staff writer: sophie machesky
Reading is a leisurely pastime that we indulge in year-round, but autumn can make reading magical. With the air getting crisper and the leaves getting drier, here are some book recommendations to add to your shelves. All of these books are ones that I have personally read and enjoyed. With each recommendation I included a summary and my rating (on a scale of one to five stars).
Disclaimer: These books are recommendations for entertainment purposes. Some of these books discuss uncomfortable topics. Please research trigger warnings before committing to reading any of them.
*All book covers were obtained from Barnes & Noble’s website*
thrillers
The genre that I have the most fall recommendations for is thrillers. These books all offer a spooky feeling with twists that leave you on the edge of your seat.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
While feeling unhappy with everyday life, a couple takes a weekend retreat in a chapel in wintery Scotland. With a chilling plot twist, this book is a 5 star read for me.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
A bachelorette trip goes wrong when an unexpected guest arrives at the cabin in the woods. Another 5 star read for me, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
While completing work at the Boston Public Library, a woman’s scream breaks the silence. The patrons that were sharing a table during the scream then meet up to discuss the murder. This book was only 3 stars for me, however, it has great vibes for fall and I highly recommend reading it!
Verity by Colleen Hoover
When a famous author is not able to complete her popular series, a writer is hired to stay in her home and finish it for her. The writer is faced with the secrets leading to why the author cannot write for herself. This book is a 5 star thriller, full of suspense and clues keeping the reader searching for the truth.
The Housemaid Series by Freida McFadden
When a live-in maid is hired to care for a rich family, she tries to uncover the truth behind the family’s facade. There are three quick books in this series, all with different premises, all of which are 5 star, cozy thrillers.
Literary fiction
I find comfort in the literary fiction genre. These books are meant to bring important themes to light through figurative language and engaging characters. Here are some interesting books that I think you should read this fall.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This coming of age story focuses on a teenager who is trying to fit in and make the most of his high school years. This is a beautifully compelling story with serious themes. This is a must-read 5 star book.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
A group of friends traverse through life with the trauma of one at the forefront of their group. This is a beautiful story depicting sexual violence, poverty, suicide, and friendship. This is another 5 star book.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Feeling unhappy with everyday life, the main character of this book decides to end hers; until she is faced with other variations of her life and has to make the choice to stay alive or not. Another 5 star book, this story pulls at your heartstrings.
Romance
Sometimes heartwarming romance books are the most comforting indulgences. Here are some romance books that I would recommend to read in autumn.
Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren
An incident occurs that puts this couple apart, but they coincidentally reunite 11 years after. This beautiful love story was a 5 star read for me; I was enthralled the whole time, yearning to understand what drove these kindred spirits apart.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
An autumn classic, this 5 star book brings all of the fall vibes. When Bella moves to Washington to live with her father, she is drawn to a beautiful boy who doesn’t seem fully human.
Fantasy
The fantasy genre emanates fall. These books are fantasies with subplots of romance.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
We all have an ex that we dislike, but what if we could curse them? When Vivi is reunited with her cursed ex, she must battle her feelings while trying to undo the curse. I rated this magical book 5 stars.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
A couple decides to move away from their corrupted kingdom to open a bookstore that serves tea. This is a very cozy fantasy book that I rated 3 stars.
Log the books you read this semester to help Penn State Fayette win the Reading Rumble! Competing with Penn State Beaver and Penn State Greater Allegheny, our campus is trying to read as many books as possible. Be sure to sign up here!
