Curling up in that beloved oversized sweater with a mug full of warm, spicy (or spiked, no judgment!) cider in one hand and a page-turner in the other while both the temps and leaves are dropping outside… I mean, does it get any better?

No, it does not.

Well, maybe if you had mouthwatering slow-cooker aromas filling the air, then the scenario would be a tad bit better. But hey, you get the idea.

The point I’m trying to make is that these “ber months” are some of the most superb for reading. And better yet — for becoming inspired. Because whoever said the New Year was the gatekeeper to new resolutions? If you ask me, there’s no finer time to be infused with fresh ideas than when you are nestled in for winter. So if you’re seeking a few feel-good books to add to this season’s reading list, you’re in luck. Below are seven awesome options, guaranteed to uplift, encourage, and inspire.

Without further ado… Happy Reading!

1. Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path

OK, not to sound dramatic, but this book has truly changed my life. See, so often we find ourselves experiencing each day at the same pace. You know, that grueling speed of Go! Go! Go! We’re constantly chasing happiness, thinking if we go faster, if we jump higher, if we become stronger, then we’ll ultimately find it. But what is “it” that we’re seeking anyway?

In this compelling book, Erin Loechner, HGTV.com star and “The Nicest Girl Online,” takes us through her journey of venturing off the beaten path and ditching the same old “grind.” And trust me, what she finds after refreshing her perspectives, renewing her priorities, and shifting her focus is enough of a reason for everyone to read these insightful pages.

2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

While we instantly fell in love with Elizabeth Gilbert after the wonderful Eat Pray Love, chances are you’ll fall even harder for this bestselling author once you read Big Magic. In this vibrant, uplifting book, she shares her wisdom and unique perspective on creativity by digging deep into her own generative process.

By showing us how to tackle what we love most — including how to face what we fear most — Gilbert encourages us to live each day with more mindfulness and passion. And in doing so, she cracks open a world of wonder and joy. Yes, this certainly is a must-read for anyone hoping to live a more creative life.

3.What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self

Quick question: if you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?

Well, in this intriguing collection of letters, 41 remarkable women do just that. Filling the pages with advice and insight they wish they would have had when they were younger, it won’t take long to realize what these letters ultimately offer: hope. From the globally-adored Maya Angelou to the Today show correspondent Ann Curry, this book is chocked full of powerful wisdom and is one paperback I will always have within easy reach.

4. Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives

If you’re yearning to master new habits in life, this book is the key to accomplishing just that. Written by the same author as the infamous Happiness Project, here, Gretchen Rubin tackles the essential question: can we change?

Using herself as a guinea pig and testing her theories on family and friends, she shows us that yes, we all can change. And the best part? She explains how, too. By harnessing the energy of habits, Rubin instills the concrete framework to a whole new world for us — one in which we can become happier, stronger, and live more fulfilling lives.

5. Double Bind: Women on Ambition

Ever wonder why so many women who are naturally driven and goal-oriented shy away from it? Or why the word “ambition,” for many, seems to be loaded with such ambivalence? If you ask me, no other book could have come at a more necessary time than Double Bind.

Throughout these 320 pages, editor Robin Romm identifies the paradox at the very heart of feminism by curating a stunning constellation of thinkers to examine their relationships with ambition. Oozing with insight, wisdom, humor, and rage, each one of these essays shows women from a range of backgrounds — and at all stages of their lives and careers — wrestling with fear, aspiration, failure, and yes, success.

Let’s just say this was one book I simply couldn’t put down.

6. What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir

Looking for a fun, light-hearted read that will leave you cracking up on pretty much every single page? If so, check out Kristin Newman’s witty memoir about mastering the art of the “vacationship.”

Despite the majority of her friends getting married and having babies, Newman was not at all ready to settle down, but was desperately in need of escaping her fast-paced job. So what did she do? Packed her bags, traveled the world — often alone — and fell madly in love with the planet, of course… meeting many attractive locals along the way.

There’s no doubt, this candid reflection overflowing with wondrous travel tales will instantly inspire you to renew your passport.

7. In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs

First things first: EVERYONE SHOULD OWN THIS BOOK!

OK, sorry for the all-caps, but seriously, these career profiles of 100+ powerhouse women making waves in the creative community will infuse you with a lifetime of inspiration. From media titans and ceramicists to tattoo artists and architects, Grace Bonney (founder of Design*Sponge) has marshaled together an incredible collection of influencers, all describing how they embraced their creative spirit, overcame adversity, and pursued their passions and dreams. To say this book is inspiring would be a complete understatement!

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Top image via Domino