There’s nothing I love more than to cozy up with a good book, a cup of tea, and a yummy treat on a crisp fall evening. As an avid enjoyer of pretty much all things literary, I always find myself hunting for my next good read, whether it be a memoir, biography, something historical, or my personal favorite genre: fiction.
While I’ve read countless books over the years, the three I want to recommend have been my absolute favorites. Across these three books, I’d like to think there’s something for everyone to choose and enjoy for their next cozy fall read.
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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Since receiving my first copy of this book in 2021 as an award from my English teacher, I’ve read it every single fall without fail. While certainly a lengthy read, author Donna Tartt creates an exhilarating story that is nearly impossible to put down.Â
After transferring to a small liberal arts college in Vermont, the main character, Richard Papen, joins a small, eccentric group of students studying Greek classics. All seems normal within this odd friend group until they are thrown into chaos following a murder of a local farmer.
Richard watches as the lives of his friends fall apart and things slowly start to unravel more and more. The members of the “perfect” group of friends slowly descend into madness over the course of the school year.
With her rich and eloquent prose, eccentric characters, and unreliable narrator, Tartt weaves together a fascinating and unique story. It not only exudes an air of autumnal mystery, but leaves you absolutely dumbfounded at every plot twist and chapter ending.
- Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
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Everyone knows Sally Rooney’s hit novel and TV show Normal People, but her novel, Conversations with Friends, is an equally twisted and frustrating love story between two friends.Â
Long-time best friends and Trinity College students Melissa and Bobbi become entangled with an older married couple. While they start off as friends, things quickly become messy as the two sets of people become romantically involved with one another, with each character leaving a trail of secrets and complications in their wake.
Set in rainy Dublin, the novel’s atmosphere makes for the perfect autumnal setting. Paired with the messy romances, friendships, and, of course, the lingering schoolwork of the two main characters, Conversations with Friends is an entertaining story that should be added to your to-be-read list this fall.
- High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
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Yet another book set in a rainy city, High Fidelity takes place in London. Main character Rob Fleming reflects on his life, past romances, and current job as the owner of a small record store after a breakup with his long-term girlfriend.
This witty read will leave you unable to put the book down. With its classic dry British humor, frustratingly real characters, and niche music references (many of which I had to Google, so keep your phone at the ready), author Nick Hornby creates a story that showcases love, loss, and the overcoming of a mid-thirties crisis.
Whether you’re a rom-com fan, a lover of horror or sci-fi, or simply just in desperate need of your next fall read, I highly recommend you give any of these books a chance. Although they might not all be big on BookTok or advertised in local bookstores, each of these books were crafted with care and expertise by their authors, and each demonstrates the many different ways in which friendships, love, and life can be showcased across time, location, and situations.
I believe they’re the perfect additions for your fall reading list.Â
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