Books for your winter reading list
It’s the perfect time of year to light the fire, put the kettle on, and curl up with that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages. My notebook is scattered with little lists of book titles people have mentioned in passing, constant reminders to my future self for when I finally find a quiet moment to start them. In honour of these ever-growing reading lists, and the beginning of the cosiest hibernation season, we’ve gathered a few recommendations for you to jot down.
Sometimes a Wild God - Tom Hirons
The first recommendation is a classic for us here at Craftmongers. Sometimes a wild god is a single, all-encompassing poem by one of our favourite local poets, Tom Hirons. It is a short read, but every line hums with power, a meditation on wildness, belonging, and the deep pulse of nature that runs through us all. The experience of reading it is brief yet utterly spellbinding, the kind that lingers long after you close the cover. If you haven’t yet crossed paths with this poem, now is the time.
The Man Who Planted Trees - Jean Giono
This timeless short story tells the tale of one man’s quiet devotion to reforesting a barren landscape, planting acorns day after day until an entire valley is transformed. It’s a simple yet profound reminder of how small, consistent acts of care can create lasting change. A perfect fireside read for anyone who finds hope in nature’s quiet resilience.
The Book of Wilding - Isabella Tree & Charlie Burrel
Written by the author of Wilding, this beautiful companion book explores how we can all help restore the natural world around us. Full of inspiring examples, practical advice, and captivating photography, it invites readers to see rewilding not as a distant ideal but as something we can nurture in our own gardens, communities and landscapes. It’s both a handbook and a love letter to the wild.
The Forager Handbook - Miles Irving
Part field guide, part celebration of forgotten knowledge, The Forager Handbook is an essential companion for anyone curious about edible plants and the abundance growing all around us. Miles Irving shares his deep expertise and passion for reconnecting with the land through foraging, offering insight into both the practical and the poetic sides of gathering food from nature. A book to inspire mindful walks and adventurous cooking alike.
Cabin Porn by Zach Klein
One of my favourites to peruse for beautiful imagery.
Born from an online community celebrating the art of simple living, Cabin Porn gathers photographs and stories of cabins built by people seeking a slower, more connected life. From forest hideaways to mountain retreats, it’s a visual escape into places shaped by hand, heart and imagination. It’s a book that invites you to dream of your own quiet corner of the world, a refuge built from wood.
Ingrained by Callum Robinson
Written by British craftsman and maker Callum Robinson, Ingrained is a thoughtful exploration of woodworking, creativity and the meaning of working with your hands. Through personal reflections and beautiful photography, Robinson celebrates the textures, challenges and rewards of craft. It’s a book that reminds us how deeply making is tied to living and how the process itself can be as fulfilling as the finished piece.
