I have been so excited to write this post for so long now!! When I was hit with a flurry of inspiration for autumnal blog content, this idea came to mind, and I instantly knew which books I wanted to include in this collection. These novels and series are what have, in the past, given me all the Fall feels–both spooky and otherwise. So, here is my ideal Autumnal Book List!
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Digging into the very unfortunate happenings that occur in Violet, Klaus, & Sunny Baudelaire’s life seems like the perfect thing to do on an October evening.
They’re dark but not too dark, and I think they have enough spooky vibes to be classed in this list.
I have to admit that I haven’t read books 2, 5, or 13, the finale, but I have read the rest of them :’) I inherited these books from my two older cousins who read these ages ago and gave them to me after I fell in love with books 6-8, which they had left at our Nana’s house.
The film & Netflix adaptations I have yet to watch because I’m a book-first, movies-after kinda girl. So, for as long it takes for me to get those three missing books, I shall restrain myself.
Also, can we talk about the deeper themes in this series and how they are reflective of the transition from childhood to adulthood?! No? Maybe another time 😉
The Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery
How could I NOT include these wonderful books?! I fell in love with our beloved, red-headed heroine when I was 13 or 14, and I try to read this series annually. Full disclosure again, I haven’t read the last few books because I didn’t have the entire collection until recently. Very excited to dig into these in the coming weeks.
The amount of times I have absolutely SWOONED over Montgomery’s writing is, perhaps, too many to count. The back-to-school settings that open a few of these novels and the vivid descriptions of Prince Edward Island in all of its Autumnal glory are what make these books so perfect for this time of year. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”… right?!
One of these days, I will write an entire post dedicated to my love for these books. Also. The miniseries that stars Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie are EVERYTHING. Watch them if you haven’t.
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Well, we’re about halfway through this Autumnal Book List! And what would this assemblage of novels be without the inclusion of Harry Potter?! Following along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their friends as they work to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?? This is definitely the perfect world to Fall into this time of year. Hehe. See what I did there? And digging into the films on an Autumn evening or weekend???? BLISS.
In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien
The first “adult” read of this collection, In The Lake of the Woods has everything from war, mystery, and potential murder to suspense, tension, and just plain creepiness.
I first read this novel for an English class during my first year of college. *A bit of a spoiler coming in the next sentence, skip to the next paragraph if you’d like!* For our final paper, we were given the task of proving the cause for the disappearance of Kathy, Wade’s wife. I don’t think I need to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed writing that one.
Without a doubt, this is the PERFECT book to dig into this time of year, especially during October, in the lead up to Halloween. If you want to tramp through the cold of Minnesota, deal with Wade’s flashbacks, tackle the various alternatives to the ending (that are introduced & suggested throughout), while attempting to read into the various and sundry psychological issues that are brought up, then this is the book for you 😉
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
Okay, oopsie, I haven’t read this one either. But, I am starting it and will be writing a review that comes out the week of Halloween!! This novel follows three young women who live in Salem in 1692. It’s written uniquely, and I’m excited to tackle that element of it!
If I had to number the series in this collection by which I love the most, Anne of Green Gables would come first, Harry Potter second, and A Series of Unfortunate Events last. Have you read any of these?? Are there any other books or book series that you would add to this Autumnal Book List? (Also, I LOVE how these photos came out hehe.) Thanks for reading darlings <3