My Fall Reading List

Miranda Risser Student Contributor, Clemson University

Elizabeth Levine Student Contributor, Clemson University

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Sometimes in college we feel too busy to take the time to read an extra book, but it can

actually be an enjoyable and relaxing activity if you can find the right book! Here are

5 of my suggestions for books you need to check out!

1. If you like Mysteries…. In the Woods by Tana French

This was one of those books that my mom suggested that I read for years, and

I would always just roll my eyes. But once I picked it up, I realized how dumb

I was for ignoring her (real lesson here: your mom knows best.) The story

follows Detective Adam Ryan who is investigating the mysterious death of a

young ballerina in rural Ireland. The story goes much deeper than the case. It

explores the fickle nature of the truth in detective work, ways that we cope

with trauma, abnormal psychology, and many other interesting topics. In the

words of Tom Haverford, “it’s dope.”

2. If you like Music/Art… Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

This is one of my all-time favorite books. With music, art, history, travel, and

romance, it’s perfect for those of us who’ve considered moving to Paris and

falling in love with a cute musician. The protagonist, Andi, moves with her

dad to Paris so that she and him can mend their distant relationship. The book

dives into some pretty heavy topics that are faced by many young women and

really encapsulates that struggles that go along with growing up. It’s a great

coming-of-age novel that will make you consider picking up and moving to

Paris (or at least studying abroad.)

3. If you like Epic Tales… Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

This book is definitely one that you’ll want to read over Christmas break

because it is long. Even though it’s about 1000 pages, it reads so quickly that

you’ll find yourself tearing through 200 pages in a day. The book is

technically about a monk building a cathedral in 10th century England, but it’s

way less boring than that. Think Gossip Girl… but, you know, medieval.

4. If you support Feminism… Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

Again, this is another seemingly challenging novel that’s actually very

enjoyable. The main character, Bathsheba Everdeen, is a total badass female

in the late 19th century. She has her own thriving business, a fiercely

independent attitude, and no desire to get married anytime soon. She basically

spends the whole book putting boys in their place, so, really, what’s better

than that?

5. If you like Young Adult… Fallen by Lauren Kate

Who doesn’t love a good, easy-breezy read? This is one that I read a long,

long time ago, but I still consider it one of the better young adult novels. Like

any good YA novel, there’s a love triangle between the protagonist, the good

guy, and the bad boy. I rest my case.

My Fall Reading List

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