Fall is my favourite season for many reasons. One of them is the fact that I (finally!) get to whip out my impressive collection of scarves. Apart from being able to put away what scarce of a summer wardrobe I have, the ‘heavier’ books on my reading list that have been neglected during the light summer months can finally be read. There’s always something about the way the air begins to get nippy and the leaves begin to turn gold that makes me want to curl up in a coffee shop with a hot drink and a good read. Being a huge bookie with an ever-expanding to-read list, I thought I would share some of the books I plan on reading this fall over a steaming cup of tea.
1. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Having resurfaced in popularity after being published to critical acclaim in 2005, Jeannette Walls’ memoir about growing up with unique nonconformist parents has been at the top of my reading list for a long time now. A tale about finding success in the most unlikeliest of situations, unconditional familial love, as well as overcoming challenges, this book promises to astonish readers. What’s more? A movie adaptation starring Jennifer Lawrence and Mark Ruffalo is being negotiated, making now the prime time to pull out this coffee shop read.
2. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
This was recommended to me by one of my language arts teachers and is loosely based on The Book of Genesis. It is centered around and narrated by Dinah, the daughter of the biblical Jacob and speaks of her role in society. This novel weaves a rich tale of ancient womanhood, and celebrates the lives of women.
(Tip: if you’re looking for a new read, ask your teacher for their personal recommendations! It’s a great way to get to know them better!)
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
15 year-old Christopher John Francis Boone describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioral problems.” He has remembered all the capitals of the world’s countries, hates the colour yellow, and possesses many other unique quirks. Due to his unspecified condition, Christopher lives in a highly logical world. His delicate illusion is shattered when the neighbour’s dog is killed. Following the footsteps of his (and everybody else’s) favourite detective, Sherlock Holmes, Christopher aims to solve the case. This is a revealing story about the human condition and how one’s downfall may turn out to be their salvation.
4. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Oh boy. Since it’s publication, this book has been through enough controversy to become a soap opera. Originally published as a memoir, the novel tells the story of James Frey and how he overcame addiction after spending six weeks in rehab. It opened to wide acclaim, and was cherished by Oprah—even making it into her prestigious book club. All of this fell through when it was revealed that the book was fictionalized to an extent. Subsequently, James Frey was publicly slammed by Oprah. Personally, it does not matter to me whether the book was fictionalized as long as the story is riveting, and I can’t wait to crack open this book.
5. I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
I’m usually a bit reproachful about the books Goodreads recommends me because I have never seemed to be interested in them. This book, however, I am intrigued by. When the main character, Ed Kennedy, stops a bank robbery by chance, he begins to receive notes that send him on missions. Fulfilling them often means that he must help or harm others with his actions. Through all of his missions, both readers and Ed are left wondering about the origins of the messages. Being a sucker for a good adventure/mystery novel, I have a feeling I will love this book.
These are my Fall reads, what are yours? Feel free to share some of your Fall book recommendations in the comments below!