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Low angle shot of autumn leaves against a blue sky
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Culture

5 Books to Add to Your Fall Reading List

Sarah Kenney
Julianna Schwindt
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cornell chapter.

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to get excited for fall! Here are five books to get you in the mood for pumpkin spice and sweater weather:

 

1) A Secret History by Donna Tartt

 

 

A mysterious group of college students in a secret society describes the premise for Donna Tartt’s A Secret History. To me, fall is a time to say goodbye to the sunshine and lighthearted fun of the past few months, and this book has a more serious tone that pairs well with the colder weather and shorter days. You’ll get drawn in to the suspenseful atmosphere of a private New England college as you follow the activities of a close-knit group of friends, their pretentious Latin society, and a mindset that leads to murder.

 

2) A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

 

 

This book will sweep you away from the stress of school with lots of mystery, intrigue, and magic. With its fast-paced plot and lovable characters, this book is perfect to settle down with beside the fire on a chilly fall day. V.E. Schwab writes about 3 different universes and the traveler Kell who is able to hop in between them. You’ll discover the wonders of Red London, alive with magic, relate to White London, a world without any magic, and feel pity for Grey London, a world struggling to bring back magic.

 

3) The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

 

 

Reading this dark and unpredictable book will put you in the fall mood right away. This classic tells the tale of a young man and the price he pays to stay youthful and beautiful forever, and the picture that reflects all of the terrible things he has done. Its hauntingly beautiful language and descriptive vocabulary will compel you to stay up all night just to find out what happens next. Its intense and thrilling tale pair well with a pumpkin spice latte or a hot tea on a rainy fall day.

 

4) In a Dark, Dark, Wood by Ruth Ware

 

 

It’s October, which means Halloween is almost here. This book will get you in the mood for the spookiest day of the year with its tense atmosphere and murderous plot. Starting with a bachelorette party composed of women who all have hidden agendas, the weekend getaway quickly devolves into a scary plot of revenge as malicious intentions come to light. The perfect complement for a Netflix scary movie marathon, Ruth Ware’s work does a fantastic job of keeping readers on edge, filled with anticipation for what might happen next.

 

5) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

 

 

An elegant circus mysteriously appears one night, only available to the public after the sun sets. This concept presents a unique storyline featuring a circus performer and one girl who refuses to let her obsession for the Night Circus subside. Following their lives was interesting but what really appealed to me was the circus itself. It took on a character of its own with a complex and alluring personality. Reading this book on a cozy day sitting in bed with the rain pouring outside is the best way to experience dreary fall days.

 

 

Happy fall reading!

Sarah Kenney

Cornell '22

Sophomore studying biomedical engineering
Asian Studies major who enjoys horseback riding, crochet, singing, and musical theater. Passionate about public service and addressing economic inequality and women's, LGBTQ+ and minority rights.