Since my first post: Illumination, I have been sharing some of my favorite fiction pieces. I have a long list of stories I still want to share with you. The best way, however, to enjoy fiction, is to read it for yourself. Because of this, I wanted to share five books for autumn. Perhaps you have already read these five recommended reads, or they may be new to you. I would love to hear your opinions and your recommendations in the comments.
September twenty-second is the first day of Autumn here in the States. For my fellow nerds, it is also “Hobbit Day”, a celebration of the shared birthday between Frodo and Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings. I, like many die-hard fans, celebrated with good food, good friends, and good fiction.
Autumn is also the perfect season for getting cozy with a good book. I wouldn’t be the first or the only one to recommend a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a crisp new book for the shortening days leading up to winter. With so many books available, what books are worth reading this autumn?
As I am a column entirely dedicated to fiction, I think it’s well within my purview to recommend a couple of good books to read for the autumn season. In this article, and with future recommendation articles, I hope to cover five categories for your consideration: a classic book, a fantasy book, a science fiction book, an indie book, and a Non-fiction book.
Classic Literature: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
My next article will be focusing on this beloved piece of fiction. As a gothic story, this classic touches on the sense of uneasiness that October lovers may be seeking, while still reveling in the coziness for the simpler fall lovers. Frankenstein also, like many of the books categorized in this genre, exhibits poetic, deeply lush prose, which is perfect for someone who wants to feel the seasons, and a strong focus on the moody weather of England.
When I pushed my close friend and fellow author to read this book, she was hesitant because of the “cheesy monster” persona the story has taken over time. She is not, like me, a great lover of horror. I think you like she, would be surprised to open it and find a deeply emotional story with a complex philosophy, brilliant examples of early science, and twists and story elements that have formed the foundation of much modern horror and science fiction.
Science Fiction: The Bird Box by Josh Malerman
This book, and the Netflix adaptation, stole the public’s interest when it was published and continued a trend of sensory-based horror that continues to this day. While I have not watched movie yet, for personal reasons, the book was one of my favorite reads last year and continues to pop into my mind. Elements of post-apocalyptic fiction, cosmic horror, and social horror combine in this Sci-Fi story to highlight sacrifice, love, and loss. Especially with the post-apocalyptic tendency towards elements of exposure, hunger, and cold, and with the expertly crafted sense of tension, this book is perfect for a reader looking to find extra appreciation for their cozy life and the closeness of those they hold dear.
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Of all the books on this list, this might be the most obvious. Especially if you know me at all. Even if you missed celebrating Hobbit Day and the first day of Autumn, you can’t dismiss this foundational work of fantasy if you are looking for the perfect Fall read. The tone of The Hobbit is a lot more childlike and humorous than the grimmer trilogy that follows behind it. Those who appreciate the cozier side of the season will, like Bilbo, be attracted to the balance between a love for home and adventure.
Indie Books: Heather and Bone by K.E. Andrews
This is the book I’m reading in this autumn. A formidable contender in the Self Published Fantasy Blog Off competition, Heather and Bone is well-deserving of the recognition. Autumn is, in many ways, a season of slow dying. This book deals with themes of grief and coming to terms with mental and physical pain and boasts a necromancer as a lead character. Heather and Bone balances the cozy and creepy aspects so beloved in an autumnal story. I’m also delighting in the established, loving marriage, rather than the conflict and drama in many romantic subplots. The Irish inspiration draws such a feeling of depth and history. I also love the gorgeous garden-inspired art in each chapter.
Non-Fiction Books: It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
In a season of nature marked by change and death, it may be good to learn to mourn our own unmet personal goals and expectations. Sadly, even in the happiest experiences, we will have to come to terms with these realities. My generation learned to expect our dreams to come true. When those things don’t work out we often react with vitriol, towards God, towards ourselves, and towards the world. This book gently leads the reader through accepting our current life realities, even if we are not where we imagined it would be. It is the perfect book for seasons of change and letting go.
That is my list of five books to shepherd you through the shortening days and colder weather. This list is varied with elements of horror, poetry, adventure, and humor. They also contain deeper truths that can steward the discerning soul through the shifting seasons in their own lives.
What would your list of books to read this autumn look like? Have you read any of these? I’d love to hear your own “tbr” (to be read) list for the season, and why you chose them. If you do choose to read any of these, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do remember to review and recommend to spread the word. The world is always in need of good books and great readers.
I will be easing into a two-post-a-week schedule with a secondary article on Fridays. Join me this Friday, October 4, 2024, for a look at the Gothic Sci-Fi Horror classic, Frankenstein.
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