hello hello!! i’m back with more autumn reading recommendations! i shared some recs last year and i’d thought it’s time to come back with some more. we are READY for spooky szn, sweater weather, changing leaves, and all that jazz~~~~
01. the diviners, by libba bray
amazon • book depository • goodreads
i read The Diviners earlier this year and it has become one of my faves !!!!! i feel like i keep talking about it – especially on the blog. on one hand it’s because it’s really good, and on the other it’s because i haven’t read many books this year, period. lol.
this story is very appropriate for spooky season. it follows a group of people in the 1920s who have special powers, known as “diviners.” our lead, Evie O’Neill, has the power to read objects. the whole vibe is very ouija board with flapper girls in new york city. aka WE STAN.
02. ninth house, by leigh bardugo
amazon • book depository • goodreads
fresh off the press is Ninth House and it’s also VERY APPROPRIATE for spooky szn. there was a lot of hype surrounding Leigh Bardugo’s adult fiction debut and it did not disappoint !!! i’m half tempted to reread it, even though i literally just finished it.
the story follows Galaxy “Alex” Stern (i will never not get over her name!! i want!!!!!), who is a girl who can see ghosts. it’s set at Yale University and shows all the ~behind the scenes~ of what’s really going on in the “houses” (clubs? groups??) at the school. it’s dark, vibe-y, and mysterious. it kiiiinda reminds of The Raven Boys in the psychic (sorta not really) sense.
03. the starless sea, by erin morgenstern
amazon • book depository • goodreads
i know!!! The Starless Sea isn’t out yet!!!! but i couldn’t not include it on the list!!! for some reason, i get a lot of autumn/winter energy – which is why i think the November 5th release date is perfect. (but yes, i know, we want it to release ASAP so y’all can read it. SOON.)
describing the story is hard because it’s not really about what happens, but the vibessssss. similar to how i feel about The Night Circus, it’s the premise that really stands out. but i’ll try my best. there’s a world(?) underneath our own, and there lives the starless sea. it’s magical. there’s an amazing library. and pirates, i guess. (i said i was really bad at this!!!!) anyway, it’s really really good and definitely worth picking up. PLEASE READ IT.
04. sadie, by courtney summers
amazon • book depository • goodreads
Sadie!!!!! i listed to this audiobook last year and it was SO GOOD. i’d definitely recommend listening to the audiobook vs reading it physically because half of the story is told in a podcast format. if you listen to podcasts or have listened to Serial, would highly recommend!!!
the story follows a girl (Sadie) who goes missing after she finds out her sister is found dead. it’s told in dual POV, one from Sadie herself and the other from a podcast reporter who’s trying to uncover what happened to her. it’s a little creepy. a murder mystery perfect for october. 🤠
05. the catcher in the rye, by j.d. salinger
amazon • book depository • goodreads
last but not least, The Catcher in the Rye!! i don’t remember anything about this book, if i’m being honest. but autumn reminds me of banned books week, which reminds me of this. and the cover is orange so AUTUMN. and for some reason, i think of new york city and falling leaves when i recall the events of this book.
i’ll try my best to remember anything. all i know is that Holden Caulfield is the lead and people either love or hate him. and that’s true for the book itself too! people either love it or hate it. even thought i don’t remember much, i remember i enjoyed it. (lmao) i should really reread this. it’s a classic you likely had to read in high school. and gives you ~feels~ or ~vibes~ which is relevant with the changing leaves.
I’ve heard a lot of great things about The Diviners, especially since the series seems to always make a comeback around the spooky season 🙂