Book Recommendations to Spice Up Your Fall Experience

The transition between fall and winter is the coziest time of year. In our case, this year's move out of fall has lasted longer and felt even more idyllic than usual. Sure, it’s already snowed, but there are still leaves to crunch and sweater-weather days to come. Unless the weather suddenly changes — and I’m desperately hoping it won’t —  the next week or so should be the perfect fall experience. You’d be a fool not to take full advantage of this opportunity to ignore your schoolwork, curl up on a cozy sofa and get lost in a book.

At this point in the semester, you might feel too busy to read or sick of it in general. But the truth is, finding the right book to pull you out of a reading slump will promote a more focused and calm demeanor and ultimately help you end the semester on a strong note. Besides that, it’s just entertaining. It doesn’t matter whether you pick the longest book on this list, decide on just one short story or choose to read a quick comic or article instead. All that matters is that you read something you genuinely enjoy. It will make your fall experience feel complete — and, hopefully, encourage you to keep reading during the long winter months.

With the help of fellow book-loving MSU students, I’ve created a list of the best books to fully indulge in these autumn vibes. Remember to utilize the library and shop at local bookstores when getting your copy. 

For those seeking a dark academia mystery: The Secret History By Donna Tartt

Follow Richard as he navigates the complicated and secretive group of fellow students studying Greek. As he gets deeper into the classics, the friends spiral and Richard is left to pick up the pieces and decipher what happened. This novel will capture your attention from the beginning and won’t let it go until the last page is turned.

For those not ready to give up Halloween yet: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

For the few still uninitiated into the Wizarding World, the second entry into the Harry Potter series is considerably darker than the opening volume. Borrowing from the horror genre while maintaining a certain sense of youthful whimsy, Chamber of Secrets is the perfect Halloween tale. Natalie Lanasa, a freshman studying animal science, said everything about the book —from Diagon Alley to the spiders and snakes — gives her “spooky Halloween vibes.”

For those looking for a Victorian-era scandal and intrigue: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s classic novel tells the story of a young man who decides to trade his soul for eternal youth, causing him to further let go of his morals until he realizes his mistakes. Criminology sophomore Xel-Ha Martinez described it as “cozy, dark and philosophical” all at once. After reading the book, you also can get into the profoundly scandalous lore of Wilde’s love affair and indecency trial in episode 349 of “The Rest is History” podcast. 

For pure comfort: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a beautiful coming-of-age novel suitable for any sleepy early-winter day. Curl up with a cup of tea and adventure into 1860s Massachusetts with this emotional and moving novel. Throughout the story, the sisters go on different journeys as they transition from childhood to womanhood. The characters in Little Women are captivating and layered, the love story is complex and the writing feels palpable. 

For manga fans: Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano

This manga is a slice-of-life tale that gets dark and, frankly, depressing as the series progresses. It’s a gripping story that keeps you constantly reading even when you feel it taking you to some of the darkest places in your mind. If you’re looking for a light read to stave off the seasonal depression, this is not for you. For manga fans who are used to stories with more fantasy and heroism, this is your chance to get existential; for readers who like realism and usually stay away from manga, this is your chance to try something new.

For fans of nature and humor: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

This upbeat novel details author Bill Bryson’s adventure of reacquainting himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes — and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, the novel provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

For contemplating life: Moon Palace by Paul Auster

Moon Palace follows the sprawling story of Marco, an orphan who takes a job providing company to an ill-tempered old man that ultimately leads him on a spellbinding journey from New York to Utah. It’s an insanely imaginative page-turner that will leave you taking long walks, planning grand adventures and philosophizing about the human condition. 

For fans of gothic horror: The Portable Edgar Allan Poe by J. Gerald Kennedy

As a horror fan from Baltimore, I can’t go through fall without reading at least one Poe story or poem. Poe is one of the most unique Gothic voices of his time, weaving bizarre characters, unique metaphors and suspenseful syntax into all of his works. He writes the kind of horror that stays with you forever — I think about The Tell-Tale Heart at least once a week. As unsettling as his stories and poems are, though, there’s something cozy about them that keeps you coming back.

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Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic read like Harry Potter or exploring a new genre, this list has something for everyone. I have my own stack of books ready to be devoured during Thanksgiving break. If you don’t have time to pick up one of these books this semester, I hope you get a chance to spend Thanksgiving break reading and enjoying the autumn ambiance.