Book Recommendations for this Fall

Here are some stories you should check out

Lucia Williams, Reporter

As we head into the season of chilly weather and thick sweaters, cozying up with a book begins to sound more and more appealing to those of us who have a passion for reading. If you’re hungry for a good story to escape in, here are some must reads for the fall of 2022 that are sure to leave your book appetite feeling fulfilled.

If you want a classic- Rebecca

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a stunning tale of an ancient, beautiful yet haunted estate that lies between the seaside and twisted gardens of fragrant roses. While it may seem beautiful on the outside, a dark mystery lies within that a young girl is wrapped into when she finds herself in an unexpected romance with the man of the estate. This book is beautifully worded and the entrancing mystery makes it difficult to put down. I 10/1o would recommend this story to anyone who loves romanticism with a slight suspenseful mystery.

If you want an suspenseful/mystery novel- Where the Crawdads Sing

So some of us might not have the patience to focus on a more challenging classic, and we’re in more of a quick starting and exciting sort of headspace. If that’s you, I would suggest Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. You may have heard of this book recently because it was so popular that a movie was just created for it, which is great motivation to read the book first so that the movie is more enjoyable if you’d like to watch it. The novel focuses around a girl who’s family abandons her early on in life, so she is forced to essentially raise herself in the swamp where she lives. The book quickly transitions into a murder mystery, with the swamp girl as the main suspect. But did she do it?? By the end of the story the reader is sure to be shocked by the result.

If you want Historical Fiction- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a well known and beloved book by many in the world of historical fiction, and I have to say I can see why. This story spins a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale of the Nazi invasion of a quiet and picturesque town in France, as World War 2 begins to take hold of Europe. The central theme focuses on the woman’s war, as it follows on two sisters journeys in heartbreak with their loves lost and gained but more importantly with the vital roles they each contribute to the war efforts through their courage and strength in vastly different yet equally important ways. This is an excellent book for if you want to learn about historical events while simultaneously being entertained by an intriguing story.

Popular Books on Book-Tok you should read

Tiktok has become an avenue for book recommendations and sharing YA books specifically. Here are some of the highlights from what I’ve read

Daisy Jones & The Six- This book follows the journey of a band and its charismatic yet damaged leader, Daisy Jones, as the hippie movement is beginning to take hold of the west coast in the 1960s-70s.

The Secret History- If you enjoy dark academia vibes and a touch of philosophy mixed in with mystery, this is the book for you. This story is the definition of fall to me, a perfect October read

The Caraval Trilogy (Caraval, Legendary, Finale)- This is a perfect fantasy series if you’re in need of a sweeping escape. It follows two sisters and the interesting characters they encounter in a mysterious Night Circus game, along with the romances and mysteries they are swept up in. I personally think the Caraval books (by Stephanie Garber) have one of the most beautiful to imagine worlds created within it, and I would suggest anyone who enjoys fantasy reads this series

Whether you’re a fan of drama, suspense, history, action or fantasy, there is never an end to the incredible books a person can read in the world. So this fall, find time to sit down and enjoy a new story that will take you to another place.