My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
In My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante masterfully chronicles the intense friendship between Elena and Lila, two girls growing up in a vibrant yet volatile neighborhood of 1950s Naples. The story follows their intertwined lives from childhood, where their fierce academic rivalry blossoms into a complex bond that will define them both. Through Elena’s eyes, we witness their diverging paths set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Italian society.
Mariia Shcherbyna
Marketing Manager
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is the first book in the Neapolitan Novels series. It tells the story of two best friends, Lenu and Lila, and their complex relationships, competition, need for support from each other, and finding their own path in life. The book explores gender, male-female relationships, self-perception, and personal growth, all shaped by the historical, cultural, and generational challenges rooted in the poverty of Naples’ working-class districts. The feelings and thoughts of the main narrative character are so vivid and real that you don’t want to stop exploring this story. I’m now reading the second book in the series. It’s even more captivating as it tells us more about Lenu and Lila as they grow older, face new challenges, and make more mature choices.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry unfolds in a quaint bookstore on Alice Island, where a grief-stricken bookseller’s life changes forever with an unexpected delivery. Once passionate about literature, A.J. Fikry has retreated into himself since losing his beloved wife, wielding his literary opinions like armor and finding comfort only in the rare books that line his shelves. But fate has other plans for A.J. Through unexpected friendships and second chances, he discovers that sometimes the most meaningful stories are the ones we never planned to read.
Olia Ududiak
Head of People
Gabrielle Zevin’s special style of writing is something I think all people should experience. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a book about books that takes place on a remote island. You’ll encounter heartache, a touch of humor, a dash of romance, and the thrill of solving a mystery as you read. Furthermore, A.J.’s discerning taste in quality literature is truly impressive, offering you the chance to discover some excellent book recommendations along the way. What could give you a better sense of the book than its own words? Here are a few quotes for you to explore: “Most people’s problems would be solved if they would only give more things a chance.” “The [book]store is fifteen Mayas wide and twenty Mayas long. She knows this because she once spent an afternoon measuring it by laying her body across the room. It is fortunate that it is not more than thirty Mayas long because that is as far as she could count on the day the measurements were taken.”
Ice by Jacek Dukaj
In Ice, Jacek Dukaj crafts an alternate-history masterpiece where a mysterious force freezes some parts of Europe in eternal winter. The story follows Benedykt Gierosławski, a mathematician sent on a perilous railway journey through the frozen wastes. The novel delves deep into questions of logic, mathematics, and the nature of reality as Benedykt confronts a world where cold literally crystallizes truth and changes the fundamental laws of physics.
Stas Sokolov
Head of PR
Many know Polish fantasy thanks to Sapkowski’s Witcher. Fewer know that Polish sci-fi is no less stunning (if you haven’t read Stanisław Lem, of course). Jacek Dukai proves again that Central and Eastern European authors can create captivating narratives and complex stories that are no less worthy of Hollywood or Netflix adaptations. The very title of Dukaj’s Ice (Lód) suggests it’s a perfect winter read. And this massive (literally, it’s two rather thick volumes) book covers you like a heavy duvet. But be warned – that’s not an easy read. The author enjoys playing with your mind and depicts the world with alternative physics and logic. The setting (the 1920s in the alternative history) has this cozy steampunk-ish (or should I call it icepunk?) vibes, with the cabaret flavor of smoking/drinking/gambling and “House of Cards”-style political games. By the way, one of the protagonists is Nicholas Tesla. P.S. Only after having written this review did I find no English translation (yet) – just Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Czech ones. So, why not learn Ukrainian or Polish for this? :-)
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It by Kelly McGonigal
In The Upside of Stress, Kelly McGonigal challenges our traditional views of stress as the enemy, presenting research that reveals how stress can actually enhance our lives when understood and embraced. Through compelling scientific insights and personal stories, she guides readers to recognize stress not as a threat. Instead, she offers to perceive it as a natural response that can fuel personal growth and deeper connections. The book weaves together cutting-edge science, practical exercises, and transformative perspectives, showing readers how to harness stress for greater strength, focus, and resilience.
