Nothing prepares me for a season quite like literature does. There are books for all seasons and holidays, and autumn (my favorite season) is no exception. Below I compiled a list of literature that is sure to get you in the mood for apple picking, pumpkin carving, and falling leaves!
And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie
Christie is the queen of the horror novel. I decided to include And Then There Were None on the list because I literally read this book in a day. It’s such a good read and really does keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, it’s a classic. Christie has a lot of other great novels to choose from, too, including Hallowe’en Party or Murder on the Orient Express.
Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman
Go get yourself a midnight margarita and curl up with his book. I am a huge fan of the film adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, and just like the movie, this novel deals with the complex relationships between women. It’s definitely more of a women’s novel, and is very different from the movie, but definitely a work worth reading.
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
Anyone who knows me knows that Frankenstein is one of my favorite novels of all time. I read it first as an undergraduate student and honestly thought the professor was bonkers for putting this on the syllabus. However, the novel is nothing like any of the film adaptations and sadly many people think it would be. The monster quotes Milton, questions his place in the world, and tugs at your heartstrings… all while terrifying you! Plus, the novel has great character development.
“Young Goodman Brown,” Nathaniel Hawthorne
This is a short story that made the list. I cannot think of a better time to read a story about a young man lured into the forests of New England to be tempted by the devil. It’s short, spooky, and definitely will get you in the autumnal mood.
Dracula, Bram Stoker
Admittedly, this is not one of my favorite novels. However, it is a classic that is worth some attention. Plus, is there a better time to read a novel about vampires? I think not.
“After Apple-Picking,” Robert Frost
“After Apple-Picking” is a poem that made the list. If this work does not immediately encourage you to go gather some apples and bake a pie, I question your sanity. Plus, like other works on the list, it is a classic that is worth attention.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Washington Irving
I think my favorite thing about this work by Irving is that not only is it spooky, but it’s historical also. No, a man named Ichabod Crane was not chased by the ghost of a Hessian soldier. But the relationship between the German and English settlers is an aspect of early American history worth paying attention to. Plus, if you’re from the New York-New Jersey area, a trip to Tarrytown is only a few hours away. We visited there two autumns ago and the downtown area is really fun. The town also has great fall activities, but be sure to book in advance.
The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson
This spooky classic is a great read. Plus, it was just made into a show on Netflix which is getting a second season.
IT, Stephen King
Picking one novel by King is like picking one novel by Christie: it’s hard. But IT made the list because it is very popular and the second installment of the film franchised was released not too long ago.
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