Cool crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, pumpkins appearing on every corner, there’s no doubt about it; fall is here. Fall is the perfect time to grab a good book, get cozy, and entertain yourself in another world. Luckily, here at Damascus High School, the media center and students offer some great recommendations for reading.
Autumn is a great backdrop to many book genres to get you in the mood for the season. From cozy romance to spine-tingling scary stories, there’s a wide variety of books to choose from that anyone could enjoy. “I always tend to read more creepy, eerie books,” high school senior Bella Janss comments, “but then I also think sometimes people go to fantasy sometimes too, like dark fantasy books.” When asked if she believes there’s a genre of book people tend to gravitate towards in the fall, Bella Castaneda believes that many people may enjoy” romance or light-hearted rom-coms.” She explains“ the vibe in fall is cozy by the fireplace, apple cider, doughnuts, the smell of fall, the leaves, all of it is very comfortable, even in hallmark movies, all of it is set in fall or winter.” Whether you’re looking for something spooky to read or a lighthearted read to set you in the mood for the holidays, there are plenty of options on what to read.
“The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to read a spooky story or a murder mystery. The Naturals series is perfect for anyone looking for a good crime story. Following Cassie Hobbes, a teen with a natural gift for piecing together a person’s behavior and personality just by looking at them. Turns out Cassie’s profiling gift is also perfect for getting inside the heads of serial killers. A secret branch of the FBI reaches out in need of someone with Cassie’s skill set. Cassie soon learns that she isn’t alone and that other teens with gifts like a boy who can read the barest flick of emotions at just a glance or a girl who can detect lies easier than breathing their skills to catch serial killers from cold cases. Joining the Naturals program, Cassie must uncover clues about her mother’s murder before the serial killer that took her mom gets to her too.
“The Naturals” is full of twists and turns with surprises around every corner. The members of the naturals are complex and unique. “ I liked how there was a common story arc that went all over four books but had mini subplots,” Janss says talking about the book. If you love books with strong friendships and found family, this is a great book to try out. Fans of mystery and true crime would enjoy this book. The mysteries are always well set up and you’ll never expect who the true killer is.
“Lovely War” by Julia Berry
Combining the rich and beautiful worlds of Greek mythology and historical fiction, “Lovely War” is a tale of love during times of conflict.
Taking place in 1942 the god of blacksmiths and the forge, Hephatus, catches his wife Aphrophite cheating with the god of war, Ares. In an attempt to stall her husband’s rage, Aphrodite tells the story of four star-crossed lovers. Through the voices and narration of the gods, a story of love is told through the darkest parts of World War I.
Taking place in 1917, it’s love at first sight for pianist Hazel and soldier James when their lives cross at one fateful London Party. Their newfound love is taken all too soon when James is shipped off to the trenches.
Aubrey Edwards is a talented musician and a member of an all-African-American regiment, the 15th New York Infantry, and is determined to do his part in the war. It becomes complicated when he meets Colette, a Belgian nurse who has already lost everything to the Germans in war.
As the gods weave the story of war and love, will Aphrodite be able to answer the eternal question: Why are love and war always drawn to one another?
“Lovely War” is an enchanting book, you’ll be rooting for the characters from the very start and every twist is unexpected. The god’s narration of events is never boring, with Aphrodite’s witty sass sprinkled through her tale. This book is perfect for fans of romance and historical fiction. Janss, who has also read this book, says “That one is fabulous.”
“A Study in Drowning” by Ava Reid
“A Study in Drowning” by Ava Reid is a quick fantasy read that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and get cozy.
Ever since she was a little girl, Effy Sayre has clung onto her favorite book, Emrys Myrddin’s Angharad- a tale of a mortal girl who falls in love with the cruel Fairy King and then kills him. It’s the only way to drown out her own visions of the Fairy King. At Effy’s college, the Myrddin family announces a contest to rebuild the recently deceased author’s estate. Effy thinks that it must be fate when she is chosen.
However, the illusion of her beloved author begins to crumble as she arrives at the decrepit and decaying house where she meets a snooty young literature scholar, Preston Heloury, who’s determined that Emery Myrddin was a hoax. Bent on proving Preston wrong they begrudgingly begin working together to discover the true legacy of Emery Myrddin before the sea and house take them both.
Something about the chilly weather and the creepy setting makes “A Study in Drowning” a perfect fall read. Effy is a fascinating character whose struggles and wit make her a compelling character. The book tackles topics of sexual assault, abuse, mental health, and sexism. Reid builds an intriguing world built on magic and superstition that society has slowly begun to believe only belongs in fairytales; the same one that Effy still desperately believes in. The romance will make you squeal in delight and the strange Hiraeth Manor will send chills as it tries to return everything back to the ocean.
