1. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
If you like Pretty Little Liars and are willing for a challenge, try Leo Tolstoy’s classic chronicle of the life of Anna Karenina, a woman torn between her social obligations as a wife and her love for another man. With rich, vibrant character and a beautiful and complex interpretation of Russian society and love, this novel will cause you to think and take you to another world.
**If you don’t want to read it, eat some kettle corn and watch the movie adaptation with Kiera Knightly as Anna.
2. The Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe, Edgar Allen Poe
Want a little intrigue and mystery and horror around Halloween? Then Poe, with his haunting style and imaginative plotlines, is the guy for you. Both Poe’s poetry and his short stories are classics in their own right and give a little edge to an afternoon. “Quoth the Raven nevermore?”
**If you don’t like to read, check out this Edgar Allen Poe meme: http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kxapyvUUtC1qzpwi0o1_400.jpg
3. The Halloween Story, Ray Bradbury
If Fahrenheit 451 met A Christmas Carol, you would get this magical story by none other than Ray Bradbury himself. In this story, eight costumed boys get swept away on a mystical adventure on Halloween night where they learn about the true meaning of the holiday we take for granted and the power we have to save the ones we love. In addition, most additions include beautiful black and white artwork that enhances the story.
**If you want to skip it, try these DIY pumpkin masterpieces: http://mom.me/holidays/9159-halloween-orange-sherbet-pumpkins/?pp=0
4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Charles Schulz
Talk about a throwback Thursday. Remember the classic story about faith and belief and other topics you’ll have to write about in English class through the eyes of your favorite childhood friends. This old class will cause you to smile and remember all that used to be exciting about Fall, before you learned that winter came after.
**Not for you, try this Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake: http://kirbiecravings.com/2013/10/pumpkin-cinnamon-mug.html
5. A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving
Finally, this novel set in an idyllic New England town tells the story of two young boys and the accident that bonds them together and the one that tears them apart. While a novel about growing up, it is also a story of the personal faith that guides us. Inspiring and hopeful, this novel might just make you think and will certainly warm your heart.
**Remember that your time is important and you’re worth taking some time for yourself. So, enjoy yourself this fall! Happy reading!