)
Daniel Smith ’28 and Zachary Lopes ’29 watched “People We Meet on Vacation,” adapted from a 2021 novel of the same name by Emily Henry, right after they returned from break. The two described the movie as “very heartwarming” and “fun,” perfect for brightening up a cold winter day.
“The snow was falling outside our window while we watched the two protagonists travel to all these warm locations,” Smith said. “It was a cozy time, and it also got me excited for warmer weather at Dartmouth.”
The Grinch (2018 film)
In the holiday spirit, Mac Froge ’29 watched this film adaptation of a Dr. Seuss book with her sister at home over break.
“My parents would read it to us during Christmas, so it’s a very nostalgic story,” Forge said. “We watched the animated version, though — the live one is creepy.”
The Holdovers (2023 film)
Naomi Hart ’29 watched “The Holdovers,” a movie about a misfit boy who attends a New England boarding school in the 1970s. When he stays at his school over winter break with the other “holdovers” who have nowhere to go, he forms an unlikely bond with his formerly surly professor and the school’s head cook. Hart described the movie as a “wholesome story,” remarking on how the snowy and cozy setting reminded her of winter at Dartmouth.
“It’s a great New England movie,” she said. “They even go to Boston one weekend, the classic Dartmouth student trip.”
“The Office: Christmas Party” (2005 television episode, Season 2, Episode 10)
Often acclaimed as one of the best episodes of the comedy series, “The Christmas Party” features the office’s Yankee Swap, during which Michael buys someone an iPod. Christopher Cummiskey ’29 found the Christmas episode wintry, noting that its snowy setting in Scranton, Pa. resembles his hometown of Warren, Vt.
“Harry Potter” Film Series
Every year, Jackson Easley ’26 watches the “Harry Potter” series with his family.
“Everyone in my family is a big fan of the series, and there is something about the movies that is light and Christmas-y,” Easley said. “I like the books better, but when I go back to the series, I generally [also] go back to the movies. They’re classics.”
“Home Alone” (1990 film)
Every year on December 23rd, Claire Lareau ’29’s family gathers to watch “Home Alone.”
“Home Alone was my grandfather’s favorite Christmas movie,” Lareau said “We watch it to commemorate him. This tradition keeps him in our memory.”
