Novels are one of the oldest and most popular forms of entertainment, even since the invention of writing itself. While styles and popular genres have come and gone, the idea of the novel has stuck around, varying in length and form, creating a long, long list of books that are perfect for a chilly November afternoon. Here are some of my top favorites that are not life-changing but are just that good that they sit with you, making you reflect on why a good story is just enjoyable.
The Perfectly Fine House – Steven Kozeniewski and Wile E. Young
This collaboration between Wile E. Young and Steven Kozeniewski is a unique and engaging story that takes the typical haunted house and turns it on its head. Following a pair of twins, one living and one dead, in a world where every death, human and animal, produces a ghost. In this world where the exorcist is called in to help like the local plumbers, your typical scares are not so scary. Instead, a much more terrifying fate awaits the dead in this world where all the houses are haunted but one. With interesting portrayals of ghost culture and some of the most unique world-building I’ve seen in a standalone novel, the Perfectly Fine House will keep you riveted for the whole read. The pair have also announced a desire to produce a sequel anthology of short stories set in this ghostly universe, the Perfectly Fine Neighborhood, which will introduce more writers into this incredible world.
Echo – Pam Muñoz Ryan
This novel is one of the saddest and most thought provoking stories I have ever read. It’s divided into three parts, and each one made me cry like a little baby; I kid you not. If you want a heartfelt, tragic, and yet hopeful story, this one is for you. Pam Muñoz Ryan has a way with emotion that grabs you, the heartstrings, and plays you like a fiddle at a honkey tonk, in a good way. Reading this novel is like being in motion its pacing, and almost lyrical way of prose is like dancing. Following the tale of three different children during the early years of World War Two, this historical fiction novel is nothing short of a masterpiece in its depiction of human kindness even in the hardest times. This book is hefty at 363 pages, so you may want to pace this one out over a few days. It was also released back in 2015, so there’s a chance your local public library has it since it was the recipient of that year’s Newberry award so check it out.
Nightingale – Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale is a beautiful story about two sisters who struggle to survive in occupied France and lead resistance movements against the invading German Army. This novel is one of the most powerful pieces of feminist literature I have ever read. It’s a lot more mature than Echo with its tackling of the social problems faced by women and its decision to not hold back on the true horror faced by victims of this occupation. This book was also the recipient of three different Audie awards in 2016 and won Readers’ Choice on Goodreads in 2018. A movie was also in development around that time but was delayed, it was announced back in February of this year that production has begun again, with the final release date still uncertain. Definitely worth a read.
Doll Bones – Holly Black
While I haven’t read this novel in years, its haunting story still sticks with me because of its unique premise and wonderful characters. I feel very few novels with children protagonists can be engaging or relatable for some of the older readers, but Doll Bones takes a firm stance as it values both the maturity of the characters discarding childish tendency as responsibility is taken up and professing a deep love for the value the joy of childhood can leave in an individual. The idea of a group of kids who make up stories of knights and dragons actually getting sent on a quest by a real ghost is absolutely bonkers, but it is executed into such a satisfying story about growing up, friendship, reality vs. fantasy, and discovering hidden truths. Doll Bones is a must-read for anyone who loves a good ghost story. One of the most engaging children’s novels ever, this is a story that all ages can relate to and has rightfully earned its Newberry award.
Catfish in the Cradle – Wile E. Young
This is probably one of my favorite novels of all time. This book is a lot more fun, though, if you’re from the East Texas/North Louisiana area, as it uses real locations around Uncertain Texas, which sits along Caddo Lake, a place most of the locals go to for weekends and summer breaks. This suspenseful and eerie tale follows our unwitting protagonist Grady Pope as he tries to find out the identity of his grandson’s missing father. Part mystery, supernatural thriller, and a bit of a homage to Lovecraftian horror, this tale is a roller-coaster of excitement and intrigue. This book comes out swinging, and the rapid acceleration of the mystery elements means this book stays at top speed for its entire run; this makes for a fun, slightly long single reading session, but it can be done and is recommended for a fully immersive reading experience. Truly Southern horror at its finest.
Coraline- Neil Gaiman
A bit of backstory on Coraline, this book should have never been marketed as children’s literature and was only released as such because Gaiman’s daughter said she wasn’t scared after he read the book to her. She lied because she thought her father would not release the book if she admitted she was scared. Already off to a great start, aren’t we? Coraline is a cautionary tale with many interpretations with a strange and interesting cast of characters and monsters. This short novel is an easy afternoon read, but you may want to finish it before nightfall. Its stop-motion adaption by Henry Selick is also considered one of the best book adaptations, with the changes made actually being praised by Gaiman.
Cinder (Lunar Chronicles) – Marissa Meyer
The only series on this list- Cinder- the opening of the Lunar Chronicles is one of the coolest takes on the Cinderella story with Sci-fi and dystopian elements added to give an edgy and fantastic read. While its ending sets it up for the rest of the series, it is still a fun stand-alone if you don’t have time to finish it. Cinder, our cyborg protagonist, is epic and all-around just the absolute best, with her determination and ingenuity being forefront as she not only tackles the evil of her stepmother but fights back against her corrupt society. All around an amazing read and worth your time.