Autumn Reads

'Cuz it's book season

It’s finally sweata weatha, the most wonderful time of the year.

Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolf, SNL

Cool evening walks, a kaleidoscope of falling leaves, hot tea, cozy blankets, pumpkin spice, and the smell of woodsmoke in the air is pure perfection in my books. And speaking of books, autumn reading is my favorite pastime during my favorite season, and do I have some five star recommendations for you! There’s something here for every reader and every mood, and I hope you find a new favorite to enjoy.

beyond that, the sea by Laura Spence-Ash

• This story about an English child who is sent to live with a foster family during WWII is the epitome of a cozy read. It’s a gentle book with characters to love and a sweet melancholy that spoke to me in this uncertain, changing season.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

• An epic historical saga that spans multiple countries and generations, Pachinko follows a Korean immigrant family to Japan and then the United States. I couldn’t put it down and look forward to watching the Apple TV adaptation.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

• When this book originally came out in 2020, I tried to read it in hardcover but ultimately gave up. The format (no quotation marks and all dialogue interminably tagged “he says/she says”) didn’t work for me. But I recently listened to the audiobook and was riveted. This story of a Philadelphia cop and her drug-addicted sister was wrenching and unputdownable.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio

• Dark academia is a favorite trope of mine, and this book did not disappoint. With a cast of fascinating theater students and a treasure trove of references to and copious direct quotes from Shakespeare, my former English teacher self was entranced.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

• It takes a lot for me to laugh out loud when I read, but that’s exactly what I did throughout The Wedding People. Somehow Espach tackles tough topics like divorce, suicide, and the loss of a spouse with a tender but lighthearted touch. Hilarious, timely, and deliciously irreverent.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

• If you need a little October magic, look no further. Young weaves a touch of fantasy with mystery, history, and an epic love story to great success. I wanted to step inside the world of this book and never leave. Utterly atmospheric and transportive.

Drop your favorite recent read in the comments! I’d love to add it to my to-be-read list. And if you read one of my recommendations, please stop back to let me know what you think.

Happy reading, friends! xoxo - Nicole

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