Aleksandr Kunin
Full Stack Engineer
The Upside of Stress brings up some interesting points, many of which you’ve probably seen in people around you. Stress isn’t always harmful, and it doesn’t automatically lead to health problems or shorten your life. The key is knowing why you’re stressed. If you are stressed, then you are not indifferent. And how you respond to stress is actually Your Choice. When you have a clear purpose, stress can actually work for you, not against you. It’s about how you see it and use it, rather than just trying to avoid or escape it. It may not be a fit for blanket and cocoa, but it’s a good read and goes really great as an audio book.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
In I Have Some Questions for You, Rebecca Makkai crafts a gripping narrative that follows Bodie Kane, a successful podcaster and film professor, as she returns to her elite New Hampshire boarding school to teach a short course. The return to Granby School forces her to confront the unsolved murder of her former roommate Thalia Keith in 1995. Through Bodie’s perspective, Makkai explores themes of memory, justice, and the ways we reexamine the past through a modern lens.
Uliana Tereshchenko
People Operations Specialist
This book is very wintery, with strong dark academia vibes and an absorbing plot. It may be especially interesting for those who find guilty pleasure in true crime content. I like the ‘unreliable narrator’ approach, and here it matches so well with the exploration of the reliability of memory. Also, the author examines imperfections of criminal investigations, the impact of true crime content and how harmful it may be for the victims of described events. While I’d prefer another ending (a more well-thought-out one that would give a feeling of closure), I still think that this book is worth reading.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a gothic mystery that unites reclusive author Vida Winter and biographer Margaret Lea in uncovering a long-buried story. Vida’s haunting tale of a crumbling Yorkshire mansion, tragic twins, and family secrets forces Margaret to confront her own hidden past. As truth and fiction intertwine, the novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Veronika Tamaio Flores
Product Lead
This book is very wintery, with strong dark academia vibes and an absorbing plot. It may be especially interesting for those who find guilty pleasure in true crime content. I like the ‘unreliable narrator’ approach, and here it matches so well with the exploration of the reliability of memory. Also, the author examines imperfections of criminal investigations, the impact of true crime content and how harmful it may be for the victims of described events. While I’d prefer another ending (a more well-thought-out one that would give a feeling of closure), I still think that this book is worth reading.
Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth
Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth is a gripping exploration of family dynamics, memory, and the scars of the past. When Bergljot, estranged from her family, learns she has been excluded from her parents’ inheritance, long-buried tensions and traumatic secrets resurface. As she confronts the truth about her childhood and her family’s denial, the novel delves into the complexities of grief, loyalty, and justice.
Stevan Savic
Link Building and Outreach Specialist
If you’re looking for a compelling and emotionally charged read, Will and Testament is an excellent choice. Vigdis Hjorth masterfully delves into family dynamics, legacy, and the blurred lines of truth, crafting a story that feels both intimate and universal. It’s a novel that will challenge your perspective and linger in your thoughts.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a gripping novel set in the untamed nature of 1970s Alaska. It tells the story of Leni Allbright, a teenage girl navigating her family’s tumultuous life after her father, a troubled Vietnam War veteran, impulsively moves them to an isolated homestead.
Leonie Lacey
Technical Content Writer
I recently read The Great Alone and I’m still thinking about it. The author created something special here — a story about survival, community, and hope set against Alaska’s 1970s wilderness. The way she writes about Leni and her parents is both raw and beautiful. It’s one of those books that pulls you in and stays with you long after you’ve finished. Definitely a must-read!
Wrapping up
From frozen alternate realities to heartwarming bookstore tales, our Railswarians’ reading picks offer something for every mood and preference. It proves that winter reading isn’t just about holiday themes. It’s about finding stories that resonate with the contemplative nature of the season, whether you’re seeking comfort or intellectual adventure.
A good book can add a spark of joy even into the most gloomy day, so we hope that you’ve enjoyed recommendations from our team. We’ll be back soon with a Spring selection of books, but for now — let the remaining winter time be filled with great stories.