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Fall Book Recs
15
items These are books that I think could get me out of a reading slump, and they just so happen to be perfect for fall. They are all a little comforting, with themes of home, family (both biological and found), and mystery.
Sections
3
Classics
Contemporary
YA
Classics
This one really speaks to me as an actor, but anyone can feel how heartfelt it is. It’s a pretty quick read but it will make you think.
Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger, Paperback
This book reminds me of the perfect fall atmosphere. The book is foggy, spooky, and reminds us of the harder parts of love.
Wuthering Heights (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)
One of the most underrated Jane Austen novels (in my opinion). This book satirizes the gothic horror genre, so it blends in perfectly to your Halloween reads.
Northanger Abbey (Signature Classics) by Jane Austen ...
The lesser-known Charlotte Bronte novel, which i actually prefer to Jane Eyre! The story of a young girl dealing with her religious society and trying to make her own way.
Villette by Charlotte Brontë, Paperback
This book is so so funny. It has such great commentary on breaking social norms, which I don’t usually love coming from a male author, but EM Forster’s queerness really shines through.
Howards End (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) by E. M. Forster, Paperback
Contemporary
more modern books!
Queer rep!!! This book is so juicy and so entertaining. I would especially recommend this to anyone who loves Sally Rooney's style.
The Rachel Incident: A novel by Caroline O'Donoghue, Paperback
This book is SO heartfelt! It taught me so much about Tehran’s history and it was so so beautifully written. I cried a lot.
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali, Paperback
This is famously one of the biggest tearjerkers of all time, but it’s full of found family and beautiful relationships that remind me of fall. Definitely check content warnings but I think it’s well worth the read.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, Paperback
I don’t normally like this style of workplace comedy and romance, but they blended together so nicely that it worked for me! It treats all of its topics with dignity and respects all of its characters in the end.
I Hope This Finds You Well: A Novel by Natalie Sue, Paperback
This boon is a must-read for anyone who has ever been a teenage girl. I think about this book once a week. There’s mystery and horror and the darker side of the internet.
Penance: A Novel by Eliza Clark, Paperback
I read this for a class in college and it made me think so much. Such a personal, intimate mystery.
The Girl on the Train: A Novel by Paula Hawkins, Paperback
YA
This will probably be considered a classic in 20 years (if it's not already). The high school setting reminds me of fall, and there is comfort and found family, but also be ready to have your heart broken.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Paperback
This is classic small town mystery! Just a little bit of romance, which is perfect for my tastes. These characters all feel so real and the fantasy elements were simple enough for me to follow as someone who generally prefers realism!
The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle Series #1) by Maggie Stiefvater, Paperback
You probably read this in school but you should read it again. Unfortunately very topical given the current takeover of AI!
The Giver (Newbery Medal Winner) by Lois Lowry, Paperback
This is one of the first sad books I read. Lots of sisterly love in this one. Again, be ready to have your heart ripped out.
Kira-Kira (Newbery Medal Winner) by Cynthia Kadohata, Paperback