Starting university can be strange, whether you’re a first year or in your final year, dipping into a book that sends you into a different world is the best thing to do. So snuggle up with a coffee – or matcha if that’s your style – and get reading!
Donna Tartt – the secret history
We’ve all heard this one before – the famous booktok dark academia novel brimming full of mysterious characters and a surprising amount of murder. If you want a novel that is gripping even before you turn the page to chapter one, this one is for you. The Secret History follows a tight-knit group of Greek students at Bennington College, who accept Richard (the newbie) into their posse. The narrator, Richard, traverses both the troubles of starting university alongside the drama of his new and shockingly secretive friend group. The Secret History is the perfect page-turner, and alongside Tartt’s beautiful writing- makes one hell of a novel. If this book doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, Tartt is known for publishing a ground-breaking novel every decade. So you will never be without a piece of Tartt’s writing. Believe me, you will need a decade to recover from reading any of her novels.
Matt Haig – The midnight library
Autumn can get us down – we’ve all been there. Darker nights and an increasing workload can be hard to juggle, making us feel like going to University may not have been the best decision. For a lighthearted but poignant read – The Midnight Library should be on the top of your TBR. Nora Seed is a retired swimmer who feels she hasn’t lived her best life. During a moment of desperation, she finds herself in the Midnight Library where she meets the Librarian, Mrs. Elm, who she had encountered in her teenage years and discussed Nora’s life, past and potential. Mrs. Elm explains that each book in the library lets her experience every version of her life – every decision changing the plot of her existence. She ultimately finds that the life she wants is the one that could be about to end. Although dark, this read makes us appreciate our life for what it is – the good, the bad and the ugly.
The girl with the dragon tattoo – Steig larsson
If you need a hefty book that will get you thinking, this mystery thriller is your perfect autumn read. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and (badass) hacker Lisbeth Salander investigate the mysterious disappearance/murder of Harriet Vanger whilst living in their extravagant family estate. Despite being a long series, with an original trilogy and two extra books written by David Lagercrantz, there isn’t a page worth skipping. The first book also has a beautiful screen adaptation by David Fincher, starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, which I would highly suggest watching after you have read the book (or before your next re-read!). If you are a fiend for something dark in these darker months, you will not be disappointed.
In these coming darker months, curling up with a book is the best thing to do, and with these three recommendations – your next favourite read is never far away.