It’s the middle of fall, and the leaves have finally begun to change at Andrews. The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and the Pumpkin Spice Lattes have arrived. As a fall baby, it’s my job to introduce fall books that are perfect for those fuzzy socks and coffee shop days.
“If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio (Mystery-Thriller)
To start off, I must do the English majors right by introducing this dark academia novel that has been my absolute favorite. A Shakespearean-inspired mystery-thriller, this story follows a close-knit group of drama students at an elite college whose lives unravel when a murder occurs. Narrated by one of the students (and now a former ex-convict), the story is a compelling exploration of friendship, obsession, and the enduring influence of literature.
“Babel” by R.F. Kuang (Fantasy)
An orphaned boy in 1828 Canton is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell, where he trains for years in a variety of different languages. He does all this in preparation for his enrollment in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation: Babel. But what happens when he must choose between Babel and an organization called the shadowy Hermes Society? I would describe “Babel” as I would describe a hot apple cider: eye-opening and enthralling.
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery (Historical Fiction/Classic)
If you’ve seen the show “Anne with an E,” you most definitely should read the book. It is a historical fiction classic novel that tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly adopted by an elderly brother and sister in the village of Avonlea. Set in 1890s Canada, the book follows Anne’s adventures and her impact on the community as she blossoms into a confident and independent woman. This book gives off homely, comforting, and heart-warming vibes for this cool season.
“Before The Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Magical Realism)
Kawaguchi sets this heartwarming and whimsical novel in a Tokyo cafe, where customers have the opportunity to travel back in time, but only within the confines of the cafe… and before the coffee gets cold (name drop woah). The story weaves together the tales of various characters as they grapple with regrets, desires, and human relationships. As the title implies, you should probably be reading this in a coffee shop.
“Meet Me at Golden Hour” by Jennae Cecelia (Poetry)
Need a short book for this upcoming Thanksgiving season? Cecelia’s 11th poetry book is filled with hope while also realizing that not everything in life is happy or guaranteed. With a sprinkle of nostalgia for the warm days behind us, this book is perfect for soaking up the sun one last time.
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo (Dark Fantasy)
This dark fantasy book follows the story of Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a young woman with the ability to see ghosts. She’s recruited to monitor the secret societies of Yale University, which deals in magic, leading her into a world full of power and danger, and she investigates a murder that threatens to unravel the balance between the living and the dead. This book is perfect for the “spooky season”.
Whether you’re a long-time reader like me or want to tap into your inner fall vibes, these are some books that can set the stage for the rest of this autumn season, getting you ready to bundle up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.