Believe it or not—and, for the record, I don’t believe it—it’s almost fall! That means umber-colored leaves floating to the ground, cozy strolls, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes (of course). While I don’t believe it’s coming, I am SO ready for it. Specifically, I am ready to sit in a park among the autumn foliage at golden hour, with my favorite hot beverage in one hand and a quintessentially fall book in the other. If you so desire to join me in this park—figuratively, of course—then you grab your favorite fall drink, and I’ll provide the book recommendations.
I don’t know about you, but something about revenge just screams autumn to me. And when a vengeful teen cons her way into an elite society of witches, I would say that the fall vibes are now off the chart. This is my number ONE pumpkin spice recommendation this season. You guys this book is SOOOO good! With secret identities, cutthroat characters, and mystery galore I’m begging you to dedicate a whole Sunday to this book curled up on the couch with your fall drink of choice. Once you pick it up its impossible to put back down.
Oh, why hello there, cozy yet high stakes mystery… you saw the leaves begin to fall and knew it was your time to shine didn’t you… When something is stalking the queen of England, Irene Adler is ready to find whatever monster may lurk behind this new gruesome string of murders—with or without the help of Sherlock Holmes. But the closer Irene gets to finding the killer’s identity, it becomes clear that it’s not a truth she wants to face. To prove herself an Adler, not a Moriarty, Irene will need to overcome the worst betrayal of her life. Can she endure true heartbreak if it’s for the greater good?
While I think this book is absolute perfection year-round, something about the prose and poetry just speaks to me as the leaves begin to fall, and a chill fills the air. From the incredibly beloved poet, Nikita Gill, we have been graced with anther book inspired by Greek myth. Styx sings the story of the goddess of the underworld river that bears her name. In this lyrical and heartrending tale of sisterhood, identity, love, and war, Styx must carve her own path to womanhood—and ultimately, godhood. So, please this fall enjoy the incredible storytelling that is, Styx.
While I haven’t spent a lot of time in the Pacific Northwest, I do know that it’s basically always fall over there. Or at least it rains a lot. This is just one of the reasons why I think Phoebe’s Diary pairs perfectly with a PSL. This ruthless and relatable sort-of-fictional diary also begins at the end of summer and makes its way into fall, so it’s the perfect book for the change of seasons. And the vibes are undoubtably autumnal, with school, boys, and personal drama filling up the pages of Phoebe’s diary.
Do I talk about The Cruel Prince too much? The answer is probably yes, to which I say, one cannot discuss said book enough! When I think of Faerie, I think of wet moss, cool forests, and full moons. There is just something about the vibes that are both cozy and earthy, perfect for that time of year when you can still be outside and enjoy the last outdoor moments of the year. Fantasy also just feels so right in the fall–perhaps because it’s simply a magical time of year?! Ok, also, it’s amazing, and you shouldn’t need a reason to read it.
Signa is definitely a winter girlie. She likes dark places and is sort-of anti-sunshine. Well, in Foxglove, a certain person enters the story to shake up the dynamic, ushering in a different mise-en-scène. Just look at the cover! We’ve got shades of ruby and ocher, indicating that the vibes have shifted. (Fear not, they have not shifted too much!). The gothic-y story is still chilling, and romantic, and perfectly mysterious. It has this cozy quality so fitting for an autumnal reading session.
Let me just plagiarize myself for a second: “Many moons ago, it was fall, and I was in the 7th grade, and I skipped a day of school to read all of New Moon. There’s just something about the second book in the Twilight series that feels autumnal. Maybe it’s all those nearly blank pages that list off the months of fall and winter. Or, maybe, it’s that it’s always rainy in Washington. Or is it that it reminds me of that fall day in the 7th grade? Either way, this is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold, rainy day. Grab your Pumpkin Spice drink and sink your teeth into a YA classic!” My feelings have not changed.
