Best books to read this fall

A few weeks ago marked the official start of fall, and while it may not feel like it yet, it’s time to get in the mood. This means treating yourself with pumpkin spice lattes from the West Campus Starbucks, crunching on leaves during your morning walk to class and picking up a book that encapsulates just what makes fall so special.

Whether you’re already decorating for Halloween or spending too much money on pumpkin-flavored Trader Joe’s snacks, these 10 books will have you reaching for your coziest sweater and appreciating the chill in the air. 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Set in Tokyo, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is about a cafe that not only serves coffee to its customers, but also the ability to travel back in time. The catch is that they have to complete their journey before their coffee gets cold. The story follows four different characters who, despite the risk, decide to revisit their past and  in doing so, learn valuable lessons about themselves, the world and life. 

This short and moving novel by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi perfectly captures how a good cup of coffee in a cozy cafe can make you feel like you’re escaping to a different world. Bring this book – or the one of the other four in the series, with you to explore local coffee shops or curl up with it during one of those rainy fall afternoons that bring out the melancholy in all of us.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

When a group of college students at an elite university in New England get caught-up in the allure of their studies, they lose grip of reality and commit unspeakable acts. With language that is as poetic as the story is unsettling, The Secret History is a true modern thriller. 

If you’re into dark academia this is a must read. Between the detailed descriptions of autumn in New England and the dark twists and turns, this novel will give you chills in all the best ways. 

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Vivienne Jones, a witch who cast a spell on her ex-boyfriend nine years ago after he broke her heart, thinks she’s in the clear from her past. That is until the infamous ex returns and the innocent hex turns into a catastrophic curse. Vivienne and Rhy, the ex, are forced to work together to reverse the hex, save their town and if they’re lucky, fix their broken hearts. 

With witches, uncontrollable magic and chemistry so intense it should be magical, The Ex Hex is perfect to pick up heading into Halloween. It will have you laughing, cheering and wishing for your very own spooky season romance. 

The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah

Back in her hometown after a divorce, Angie is grappling with her failed marriage and letting go of the picture she’s had for her life since she was a child. Through reconnecting with her large, loud Italian family and meeting a young girl who will soon become her world, Angie’s life changes into something more meaningful than she could have ever imagined. 

Set in dreary, gray Seattle, The Things We Do For Love is an emotional novel that reflects deeply on human connection and what family truly means. For those days when you’re homesick or listening to Folklore on repeat, light a candle and dive into this story.  

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Gifted a cafe in the small, water-front town where her aunt lived, Jeanie uproots her life and finds a fresh start far away from her 9-5. Jeanie finds herself unexplainably attracted to local farmer Logan, the grumpy contrast to her sunny personality, and tries to win Logan over and create a new home for herself in Dream Harbor. 

The best of BookTok, this one is for the love-story lovers that are still reeling from a summer full of blush-worthy beach reads. Cliche in all the best ways, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is the equivalent of a Hallmark movie , if Hallmark movies were too spicy to watch with your parents! 

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop 

Known for her role as uptight and sarcastic Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, the ultimate fall show, Kelly Bishop recounts her time on the show and what the character did for her career. She also dives into stories, lessons and experiences that she’s had throughout her life to create a compelling memoir that celebrates life. 

Instead of watching Gilmore Girls for the 400th time this fall, try reading about the show from the POV of one of its most iconic characters. In The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir, Bishop offers life lessons and insights that will leave you feeling as good as that first sip of hot cider on a chilly fall day. 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 

Instead of becoming a scribe like she studied to become her whole life, Violet Sorrengail decides to enter Basgiath War College with hopes of becoming a dragon rider. Despite facing near-death experiences, life-threatening injuries and heart-stopping encounters, Violet learns not just how to defend herself, but her entire continent as well. 

Filled with dragons, thunderstorms and secrets too dark to tell, Fourth Wing is your next fantasy obsession. Rebecca Yarros’s elite world building is a thrilling twist on dark academia that will have you turning pages for hours

A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara

Four men from completely different backgrounds find themselves connected throughout their lives and the immense hardships they each face. From college to old adulthood, they grapple with success, love, pride and heartbreak all surrounding one of the men, Jude,  and what he means to each of them. 

With much of the story taking place while the main characters are in college, this heartwrenching story will have you appreciating your roommates more than ever, even when they forget to empty the dishwasher. With themes of love, loss, trauma and growth, A Little Life takes you on a journey that makes you appreciate the little things more than ever. 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A gothic classic, Frankenstein is the story of a young scientist who creates a monster out of body parts. The monster, provoked by feelings of isolation and rejection after being abandoned, then gets violent revenge on the scientist and his family. 

Chilling, thrilling and downright unsettling, Frankenstein is the perfect novel for Halloween lovers who want horror all year round! After reading, make sure to watch the new movie adaption starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Issac that premiers on October 17th. 

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston 

Clementine has her future planned down to the T. Everything was going to plan until she falls in love with her roommate who, she comes to find out, lives seven years in the past. 

The perfect blend of magic and real-life, The Seven Year Slip is ideal for those of us who are looking for a pick-me-up when the days get darker and the nights get longer. It’s as uplifting as your first pumpkin spice latte of the season and warms your heart like a bowl of soup on a windy Syracuse night.