Colorful leaves, new beginnings, sweaters, chai lattes–all of these make fall so magical. But that’s only part of it, there’s something else. With the weather getting colder, the air getting crisper, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book and watch the leaves change outside your window. But what exactly constitutes a good fall read? I’d argue that second only to maybe summer reads, fall books might just be the best kind. It’s hard to describe what makes a book feel like fall, and it’s different for different people. For some, they want a thriller that will keep them guessing until the end. Others want a heartwarming read that restores faith in humanity. Whatever your jam is, here are five books that scream fall. You’re basically guaranteed to find one for you.
- Secret History – Donna Tartt
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Donna Tartt’s Secret History might be the epitome of fall. It’s definitely the first book that comes to mind when I think of fall. With the dark academia themes, it’s the perfect novel to read while sipping a warm cup of tea under a blanket. Set at the fictional Hampden College in Vermont, the book centers around our narrator, Richard Papen, as he joins an exclusive group of students who study the classics solely under the guidance of a charismatic but cold professor. The novel explores how these isolating circumstances can have detrimental and deadly effects. Tartt explores social class, karma, and isolation all in a fictional town in the nineties. This book is perfect for anyone who likes slow burns and carefully crafted, complex characters. I have a different takeaway each time I read it.
- Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
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This one is a thriller in the truest sense of the word. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and have you unsure and a bit disoriented. With unreliable narrators, Amy and Nick Dunne, Flynn will have you questioning everything. No one’s exactly innocent and the whole thing just feels cold. Maybe save this book for October because there’s nothing quite frightening like the fear that Flynn creates. It’s not scary but rather horrifying in a sense as she holds a mirror to the seemingly perfect marriage and uncovers the ugly truth full of rage, deceit, and insidious wickedness.
- The Dutch House – Ann Patchett
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This book is exactly what its title makes it out to be: it’s about a mansion called the Dutch House and the people who live in it. While it might not sound exactly captivating, it’s Patchett’s writing that sets this book apart. The physical house, which is so integral that it’s basically its own character, stands in Philadelphia. Narrated by Danny, who we see grow from a young boy to a family man, we see how a house and the idea of home are two separate things as tragedy strikes the family. Told over decades, The Dutch House is a detailed and complex portrait of a family over generations. The imagery is rich, moving between Philadelphia and New York City. Patchett examines loyalty, privilege, and the relationships between siblings and parents. It’s the perfect fall read for anyone who loves a rich host of people.
- Normal People – Sally Rooney
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If fall makes you reflect on connections and relationships, then Normal People is a must-read. There’s nothing quite like a book that moves through the years and Rooney does it seamlessly. The book follows Marianne and Connell, high school classmates, as their romance blooms, fades, and then develops again over the years between high school and university. Through painfully real lack of communication, jealousy, and insecurity, Rooney shows that relationships are complicated but that doesn’t mean they’re over. Set in Ireland, this book also provides a rich escape while still focusing on University. It’s the perfect read to devour in one day, in fact, it would be hard not to finish it quickly. The language is engrossing and accessible, so definitely add it to your list. Her minimalist, to-the-point writing is the epitome of fall with the cold air. And after you’ve finished the book, make sure to go watch the Hulu series which is guaranteed not to disappoint.
- Anxious People – Fredrik Backman
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There’s something about fall that reminds one of connection and relationships, maybe it’s the weather getting colder or maybe it’s the holiday season approaching. Either way, there’s nothing better than a heartwarming and comical book, which is exactly what Backman delivers in Anxious People. The book centers around eight strangers who find themselves in a hostage situation after going to an open house. Each of them carries different pain and secrets, but with compassion and understanding, these characters and the book are sure to move you. Backman is also a Swedish writer, so Anxious People, which is set in Sweden, is a fun way for readers to escape and be transported.
Happy fall reading!