Garrin Reiter

Autumn book recommendations

Autumn is finally here, bringing cold winds, pumpkin spiced food items and the perfect backdrop for a comfortable reading environment. Whether you are an avid reader or a newbie to the world of literature, now is the perfect time to start a new book. All of these recommendations can be found at any Barnes & Noble Booksellers and include heart-wrenching fiction, dark academia thrillers and immersive, cozy fantasy.
“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah – Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.43/5
The book is set in the year 1974 located in Alaska and tells the story of the Allbright family. Ernt Allbright, a veteran who fought in the Vietnam War, is not the man he used to be; he is now aggressive and volatile, but chooses to move to Alaska in search of a fresh start, bringing the rest of the Allbright family with him. 13-year-old Leni Allbright, the daughter of Ernt and Cora, comes to Alaska with hopes that this land will restore her family to its former glory. Leni’s mother, Cora, loves Ernt passionately and would follow him into the unknown if it meant restoring him to the man he used to be before Vietnam. They find themselves in a local community full of strong, powerful men and women, who have been living off the land for decades. In the beginning, the Alaskan wilderness seems to alleviate Ernt’s aggression and nightmares. But as the chilling winter creeps in, Ernt’s mental state worsens, returning to his angry and violent self. Soon the two women of the Allbright family seem to realize the real threat isn’t outside, in the frost-ridden, beast-filled outdoors, but instead living within their home.
Content warning for vivid descriptions of domestic violence and abuse.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by Victoria Schwab – Fantasy/Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.18/5
When Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil for the glorious gift of immortality, it is also a curse. In return, the devil erases Addie’s existence in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by anyone she meets. Addie then flees her hometown in France, journeying across the globe, choosing to live a life where no one will remember her. The only person to remember her is the devil, who meets with her every year on the anniversary of their pact. Until one day, her life drastically changes in a bookstore in Manhattan. She meets Henry Strause, who utters the three words that will alter the trajectory of her immortal life: “I remember you.”
“If We Were Villains” by M. L. Rio – Murder Mystery/Thriller
Goodreads Rating: 4.14/5
After ten years of being in jail, Oliver is finally being released. The man who put him there, Detective Colborne, was never able to find out the truth behind this case, but now Oliver is finally ready to tell. A decade before Oliver’s arrest, he was one of seven Shakespearean actors at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a institute of natural born talent and competition. The dean of this institution, Dean Holinshend, encourages students to expand their talents and take risks, even if it means making some enemies. But in their final year at Dellecher, these rivalries take a turn for the worse, causing actual violence to ensue on the opening night of their show, a show that was meant to be a space of fiction and make-believe. Suddenly, the seniors find themselves in the greatest acting challenge of their lives: lying to the police that they are innocent and pinning the blame on their fellow actors.
“Tress of the Emerald Sea” by Brandon Sanderson – Fantasy
Goodreads Rating: 4.37/5
Tress’ life has always been a simple one: living on an island in the crystal-green ocean, collecting cups and other items from far away sailors and listening to the stories of her friend, Charlie. One day, Tress’ life isn’t so simple anymore. Charlie’s father takes him away from their island, taking Charlie to find a wife. Tress stows herself away on a ship, in search of the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Traveling on a ship sitting on a sea of spores, can Tress discard her simple life and create a new life for herself amongst a sea where one drop of water means certain death? This book draws heavy inspiration from “The Princess Bride,” so anyone who loves the epic adventure and love from that novel will love this intriguing fantasy.
While many of these books aren’t explicitly autumn based novels, these are perfect comfort books that are amazing reads for the autumn season. If any of these books don’t suit your interests, there are many spotlight tables found at any Barnes & Noble Booksellers or any small, local bookstores. There are countless breathtaking books created by talented authors, this guide is just a starting place to help you dip your feet into the outstanding world of literature.