Fall is my favorite time of year, a time when I find myself the most inspired. Even with the fading foliage and shorter days, the season feels full of possibilities and that extends to my reading habits. In fall, along with breaking out the cozy sweaters and wool socks, I tend to re-read a book or seek out a new charming and cozy novel to settle into. Below are some books, both old and new, for you to “fall” into this season.
1. Cozy and Charming: There’s nothing like a cozy mystery. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose and We Solve Murders by Richard Osman will be just the ticket. And, for those who are looking for a book that is utterly charming, try one of my old favorites, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.
2. Dark Academia: Go back to school this fall with dark and moody novels like The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake, An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson, and Babel by R.F. Kuang.
3. Rom-Coms: Thanks to Nancy Meyers, the “rom-com” movie or novel has become a staple for a warm, pleasant night indoors. Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle and You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlane are new titles that will set your heart a flutter.
4. Magical Realism: A re-read of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a must for fall. Who doesn’t love a magical bond between witchy sisters? But if you’re looking for something different, Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez are enchanting.
5. Suspense: Between the new releases by Liz Moore and Paula Hawkins and the new book in Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce series, it’s a “mystery” which one you will choose. The new Golden Age Whodunits collection is especially great for exploring classic mysteries and suspense.
6. The Classics: Whether it’s Jane Austen; Charlotte, Emily or Anne Bronte; Charles Dickens; Shirley Jackson; or Daphne Du Maurier, you really cannot go wrong.
7. Ali Smith: In the literary world, one cannot think of the change in seasons without thinking of Ali Smith’s Seasonal quartet. Autumn, the first in the series, is a novel about time, aging and identity, as well as relationships, both platonic and romantic.
There are so many good books to dive into this fall. Novellas and hefty novels, classics and new releases, genre fiction and literary fiction – there are so many possibilities. Looking for something else? Browse our book lists or take advantage of PPL Book Match, a service where our librarians create a lists of suggestions for you based on your interests. There’s always a good book waiting to be read at the library.
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