On a cool early autumn evening there is nothing better than curling up with a good book. Even better, grabbing a coffee and exploring a local bookstore. As the leaves begin to turn and the temperature starts to drop, now is the best time to start adding a few great fall themed novels to your to-be-read (TBR) pile.
Whether it’s a murder mystery as we near the Halloween season or a cozy classic novel, these books are sure to have you turning the page wanting more.
“The Raven Boys” by Maggie Steifvater
This four book fantasy collection follows a girl by the name of Blue Sargent. The only non-clairvoyant in a house full of physics, a prophecy that Blue’s true love will die after she kisses him lingers over her head. Falling into a quest to find a lost Welsh King, Blue finds herself working alongside Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah to solve the magical mystery.
This book series is easily a five star read, with its twists and turns and beautiful incorporation of unique characters and magic system, there is something for everyone. Taking place during the fall season, the first book in the series “The Raven Boys” will have you purchasing the rest of the series almost immediately.
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Published in 1992, this novel is anything but outdated. Taking place at the elite New England Hampden College, the story follows a group of students, Richard, Henry, Edmund, Camilla, Charles and Julian as they undergo Classic Studies and discover a new way of thinking and living.
This eccentric and clever psychological novel may be difficult to follow at first, but soon the story will be so immersive you will not be able to put it down. What better place to be transported to than a college campus during a New England Fall? With a side of mystery of course.
“What Happens After Midnight” by K. L. Walther
Taylor Swift lovers, this one is for you. This coming of age romance follows Lily Hopper as she is two weeks away from graduating boarding school. After receiving a mysterious note inviting her to join an anonymous senior class prank and looking to experience all the fun she must have missed out on, Lily joins without hesitation. That is until she finds out the Jester is her ex-boyfriend and that the major target of the prank is none other than her prom date. Hoping to come out of her shell and break some rules, Lily may also have an opportunity to fix her heart along the way.
New York Times bestselling author K.L. Walther is known to not only incorporate her love for Taylor Swift lyrics in her titles, but throughout her stories. Though, for those who would not call themselves huge fans of the musical artist, the story’s trajectory and incredible character arcs that take place in a town that mirrors that of Gilmore Girls makes it a definite must on anyone’s fall TBR.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
If you had the chance to keep your youth forever, would you? Dorian Gray makes this decision in the gothic horror novel written by Oscar Wilde. Living a high and mighty aristocratic life, Dorian Gray is influenced by those around him into believing that beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things that matter in life. Selling his soul in order for a portrait of himself to grow old with time rather than his physical self, he continues down a path of sin and unforgivable acts of selfishness.
Not only is a gothic story a great way to delve into the fall season, but its themes of death, sin and morality are the perfect backdrop as we approach Halloween. A classic, it can be a little intimidating to get started. Though “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a great way to discover a love for classical literature, especially as the paranormal aspects keep you wanting more.
“Dead Poets Society” by Nancy H. Kleinbaum
Who would not want to be at Welton Academy during the autumn? A similar storyline to the movie, “Dead Poets Society” follows Todd Anderson and his roommate Neil Perry as they embark on a literary journey due to the influence of their unconventional English teacher John Keating. Encouraging them to take life by storm and have a deep love of the arts, the boys are able to find freedom from the rigid world imposed on them by expectations of the school and by their families. These freedoms do not come without tragic consequences, but nevertheless the boys continue with their journey.
A staple for the fall season, whether you have seen the movie or not “Dead Poets Society” can show you a new perspective on life. It can even ignite a passion for the arts you may not have known you had.
“Upstream” by Mary Oliver
In this 2016 collection of essays, poet Mary Oliver navigates her love of nature. From childhood to present day memories and inspiration from Walt Whitman’s own journey, it is a beautiful synthesis of language and discovering self worth.
Fall also means back to school season, and balancing time to read an entire novel with coursework and other activities can be very difficult. This collection acts as a perfect middle ground, coming in bite sized easily digestible stories that you can look to in moments of free time. With lots of compilations on forests and leaf peeping, this is a great collection for autumn.
“Elatose” by Darcie Little Badger
Included on Times list of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time, “Elatose” follows 17 year old Lipan Apache Ellie after she discovers her cousin Trevor’s death was a murder. With the ability to raise animal ghosts from the dead, Ellie investigates her cousin’s death in hopes to find answers. Alongside loyal ghost dog Kirby, Ellie learns more secrets than she was originally hoping for in the small eerie town of Willowbee.
An incredible story “Elatose” blends together horror, mystery and Indigenous heritage in an addicting and thought provoking way. One of the best books to dive into during the autumn, this book is easily a five star read that will leave you wanting more.
Finding a story to immerse yourself in during a cool fall day can be an incredible way to wind down after hours of classes and homework. With this diverse list of novels, there may be a world you may just find yourself completely falling into.
