January has officially swung in, bringing with it rain, snow and cold. Thus, many of you are going to be stuck inside this winter and will need a source of entertainment, something you can enjoy while huddled in a mountain of blankets with a mug of cocoa cradled in your hands. For your reading pleasure, here are five books to set the depressing mood of winter on the Palouse.

“Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

This graphic novel is set in the slightly dystopian, alternate future of the United States in the year 1988. While the Cold War grinds on, we learn that superheroes exist, and they have been taken down by the government when the police went on strike. Even officially retired and out of the limelight, they are still under fire, as some are being killed by an unknown assassin. As the mystery progresses, the remaining heroes attempt to figure out who is behind the attacks, and begin to uncover secrets that will shake the world.

“The Stand” by Stephen King

When a man escapes from a biological testing facility, he carries with him an extremely deadly virus that quickly infects and begins to kill nearly all of humanity within a few weeks. The story follows Mother Abagail, who leads a few desperate survivors to build a community in Boulder, Colorado, and Randall Flagg, the nefarious dark man who delights in chaos and violence. As the world continues to fall apart, these two, and the survivors that find them, struggle to find a new place and survive in the brave new world.

The Endgame Series by James Frey

Currently a set of two books, “Endgame: The Calling” and “Sky Key,” the series follows the story of the Endgame, in which players from around the world – descendants of several ancient bloodlines – must find the keys and play the Endgame to prevent the Earth’s destruction at the hands of otherworldly beings. As each of the 12 players fights to get each key, and remain ahead of the others, some band together, others continually hunt each other, and some go to challenge the Endgame itself.

“1984” by George Orwell

This classic novel is set in a dystopian version of Great Britain, called Airstrip One, now a part of the super state Oceania. Set in the title year, it follows Winston Smith, a man who works in the Ministry of Truth, rewriting past government releases to show that the government has always been right. However, as he becomes disillusioned with the regime that he lives under, he begins to question the world he lives in and looks to seek the truth about it. As he travels down this rabbit hole, he finds himself a fugitive, and begins to truly understand what his government does. A classic look at totalitarianism and its workings, it will make you think and see the world around you in a new light.

“No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon” by Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer is the first and only man to climb to the summit of Mount Everest and return safely. He is continually exploring new places and attempting new trials. His experience is ultimately training him to face down his biggest challenge yet: Kayak the Grand Canyon solo.

Throughout his novel, Weihenmayer shows how he has not let his loss of eyesight define him, and that he is fighting to be a better man. In his writing, he tells the stories of other trailblazers who have faced trauma, loss and hardship to overcome their own obstacles. Through each challenge and climb, Weihenmayer tells an inspiring story of breaking down barriers to reach the views of which he dreams.