Fall is the perfect season to cozy up with a book by the chilly windowsill, swaddled in big blankets, with a comfy pair of socks and a warm mug of tea. As the nights get longer and the days shorter, it becomes increasingly important to put time and care into our mental health. This, for myself and many others, includes spending time alone to recharge. Here are five books to occupy your alone time.
1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Michael Albot
Originally released in 1997, Tuesdays with Morrie is a fascinating look into remaining hopeful and grateful in moments of great despair. This memoir details the relationship between Mitch and his professor Morrie, who is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As Morrie’s disease progresses, he shares his life lessons with Mitch.
This novel truly made me reevaluate my place in society and the impact that we all have the ability to make. While we are all striving to chase our goals, it’s important to not lose sight of our communities and purpose.
Favourite quote from the book: “Do the kinds of things that come from the heart. When you do, you won’t be dissatisfied, you won’t be envious, you won’t be longing for somebody else’s things.”
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published in 2017, Reid wrote a fantastic story following the life of fictional actress Evelyn Hugo. We follow her struggles with spousal issues, a forbidden romance, and true passion, lust, and yearning. As Hugo comes to the conclusion of her lifetime, she decides to share her story with an unknown journalist.
Bursting with political intrigue, historical context and vibrant characters, this book kept me on my toes. Sometimes I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter and by the last I didn’t want the story to end.
Favourite quote from the book: “But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them.”
3. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
While I’m sure you’ve seen the movie, or at the very least some iconic scenes, Harris’ 1988 novel truly embodies the creepy fall feelings—if you’re into that. The story follows the grisly crimes of one “Buffalo Bill” and an FBI agent in training’s journey to find him. To do this, she must work with the estranged Hannibal Lecter, and I think you know the rest.
As a horror and thriller fanatic, I can truthfully say this is one of my favourite books. I promise, if you’ve watched the movie and enjoyed it, the book won’t be a let down. I often wish that I had read the book first, but don’t worry… it’s a series!
Favourite quote from the book: “Being smart spoils a lot of things, doesn’t it?”
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2025 has been starting to look like we might need to look back at the lessons of the past. To me, that only makes The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, more relevant today. Ideas of wealth and the American dream are perfectly portrayed in this short novel that follows Jay Gatsby and his love interest, Daisy Buchanan, in jazz-era New York City.
If you want to seem incredibly cool while reading a classic you’ll actually enjoy, this is the one for you. It will make you question the value of money and its effects on human life and relationships. Throughout the book, you almost never know who you want to succeed (Hint: there’s a reason for that).
Favourite quote from the book: “I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
5. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
A story of innocence and ignorance, the 2006 novel, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, takes you through the mind of a young German boy Bruno, navigating a friendship with his friend Shmuel who lives as a detainee on the other side of the fence. Based on WWII, the two undergo heart-wrenching experiences, ultimately leading to the unthinkable.
This is an emotionally challenging read. It is hard to comprehend that these events truly happened. I think, now more than ever, it’s important to be educated in topics of war, politics and history. If you aren’t up for a book that will have emotionally triggering content, please steer clear of this one.
Favourite quote from the book: “‘What exactly was the difference?’ He wondered to himself. ‘And who decided which people wore the striped pyjamas and which people wore the uniforms?’”
Whether you’re looking for some thought-provoking content or a fun spooky read, I guarantee the perfect fall book is out there for you. You just have to do some searching, digging, or flipping.