While shows and movies such as Gilmore Girls and Harry Potter have the power to put me in the “fall mood,” nothing can quite put me in that feeling more than a good fall book. Ever since the world went on lockdown in 2020, I, along with many others, found a passion and comfort in picking up a good book. Whenever I read one, that book is able to transport me into its world. Once I start reading that book, I become invested in its world and characters. What is so magical about a book is that the words on the paper can transport readers into a realm in their own minds. So, over the years, I would say I have read a good amount of books that are just perfect for the fall season. Here are some of my recommendations for what to read during Thanksgiving break– preferably, to have you read where you are sitting near a warm fireplace, cozied up in a fuzzy blanket.
November 9:
To start off with stand-alone books, November 9, is one of the most perfect books to read during the fall season. Aside from the title alone, this book gives off all the fall vibes. The book takes place over the course of 5 years, but only on November 9. It is about two young adults named Ben and Fallon who meet one fateful November 9 when they are 18 years old. They then decide to meet every year on November 9 to see if they are really “meant to be,” before officially becoming a part of each others lives. The book is an emotional rollercoaster with many plot twists–but ultimately, it puts the reader in a fall mood because it only takes place on November 9(s). This is the perfect book to start off Thanksgiving break!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna:
Another great book to read is The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. This book fully transported me into the autumn spirit, as the book is, quite literally, about a witch. It is a fantasy book where a girl gets summoned to a house in the middle of nowhere, where she is instructed to teach children how to be witches. The whole book was about finding a home and family. This novel just gave me cozy and chill vibes, and if you are looking for a book that just encapsulates the spooky spirit of autumn, this is perfect.
In A Jam by Kate Canterbary:
In a Jam is one of my favorite books. While it does not inherently take place in autumn, it still gives off the small-town, Gilmore Girls, Hallmark movie “moves back to her hometown” trope which I very much associate with autumn. It is a friends to “estranged” to lovers trope. The two in this book were friends in high school, where he always liked her but she never knew. Then, they went their separate ways when they grew up. However, her fiance leaves her, and she moves back to her hometown right next to her childhood best friend. While he looks a lot different, he is still the same sweet boy she knew. This book has such a small-town, “homey” feel that is perfect for fall.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer:
One of my favorite book series I keep close to my heart is the Twilight series. Again, while this series does not inherently take place in the fall, it still gives off that spooky, cozy vibe. Twilight is about a human girl, Bella Swan, who falls in love with this insanely gorgeous vampire, Edward Cullen. Even though they try to deny their feelings for one another, they both cannot help having an irresistible pull for one another. This series is such a good one to read, and if you are a “sucker” for romances like I am, this is the perfect recommendation.
The Hunger Games (including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) by Suzanne Collins:
Lastly, saving my favorite book series of them all, I leave The Hunger Games series. This book series is the best book series I have ever read. It is a dystopian/romance novel about Katniss Everdeen, who is a tribute in “The Hunger Games,” where two teenagers from each district fight to the death in an arena. I would recommend this series for the fall because this time last year in 2023, the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, premiered in theaters based on the prequel that Suzanne Collins wrote. Lili Sebestyen (12) has read The Hunger Games series and believes it is a great series to read during Thanksgiving Break because, “It is one of those books where it brings you back to a certain time in your life. Whenever I think of The Hunger Games, I think of fall 2023.”
As an avid book lover, I feel that all of these books would be perfect for you to read during Thanksgiving break based on their vibes and the setting!
