With September upon us, we’re all starting to get prepared for autumn. The leaves will start falling and the sun will set early. Many people love this time of the year, but a lot of people hate it. If you’re someone that struggles with the transition between summer and autumn, then look no further. Here are some of the books that will best help you adjust and get in the mood.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
There’s nothing like kicking off autumn with the Wizarding World. Usually people watch the films when the colder months hit, but the books are just as magical. Reading about Harry, Ron and Hermione will distract you from the change of seasons. The descriptions in all of the Harry Potter books make autumn and winter feel so wonderful, you’ll be wishing the seasons will come sooner. A bit of magic will make autumn feel so much better.
Autumn by Ali Smith
A lot of autumn is slightly dreary, and this book encapsulates it. Smith has a four-part series, each named after a different season. Naturally, you should probably read Autumn in autumn. The novel is set in the autumn following the Brexit vote, and documents the state of the nation afterwards. The general autumnal mood can be quite gloomy, but the story is certainly uplifting. It follows an unlikely friendship between an elderly man and a young girl. They pull each other into their differing worlds of storytelling.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This book itself is a transition from summer to autumn. Perhaps one of du Marier’s better known books, this is a great gothic, autumnal novel. It has also been adapted into a film starring Lily James and Armie Hammer. Rebecca follows the story of a young woman on holiday as a companion for a wealthy American woman. She meets Maxim de Winter, who she falls in love with and marries. He brings her back to his mansion, Manderley, just as the seasons turn. The young woman soon finds out that the staff at Manderley are obsessed with Maxim’s deceased ex-wife, Rebecca. Things soon turn sinister for the young woman. Perfect to get you into the spooky autumn vibes.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This book gives off all of the dark academia vibes you will desire this autumn. Set in New England, the book is a campus novel. It follows the story of a group of friends, all Greek scholars. One of the friendship group, Bunny, is murdered. We eventually find out the mystery behind the murder through one of the friendship group’s narration. There are lots more mysteries that unravel along the way. This book is great to cosy up with on a dark, chilly autumnal night. It will keep you gripped, and you’ll feel like you’re one of the group on their autumnal campus.
Snuggle up with a book as the seasons change, and you’ll enjoy it so much more!