I was having a conversation with a friend about our reading habits and she shared that she reads certain types of books depending on the season. I haven’t taken that approach before, but thought it would be fun to recommend my favorite books that will get you in the fall spirit. With coming back recently from Florida, I am more than ready to embrace the cooler weather and pick up some of these favorites!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this book back in 2018 before I wrote reviews for every book on Goodreads, so I’ll do my best to remember why I love it. The novel is set on the campus of a college in New England (= all the fall vibes) and follows a group of students who are very into the classics. They end up in a situation that reveals the worst in them and ends up being an unsettling and captivating read.
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J. R. R. Tolkien ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another book I read before I consistently wrote reviews. Joe describes it as a “cozy” book and I think that sums it up well. It’s an adventure story with beautiful writing and imagery.
The Ramblers by Aidan Donnelley Rowley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A book set in Manhattan, and on the Upper West Side no less, had a great chance of capturing my imagination. This novel rotates through the perspective of Smith, Clio, and Tate – alumni of Yale who have all had various experiences in life and love since their graduation a decade ago. Smith and Clio are best friends and roommates who have lived together since freshman year and post graduation. They bonded quickly when they supported each other through challenging times in college and their care and regard for each other continues well into their adult lives. We meet the women while Clio is struggling to develop a relationship with the shadow of her family’s past hanging over her, and Smith is recovering from a devastating breakup. Tate comes on to the scene when he relocates to Manhattan to move on from his divorce.
Educated by Tara Westover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Back to school feels since this book is all about Tara Westover pursuing education. Coming from a background of survivalist parents and no formal education, she was able to teach herself enough to be admitted to college and to open her eyes to the value and enjoyment of learning.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A classic that doesn’t need much introduction. This is the perfect fall read: back to school activities, magic, old castles, parchment, capes…does it get any better?
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a captivating and exciting story about the University of Washington’s crew team who made it to the Olympics. This team beat elite collegiate competitors and competed against the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler at the Berlin games. Learning about each of the rowers’ back stories and the reason they work together is inspiring and thought provoking. Get ready to get in the fall mood with school and country spirit.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gothic fall vibes galore! A governess on a remote estate, taking care of two beautiful children who don’t mind if the walking dead want to possess them. Sign me up.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of my favorites! Another gothic novel that has an old house with strange happenings, and a governess that is caught up in the drama. You will want to curl up with this book and a flickering candle on an overcast day.
What books do you love to read when the weather starts to turn?
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