Five Great Winter Reads

Winter is usually one of those seasons where everyone stays inside, trying to stay warm. However, there is also the risk of cabin fever, and the question becomes: what to do with all of that spare time? Fortunately, there are a number of books, especially historical fiction, that make a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. With that, here are five great winter reads, listed in no particular order.

Outlander- This novel, written by the talented author Diana Gabaldon, tells the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from the 20th Century who is transported to 18th Century Scotland as the result of a set of standing stones. She falls in love with a young Highlander named Jamie Fraser. This is definitely one of the most well-written and lush romance novels of recent years, and is the perfect way to spend a cold winter day. With its mix of historical fiction and romance, this is a novel that is good for anyone.

The Other Boleyn Girl- This splendid book, written by the very famous and respected writer Philippa Gregory, is told from the perspective of Mary Boleyn, the less famous sister of the infamous Anne Boleyn. If you like your historical novels full of secret plots and manipulation, with a healthy bit of romance and sex thrown in, then you're sure to enjoy this volume. If you like it, you might also want to try any one of Gregory's numerous other books, most of which deal with the Tudor period (although she has also written two volumes about the War of the Roses).

Roma- Written by Steven Saylor (famous for his Roma Sub Rosa series of mystery novels), this novel tells the story of the Roman Republic, from its ancient beginnings until the ascension of Octavius as the Emperor Augustus. It does so by tracing the history of two related families, the Pinarii and the Potitii and the passing of a family heirloom. With his meticulous eye for the details of ancient Rome life and the fascinating story lines (the families are involved in almost every important event in the Republic) you will find yourself drawn into this world of politics, betrayal, and family loyalty, making this a great winter read.

Empire- If your interest is piqued by Roma, then you will almost certainly like this novel, which continues the tale of the Pinarri through the early parts of the Imperial Period (up to the reign of Hadrian). Here are all of the emperors you probably already know, ranging from the elderly Augustus to the egomaniacal Nero and the military man Vespasian. The characters in this novel have a great deal of depth, and we actually feel for them as they struggle to survive in the treacherous political waters that characterized the Roman Empire. This is one winter read that you will definitely want to cozy up to during the cold winter months.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra -This hefty novel, written by the very talented historical novelist Margaret George, tells the story of the infamous last queen of Egypt from her own perspective, in her own words. Although it is a very large novel, you will find that it goes quickly, since the prose is so good and the plot so interesting that you can't help but read it. Cleopatra makes an incredibly compelling narrator, and you find yourself suspended in her world, even though you know how the story is going to end. This is one winter read that will keep you up past your bedtime for several nights.

If you're stuck inside this winter, be sure to check out any of these great winter reads, which will make even the dreariest winter day go by like a breeze.