Book Pairings for the Winter Olympics
In summer 2016, we offered up some suggestions for books to read while you're relaxing on the couch, watching world-class athletes compete in the Olympics.
Now, in 2018, we're doubling down. Winter is an even better time to snuggle up and get down to business with some books that might give you the same sense as your favorite winter sports.
Let us know your suggestions for other sports and other books in the comments!
Freestyle skiing
Daring essay collections written by creative voices.
- The Story of Modern Skiing by John Fry
- Don’t Save Anything by James Salter
- They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib
Ice dancing
Books that tell a story through artistic, lyrical prose.
- Ice Dancing by Anna Claybourne
- Behold the Dreamers by Imbo Mbue
- The Wonder of All Things by Jason Mott
Ice hockey
Teamwork! Single stories by multiple authors.
- Great Moments in Olympic Ice Hockey by Chris Peters
- Tiny Pretty Thingsby Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton
- Hotel Angeline: A Novel in 36 Voices by Jennie Shortridge
Luge
Risky experimental fiction.
- Surviving Extreme Sports by Lori Hile
- A Field Guide to the North American Family by Garth Hallberg
- TheMystery.doc by Matthew McIntosh
Speed skating
Fast-paced thrillers that recognize the need for speed.
- Great Moments in Olympic Skating by Jo-Ann Barnas
- Pleasantville by Attica Locke
- Final Girls by Riley Sager
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Images: Freestyle skiing via Wikimedia Commons; Ice hockey via s.yume on Flickr; Ice dancing via Republic of Korea on Flickr; Luge via army.mil; Speed skating via Wikimedia Commons.
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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you'd recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!