For many of us, autumn holds a special place in our hearts for the cozy, spooky feelings it harbors. The leaves’ colors shift closer to the seasonal red-orange hues as the days pass, falling with the cool breeze. Coffee shops fill with smells of warm spices. Ghosts and pumpkins are more frequently seen. Reading becomes more appetizing with the promise of many rainy days spent indoors.
So, with the approaching sweater-weather, I present two of my favorite autumnal books to add to your fall reading list.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott:
Little Women, a novel focusing on the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, is set during the Civil War. This story evokes a feeling I could best describe as the comfort of sisterhood–not that a “brother” cannot enjoy it. It simply radiates all the delights of platonic love, as well as all the realistic complexities it contains. As we are placed right in the hearts of the young March sisters, watching them grow and learn, you begin to relate to them. Aspects of these sisters live within every woman in the world. Leaning into this fact, Little Women brings the reader comfort, intrigue, and peace, making for an overall beautiful book.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo:
This fantasy novel, with a magical world loosely inspired by cities and events in history, contains an enticing plot and the most entertaining group of thieves. Though Bardugo shines the spotlight on her intricate, lovable characters (whom, I must add, truly become figments of your heart by the end of the series), the storyline never fails to absorb its reader, spun with schemes, magic, and secrets. As the crew goes on its adventures, it feels like the reader is right beside them through it all. This moody, enthralling book is the perfect escape for a cool, rainy day.
Next time you stop by a bookstore or library, check out these books! I guarantee the ultimate immersion and comfort; once you open them up and snuggle under covers, taking a long sip of your favorite fall drink, you won’t be able to snap back to reality.
