Alex and tabs book club

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

– L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

I am going to share my top autumn book recommendations. This list is a little all over the place… but I wanted to share books with different vibes depending on what you may be looking for. There are cozy books, spooky books, dark academia, and fantasy. One of my favorite things about reading in the fall is all the different genre possibilities. When it’s chilly outside -the leaves falling – you can find me cozied up with a blanket and a low-stakes cozy book. On the other hand, when it’s close to Halloween I am looking for a spooky read that will give me the chills and keep me up at night. I hope this list helps you find a book to read this autumn and please let me know if you have read one of these or are planning to! I am so excited to share these books! Also, Please comment with any recommendations you have for autumnal books as I would love to hear your favorites

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

As the countdown to Halloween gets closer and closer, I love to complement spooky vibes with a spooky book. Coraline is the perfect scary read. It is written in a tone for a younger audience so it is easy to follow along. I listened to it as an audiobook because it read like a story and the narration was amazing. I listened to the audiobook while walking through the woods at Cornell. Though is reads for a younger audience, this book is full of symbolism and heavy, deep topics. This book gave me an extra level of appreciation for my friends and family and the safety and love they provide for me. I would check this book out if you want something easy to read, spooky, and memorable.

The Secret History by Donna Tart

The Secret History by Donna Tart is a book I have seen on so many people’s favorite books of all time lists. I think that this book does live up to the hype! This was the first dark academia book I have read and it took me on an adventure I was not expecting. The character development in this story is amazing and the plot is suspenseful, keeping the reader on their toes. The book’s main premise is a group of elite college students that form a group that studies Ancient Greek and together they murder one of their classmates. This book is full of dark plot twists and morally grey characters. I highly recommend this book to someone who is interested in experiencing more of the dark side of human nature.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Frankenstein is the perfect gothic horror book to read around Halloween. It delves into the story of an obsessive scientist and speaks on the repercussions and dangers of crossing the line of morality in science and obsession. It also explores the themes of life and death. I would recommend this book to someone who loves science and wants something that showcases the dark side of science.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

The Harry Potter series is popular for a reason! Full of relatable characters and page-turning plot points, it’s hard not to love. I never read Harry Potter as a kid and instead read it in high school. This series is perfect for any age group though it is written for a young audience. I chose The Prisoner of Azkaban as the Harry Potter book to read this fall because it is full of spooky forests, pumpkin patches, and fantastical creatures. All the Harry Potter books are perfect for fall but this one takes place during autumn. My favorite character is Luna Lovegood and the Weasley twins

Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

This novel was written by the creator of Studio Ghibli and reading this book feels like being transported into a Studio Ghibli film. It is a graphic novel full of the most breathtaking art. The three main characters in this book are on my top characters of all-time list. Shuna is incredibly kind, brave, and the definition of a hero in my opinion. Shuna is on a mission to save his kingdom and on this journey, he comes across two young girls. Shuna saves Thea and her younger sister who are enslaved. This book takes place during a period of downfall in a society where there is wastelands, slavery, and hunger. I cried while reading this novel it is so beautiful and meaningful. Every image is made with purpose. I recommend this book to someone who wants a read that will last with them far longer than the book itself.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted by Naomi Novik is a wonderful fantasy book that reads like a fairy tale. This novel is based on Polish folklore. It tells the story of a young girl who was chosen to live in a wizard’s tower for ten years. She was chosen to her surprise and she did not expect to be chosen in comparison to the other beautiful women in her town. She discovers magic she never knew she had. This fairy tale is exciting and classic. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for an enchanting read. I think this would be the perfect book to bring out to the woods and read on a gloomy day.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Balder

While this book may not be on my favorite book of all time list or the most exciting book I have read, I do think it is the perfect low-stakes book for fall. I have seen controversy over this book whether or not it lives up to the hype. In my opinion, it is a good read that felt so heartwarming and cozy. The plot is very simple as it takes place at a cafe. Every day the menu is expanding at the cafe, new desserts are being made, and you can almost smell the yumminess of the baked goods while reading the novel. There is a little bit of romance and lots of friendship. I would recommend this book to someone who loves to go to cafes to do work, drink coffee, bake, and wants a book that is not too adventurous but rather simple and relaxing. I would read this book with a cup of tea or coffee and a pastry sitting by a fire on a chilly day.

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black is pretty but the definition of the perfect cozy read. It is a murder mystery novel taking place in a small town of woodlands and a fox steps up to solve the mystery. Though it is a little contradictory to have a murder mystery and cozy in the same sentence, I promise it works. The village is so delightful and reminds me of Gilmore Girls or Winnie the Pooh. There is a coffee shop and a bookshop which adds to the cozy autumnal setting. This is also a series if you want to continue reading it. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a little bit of mystery but does not want to be scared and to someone who loves woodland creatures,

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula is a classic novel that I just had to include on this list. It is similar to Frankenstein in which I feel like it is a good book to read at some point in your life. The story takes place in Transylvania. I actually traveled here once with my family and visited the castle which made this book come to life for me. This Victorian horror novel is quite eerie considering Count Dracula is a bloodsucking vampire. I highly recommend this book to read if you enjoy classics and older writing.

Slew Foot : A tale of Bewitchery by Brom

Let me start off by saying the art is this book is incredible! That is what prompted me to read this book in the first place. Flipping through the pages and seeing the art is very haunting and spooky. This book is set in Colonial New England and takes the readers back to the days of the Witch Trials. This is a twisted, gothic, imaginative story unlike any other. I really enjoyed the characters in this story as well because they had such distinct personalities. I would recommend this book to someone who wants a dark, gothic read, and likes witches! I recommend reading this book on Halloween or in the middle of the night!

Thank you so much for reading my book recommendation. I hope you were able to find a book you will enjoy. I can’t wait to hear about your autumnal reads.