“Thieves Gambit” by Kayvion Lewis
“Thieves Gambit” is a thrilling heist novel following Rosyln Quest the daughter of an infamous family of thieves. Rosyln soon finds herself participating in the Thieves Gambit, a series of increasingly dangerous heists across the globe for the grand prize. The allure of having her wish granted is too great for Rosyln, especially after her mom goes missing on a heist gone wrong. Roslyn’s competition isn’t going to make it easy for her particularly with her archnemesis hunting for the prize. Will Roslyn learn to trust others before it’s too late?
“Thieves Gambit” is great for fans of heist novels and fans of books like “Six of Crows”. I read this book in one day, I couldn’t put it down. I was shocked by the cliffhanger at the end and immediately began waiting for the second book to be released. Luckily, “ Heist Royale” is releasing this fall on Nov 12, 2024. With the second book coming out soon, now is a great time to catch up on the first.
“Three Dark Crowns” by Kendare Blake
Recommended by Janss “ Three Dark Crowns” is a fantasy book about three sisters fighting for the right to the throne. Each sister possesses a type of magic like Arsione, a naturalist, Mirabella, able to control the elements with a snap of her figures, and Kathrine who is able to ingest deadly poisons without a second thought. Janss comments “ It’s a nice fantasy book, different perspectives. It’s kind of fun… There’s some politics and war.”
“Three Dark Crowns” is a great fantasy book for readers
“The Book of Witching” by C.J Cooke
Also recommended by Janss, she says this book was “ so good.” She describes the book as “ a mix of realistic fiction and fantasy and it has duel timelines … from the 1800s to modern day.” The book is about Clem uncovering the events behind her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin’s hiking trip that left Erin’s boyfriend dead and a friend missing. When Erin wakes she doesn’t recognize her mother or name and truly believes she is someone named Nyx. Clem is determined to find out what happened to Erin and she believes that the answer may lie in the history of Orkney: women accused of witchcraft and murder four centuries ago. The question is: Is Erin’s behavior trauma from the accident or an effect of an ancient curse?
According to Janss “ the ending was incredible.”
“Misery” by Stephen King
A perfect horror to read near Halloween, “Misery” is the book Janss recommends others read by the famous author Stephen King.
Paul Sheldon a bestselling novel finally meets his biggest fan Annie Wilkes. She’s more than a fan she’s also Paul’s Nurse taking care of his destroyed body after an automobile accident. Too bad she’s keeping him prisoner in her isolated house.
When asked if Janss liked to read more creepy books during the fall she said that she enjoyed reading Stephen King, especially “Misery”, “It’s the first Stephen King book that I actually read. It was so good. The main character is just so screwed up and it’s so good”
“Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephine Garber
Recommended to me by Castaneda, fans of Stephine Garbers Carval series will enjoy seeing some familiar faces in “ Once a Broken Heart” while being something completely brand new.
Evangeline Fox has always believed in true love but upon learning that the love of her life will marry another she strikes a deal with the cunning Prince of Hearts. In exchange, he asks for three kisses at any time or place of his choosing. Evangeline soon learns that bargaining with immortal beings is a dangerous game and the price she’ll pay is high.
You might have heard of this book from others talking about it on social media and if you’re worried about it being overhyped, don’t worry according to Castaneda it’s a great book. She describes it as taking “characters from Stephine Garber’s like previous work and like, involves it in this new series, that is just like a new story. It’s like new romances and is’s like the picture-perfect fairy tale story,” and that the story is “ well written.” I’ve been wanting to read this book for months and hearing more about it definitely makes me want to read it right away.
“Better than the Movies” by Lynn Painter
If you’re looking for a light-hearted rom-com to read this fall then “ Better than the Movies” is a great book to try.
The book follows hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum and her pursuit of her longtime crush Michael with the help of her next-door neighbor Wes Bennent.
Another popular book but, “ it’s for a reason” Castaneda says, “ because it is a good book.” This book is great if you’re looking for a sweet book full of, love, romantic comedies, and happily ever afters.
Castaneda concludes, “ I strongly believe that there’s a book for everybody, whether it is non-fiction or fictional. Reading shouldn’t be forced. If you’re not a reader that’s fine, some people are more visual, and that’s cool. But I think give it a try, to anyone who wants to hear that. Find something that interests you because there are so many different works and so many different worlds with different characters and different people. These characters might be fictional but there based on real people and real emotions and it’s so interesting to view the world in a different light.” “ Read more books,” Janss says, “ the library has quite a few really good books that don’t just get checked out enough.” There are so many great books to try reading this fall. Visit the media center to pick one out.
