There is something about the fall season that makes reading feel exciting. As the rush of all-nighters and constant exams fades, the cold air invites you to breathe again. It lessens the stress of college life by leaning into some personal enjoyments. I, for one, have been catching up on some reading that blends in with the aesthetics of the season. Whether it be wrapping yourself into a cozy blanket or playing some softer music in the background, fall is the perfect time to explore stories that are moody and romantic.
The Ultimate Gothic Classic
A book that I’d always wanted to read was Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. From its picturesqueness, to a whirlwind romance, to the vast descriptions of the moors of northern England, this novel captures the beauty of the fall aesthetic. The novel explores the complicated love of Catherine and Heathcliff as their dynamic defies social conventions and personal identity. I finally read this famous classic after many years of hearing many tidbits of the story. If you’ve never read it like me, or want to get back into this novel, it’s a perfect one to blend with colder weather. Wuthering Heights invites readers not just for the plot, but for the mood that is haunting and passionate with its characters and depictions of nature.
Escape Into A Supernatural Cult Favorite
Say what you will about Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, but the story radiates fall energy. For one thing, it’s set in Forks, Washington, a town with a perpetual rainy season and moss covered trees. The main character Bella Swan arrives and has an over-the-top relationship with vampire Edward Cullen, and there’s something nostalgic about the trope of supernatural creatures and a small-town romance. I find myself going back to this novel and the rest of the series during this time of the year when I want to escape from reality. It’s a personal favorite of mine and a wonderful read for a lazy day when there are no other obligations.
A Sweater Weather Read
Another new read of mine is reminiscent of my school setting due to its existentialism and dark academic vibes. The Secret History by Donna Tartt was a novel on my bucket list for many years. It brings the aesthetic of old libraries, intellectual exploration, and a haunting tale of an elite college campus. The novel is eerie, yet elegant in the way it pulled me into a world similar to my college experience. The setting itself is a reminder of the cold mornings and boots crunching leaves across campus pavements. Though I’m still continuing to read this complex novel, it’s perfect for me to blend with the fall season.
As we approach finals, reading has brought back my enjoyment for the simpler things in life. It also helps that this time of the year creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere for gloomy novels. While I have not finished most of the books I want to get to, these three encapsulate the meaning of getting lost into a story. It creates a chance for me to slow down, letting me savor every moment of what autumn has to offer.