If you are like me, you probably have an ever-growing list of books (TBR) that you want to read at some point but simply don’t have the time or motivation to read the ones you already own. Regarding the ladder, I have found that this is because the environments and events that surround me are a big influence on my reading habits. Thus, as a student, holidays and seasons are one of the biggest determining factors for what I want to read and when. Not everyone wants to read a Christmas novel during Halloween season. So, if you are looking for some book recommendations for this fall, you are in the right place, although this will definitely not help shorten that ever-growing TBR.
Romance
Starting with the category that I think screams the most cozy and that I’m most familiar with: romance!
The first book I would like to discuss is that of the Pumpkin Spice CafĂ© by Laurie Gilmore. While I have never read this novel, my suitemate has told me about it many times. From what I hear, it is the first book in a series that follows the romantic love lives of characters in a town called Dream Harbor. However, reading this one book will not force you to commit to an entire prolonged series, as the entire main plot is within the confines of less than 400 pages. This specific story follows the life of a city girl named Jeanie who is gifted The Pumpkin Spice CafĂ© (as the title indicates) by her aunt; however, her arrival disrupts the life of another character, Logan… can we guess who the love interest will be yet? I think the idea of a CafĂ© setting the scene for this novel seems to be the coziest idea ever! I have also heard that this book gives major Gilmore Girls vibes, so if that’s your niche, I think this book would be great for you this fall season.
The next book that I feel like I should mention, because of the new movie that premiered on Amazon Prime on September 23rd, is that of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. While I would not classify this as the most fall-themed book out there, I definitely believe that reading the book before watching the movie is the best way to go. There is simply so much more detail and scenes added, even if the movie is well produced. While I read this novel a while back, I remember it being really cheesy and cringy, the perfect novel for those who want a rom-com. The story follows the life of Olive, who gets herself into a predicament where she is fake dating a professor (in a different department) at her graduate school. While I am aware that the fake dating trope is a little worn out, this novel really was just a fun read full of yearning with themes about the struggles women can face in the science. I think I finished it within three days because of how much I enjoyed this standalone novel, and I am not that fast of a reader! Also, a little fun fact that I just found out, this story was originally a fanfiction of the Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren! So, if you are a Star Wars fan maybe you would really enjoy this story, although I feel like the similarities are not that apparent.
Re-Tellings and Paronormal Novels
Before you go making conclusions, hear me out. While I understand that reading the same story over and over again is not the most intellectually stimulating activity, retellings of a classic story remade with new characters and events are actually really fun! While some key themes may be recognized, the stories are not inherently the same every time. Thus, you might be wondering, “How does this fit into the category of fall reads?” well thats because sometimes these stories can contain paranormal creatures!
Personally, I am currently reading a retelling of Beauty and the Beast called Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier, which focuses on vampires rather than a beast in the common classic versions of the story. This specific novel, instead of focusing on a noble young woman trying to save her father and ultimately freeing the beast from a curse, follows a character named Clara, who is robbed of her engagement to a local baker’s boy. She, being the daughter of the town governor, is instead taken by the ruling vampire of the land to be his bride. However, she makes a bargain with him: if she frees him of his curse and finally lets him feel the warmth of the sun, she will be free and financially set for life. This novel, unlike the Disney adaptation of the classic story, does not, unfortunately, have talking wardrobes or teapots. However, if you want a novel related more to women’s empowerment with a side of fiction and vampire romance/friendship, I think this book will fit your vibe.
While now a bit more of a classic itself, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is another book that I would classify as paranormal and deserving of some love during this fall season. Coming back to live with her dad, Bella must readjust to her life in a new school and new environment. However, on her first day of school, she becomes keenly aware of this other student who sits next to her in class, whom she is told is from the Cullen family and she should avoid at all costs… We all know she won’t. This leads to a love triangle between Bella and her werewolf and vampire love interests, being a main focal point of the plot. This, unlike the previous novels I have mentioned thus far, however, is a bit more of a commitment. There are five full novels need to be read to understand the full story that transforms from simply a romance to a story full of political tensions.
Mysteries, Thrillers, and Horror
While I know fall is not simply just about Halloween and the spooky, scary vibes of the season, I feel like I definitely should mentions some spooky books to give you some more variety to add to your list. While I have never read a Stephen King novel, I have heard that there are quite a lot of them that are creepy or extremely psychologically messed up. Thus, these would definitely fit the genre and vibes that you may be looking for. A majority of people have probably heard of his famous IT story or at least watched one of the movie adaptations. Reading these novels could be a classic way to get into the Halloween vibe.
However, away from the legend Stephan King, a good mystery to read could be that of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. I can vouch that this book does have differences from that of the show on Netflix, and the sequel is equally as intriguing. This novel follows the story of Pip trying to discover what really happened to Andie, a girl who went missing multiple years prior. However, in digging up the past for a school assignment, she puts herself in the line of fire. If you have yet to watch the adaptation, I would recommend this! I would classify it as a more into-to-mystery sort of novel if you are not ready for the scarier novels. I know that some of the other members of my Her Campus chapter enjoyed this novel as well!
