Fall is by far the best season. What’s not to love about the slight chill in the air or the smell of the fallen leaves blanketing the ground? And what goes perfectly with autumn? Cracking open a good book, whether inside, snuggled in your favorite sweatshirt or sitting on a bench beside Eddie’s, breathing in the fall air. Here are three books to add to your reading list this fall.
My first recommendation is perfect for a rainy fall day. “The Secret History,” by Donna Tartt, follows a group of elitist students at a New England college who end up murdering one of their classmates. Richard, the narrator, moves to Vermont to escape an abusive home life in search of a more fulfilling future. He finds and quickly joins a group of classics students led by an eccentric professor. The story centers around how the group decides to commit murder, with Richard giving us a look at everything that led up to and took place after the fateful moment.
Many view “The Secret History” as a modern classic. Tartt’s writing ensnares the reader, making you want to know more about what drove the group to kill Bunny. Soon enough, you’ll be dressing in plaid and learning Latin. Pick this one up on a rainy day and prepare to not put it down.
My favorite of these three books, “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, is a fantasy romance novel set at Basgiath War College, where one can become a highly respected dragon rider. Violet Sorrengail doesn’t want to be a rider, though. Forced to join by her mother, General Sorrengail, Violet quickly learns there are more than a few targets on her back. While fighting to stay alive, Violet makes new friends and discovers who her enemies really are, all with an unexpected ally at her side.
“Fourth Wing” is perfect for readers new to the fantasy genre. The plot is addictive, and Yarros’s use of modern language is an added bonus. Plus, the characters are easy to fall for and relate to, even in the military and collegiate setting. Try this one spooky fall night, but be prepared not to put it down until the following morning!
This last book is a great comfort read. Fans describe “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling as a perfect fall novel: an easy, fast-paced romance with great characters and a witchy storyline. It centers around two witches, Vivienne (Vivi) Jones and Rhys Penhallow, rekindling a once-explosive romance. Nine years ago, Rhys left Graves Glenn, Ga. Vivi put a harmless jinx on Rhys in a drunken, heartbroken haze. When he returns for the annual fall festival, catastrophic incidents ensue, almost killing him multiple times. Vivi’s “ex hex” was not as harmless as she believed, forcing her and Rhys to work together to reverse it. In addition to their forced proximity, the novel is written from both characters’ perspectives, giving us plenty of their witty remarks and insight into their thoughts.
Sterling creates a cozy environment for readers to fall into with Graves Glenn. It’s a perfectly spooky small town and only adds to the appeal of Vivi and Rhys’s story. If you need a pick-me-up, pull on your favorite comfy socks, get cozy and let “The Ex Hex” whisk you away to the comfort of Graves Glenn.
Any of these books are terrific for this time of year. Regardless, my advice is to pick up “The Secret History” on a gloomy fall day, “Fourth Wing” on a spooky night and “The Ex Hex” on a brisk morning, steaming mug in hand. Hopefully, after going through these recommendations, at least one book has been added to your list. Happy reading!
