The ultimate fall reading list 2023
My recommendations
As a passionate reader, I always have one big question: what do I read next? The ever-expanding TBR list can be overwhelming, especially for those like me who are mood readers. So what better way than to help you guys than to provide you with my own handpicked list of perfect fall reads! Each of these books has a special place in my heart and is ideal for cozying up with a warm blanket and a hot beverage while the leaves outside are transitioning into their autumnal hues. I hope you enjoy my recommendations, and please feel free to share your own fall favourites in the comments!
The secret history - Donna Tartt
I know, I know - everybody and their mom is talking about this book. But have you ever considered that might be for a reason? The secret history is a spectacular masterpiece. If you share my love for dark academia, you’re in for a treat. But even within that genre this book stands out. The story revolves around a group of college students who study ancient Greek together but are bound by a tragic secret. This book is full of mystery, keeping you on your toes with every page turned. It speaks on themes of morality, obsession, isolation, the difference between reality and illusion and the consequences of secrets. While it might take a little time to sink into the story, once you do, you'll find it impossible to put down.
Read if you like: dark academia, mystery, flawed main characters, longer books, subtle lyrical writing, unreliable narrators
The shock of the fall - Nathan Filer
Though it’s been a while since I’ve read this book, it was my favourite for years and years. This story starts when our main character Matt starts experiencing severe mental health issues after the death of his brother. When he starts hearing and seeing his brother around him and he develops clinical schizophrenia, his parents admit him to a mental institution. Matt does not exactly remember what happened the night his brother died and he tries to figure it out by writing about it in his art therapy. "The Shock of the Fall" is a beautiful exploration of how grief and mental health struggles continue to impact us long after a loved one is gone. To me, the narrating is what stands out in this book. Because the story is narrated by Matt, who has schizophrenia, it is very unreliable and unique to read from his perspective.
Read if you like: young adult novels, emotionally charged stories, unique perspectives, unreliable narrator, discussions of mental health, approachable writing styles
Babel - R.F. Kuang
I finished reading this one about a month ago and holy shit this was so impressive to me! It’s set in 19th century England and follows the story of Robin who is brought to England from Canton under mysterious circumstances. The rest of his young adult life he is trained to be able to go study at the translation institute in Oxford, but only when he grows up he starts to realize why it is so important that he does this. This story explores themes of power structures, colonization, loyalty, betrayal and privilege. All while introducing us to a captivating magic system based on silver bars and translation abilities. To me, this magic system was so refreshing and unique and I loved learning more about it. The last quarter of this book goes absolutely crazy and I promise you will think about nothing else for at least a few days.
Read if you like: dark academia, low fantasy, plot twists, power struggles, historical fantasy, long books, important social themes such as colonization and abuse of power.
The perks of being a wallflower - Steven Chbosky
This one is a classic and for good reason! The perks of being a wallflower introduces us to Charlie who navigates the complexities of growing up and realizing he can’t be standing on the side lines forever. While there are heart-breaking elements in the story and it definitely made me cry, there is also such beauty in how this story describes finding friendship and experiencing joy in life again after denying yourself that for so long. It truly feels like it’s describing pressing play on your life after being on pause for a long time. It’s such a rollercoaster of emotions, exactly what growing up is and I loved experiencing it all through Charlie. Undoubtedly, this book is a classic and one of the best young adult novels of our time, making it a perfect choice for this fall season.
P.S. the movie doesn’t do it justice ;)
Read if you like: young adult novels, character driven narratives, coming-of-age stories, exploring themes of mental health, friendship
The atlas six - Olivie Blake
As I mentioned earlier, I have a love for dark academia, and "The Atlas Six" by Olivie Blake is no exception. This one by Olivie Blake was one of the biggest surprises for me this year. I’ve only read the first one so far (it is a trilogy) but I absolutely loved it. The book's standout feature is its multiple points of view, offering insights into the lives of six of the world's most gifted magicians who get invited to join the elite Alexandrian Society. This only happens once every decade, but what they don’t know is that after their trials, only 5 of them will be left. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of these 6 characters and that makes the story so engaging. This story is high fantasy and magic is a huge element in it. But it also explores themes of betrayal, manipulation, trust and the colonization of information. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and it left me hanging with my mouth open multiple times. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel soon!
Read if you like: high fantasy, dark academia, morally grey main characters, plot twists, mystery, themes of manipulation and betrayal
Turtles all the way down - John Green
In my opinion, this is one of John Green’s most underrated books. The story follows 16-year old Ava, who is trying to figure out the mystery of a fugitive billionaire with her friend. While doing this, she befriends the billionaire’s son and the story follows them trying to build something while Ava’s mental health is quickly deteriorating. It is a story about love, resilience and the power of lifelong friendship in the face of personal struggles. Although it’s been a few years since I’ve read this, I remember being deeply moved by the story and the way John describes mental health. This was relatable and confronting, so I hope you find it as impactful as I did!
Read if you like: young adult novels, themes of mental health, friendship, character driven narratives
The ballad of songbirds and snakes - Suzanne Collins
The latest addition to the Hunger games series is a must read but if you haven’t read that yet (or seen the movies) I suggest you do that first! “The ballad of songbirds and snakes” delves into the character of President Snow in his younger years, when he served as a mentor in the hunger games. Tasked with mentoring the female tribute from district 12, he starts to have conflicting feelings about the games after meeting her. The story explores themes of manipulation, moral ambiguity, the pain of survival and the lasting effect of trauma. I loved that this story also centred a super strong main female character. When I tell you I could not put this book down I am not exaggerating. I read this book during summer vacation and literally held it in my hand as I was eating dinner. The hunger games franchise has been a favourite of mine since I saw the first movie about 10 years ago and this addition has only increased my enthusiasm. Plus, if you read it now you might finish just in time for the release of the movie!
Read if you like: dystopian novels, action-packed stories, plot-based stories, mystery, plot twists, suspense
The invisible life of Addie Larue - V.E. Schwab
Last but not least! Also a book I have just read a few months ago and fell in love with. While I think more could have been done with the concept, I really enjoyed the story as it stands. The book revolves around Addie Larue who, in a moment of desperation, makes a deal to be immortal. The trade-off however, is that no one remembers her. I thought this concept to be so intriguing that I chose to read this book for the little book club I have with some friends. You follow Addie through the centuries until, for the first time in hundreds of years, she meets someone who remembers her. But she’s learned that for every good thing there is a price to be paid and she will quickly find out what that is. As someone who loves to travel and read, this was a perfect book for me. I loved getting to explore places and go on adventures with Addie and the vibes of this book are truly perfect for fall!
Read this if you like: lyrical writing style, young adult novels, historical literature, the idea of exploring different times and places within one story
So in conclusion, these are my top picks for a perfect fall reading list! (Also a conclusion, I need to read more happy books jesus.) Just a side note: I know there are probably books that have incredible fall vibes that are not in this list. In that case it’s because I haven’t read them and I will never recommend you something if I have not read it myself. So if you have any other additions to this list: leave them in the comments below! Also, if you read any of the books on my list I would love to know your opinion J
Until next time, happy reading!