books to read in the fall Archives

I’ve been really into fall this year, and I think it’s because temperatures still average about 90 degrees here every day. Being super into fall themes helps me feel like fall is actually here, even though it doesn’t feel like it where I am. Second, I walked into a mall last week (it was not even officially fall yet) and half of the stores were decorated for Christmas. There wasn’t even a Halloween decoration in sight. That is completely unacceptable to me. Fall deserves its time!

In honor of celebrating fall and rainy weather to the fullest, today, I thought I would share with you the books I believe are the best books to read in the fall. Let’s keep that fall spirit as alive as possible!

The Best Books to Read in the Fall

Harry Potter

It’s probably the back-to-school start and all the rain, but Harry Potter will forever mean fall to me. This year, I’m reading through Harry Potter with my kids, so I’m excited.

The Hunger Games

Something about adventures and revolution seems to go along in the fall. I’m not sure why The Hunger Games Trilogy reminds me of the fall, except perhaps because I first read it in the fall? At any rate, I love reading these books when it’s wet and cold outside.

The October Country

The October Country is a short story collection by Ray Bradbury, with one story in particular titled “The October Country.” There is a pretty obvious connection to fall in this story.

Redwall

Redwall is all about food, and if you have never read the books, they are worth it for the meal ideas alone. I always feel so hungry after reading Redwall. I love the food descriptions which sound like the perfect thing to serve on Thanksgiving.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Series of Unfortunate Events is slightly spooky, which makes it perfect for fall weather. I’m excited and a little nervous for the new reboot arriving on Netflix soon.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Stories of magic and adventure remind me of fall. I think if I had to guess which time spirits would walk the earth, I would definitely pick fall. I guess out ancestors felt that way too, which is why Halloween exists! Get it all in Howl’s Moving Castle.

Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors is a somewhat depressing short story collection by Neil Gaiman. When I read these stories, I feel like I am out in the mist somewhere with something spooky about to happen.

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy

The deep primal way that magic is addressed in this series of books makes The Gemma Doyle Trilogy one of my favorite YA magic series. Although it has creeped me out on several occasions, the writing captures the spirit of a cold, English fall.

The Lord of the Rings

What better way to celebrate fall weather than by curling up and reading epic adventures? After Harry Potter, I’ll probably have to tackle The Lord of the Rings series with my kids. It may be 10 years from now.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Time travel is weird, and The Time Traveler’s Wife is weirder. It appeals to my geeky science side and my love of magic and slightly depressing literature at the same time. This book belongs on any fall reading list.

Tell me, what are your favorite books to re-read in the fall? Or do you prefer to read new books every year?

Lit Lovers Link Party

Now it is time for YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can keep joining in.

If you want to be added as a contributor to the Lit Lover’s group board, just send me an e-mail at Brenda at dailymayo.com with your Pinterest user name.

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This Weeks Lit Lover Features

Last week, I loved this post from Natalie about Shakespeare Saturday. I love the edition she has!

Share your book posts!

An InLinkz Link-up

When temperatures start to drop, I find myself turning more to thrillers and mysteries. Foggy air, earlier sunsets, and cool temperatures remind me of scary, spooky events. I guess that is why I prefer to read about mysteries during this time.

This month, I’ve read 3 plot-driven thriller books for fall that would make great additions to your reading list.

Book: The Ice Cap and the Rift (book 2 in the Ancestor Series)

Author: Marshall R Chamberlin

Genre: Thriller/sci-fi and military

Source: Free from publisher

Readability Rating: 3 stars

Morality Rating: PG-13

Buy it: Amazon

The Ice Cap and the Rift Book Summary (from Amazon)

John Henry Morgan, ex-Marine, Director of the United Nation’s Institute for the Study of Unusual Phenomena, returns from the devastating attack on ISUP’s Mountain project in Belize only to be cast into the aftermath of the Comboquake and the dangers of the rift. Morgan and key ISUP staff mount an expedition to the rift and discover a cavern occupied one hundred and eighty thousand years ago, containing a perfectly preserved high-tech habitat and a traveling machine operated by unknown scientific principles. Survival for the ISUP scientists and preservation of new technologies for the benefit of humanity lie in choices of whom to trust.

What I Liked Most

I love any book that has a good sci-fi twist (true science fiction, not the sort of fantasy version of Star Wars). The blend of military military and science was believable, and from what I assume about the world, a situation with strange science would involve the military in a major way. The plot was solid and realistic from start to finish.

What I Liked Least

Although I do have minor bits of military experience, I don’ t really care for extreme technical information in books. I thought the military and technical details bogged the book down in spots.

Overall Thoughts

Anyone who loves solid, military-influenced fiction should really enjoy this book.

Book: The Marco Effect

Author: Jussi Adler-Olsen (Wikipedia says he is Danish, so yay for diversity!)

Genre: Crime Thriller

Source: Free through First to Read

Readability Rating: 4 stars

Morality Rating: PG-13

Buy it: Amazon (released Sep 9, 2014)

The Marco Effect Book Summary (from Amazon)

All fifteen-year-old Marco Jameson wants is to become a Danish citizen and go to school like a normal teenager. But his uncle Zola rules his former gypsy clan with an iron fist. Revered as a god and feared as a devil, Zola forces the children of the clan to beg and steal for his personal gain. When Marco discovers a dead body—proving the true extent of Zola’s criminal activities—he goes on the run. But his family members aren’t the only ones who’ll go to any lengths to keep Marco silent . . . forever.

What I Liked Most

It’s been a long time since I read a thriller that made me laugh (it might never have happened, actually). I really loved that The Marco Effect worked a little lightness and humor into the story although it was focused on traditional thriller topics. The story itself was more character-driven than I’ve found in many thrillers, which was refreshing. One of my favorite things about reading books from authors from other countries is the unique form of phrasing they bring to books.

What I Liked Least

In some spots, the plot dragged a bit, and in others, a person talked for too long in one solid chunk. In general, I’ve found that most people don’t say more than 2-3 sentences before they are interrupted.

Overall Thoughts

The Marco Effect is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in years. Even if you are not a typical thriller fan, I bet you would find something to like about this book (and I assume the other novels in the series, although I haven’t read them).

Book: Bones Never Lie

Author: Kathy Reichs

Genre: Crime Thriller

Source: Free through Net Galley

Readability Rating: 4 stars

Morality Rating: PG-13

Buy it: Amazon (released Sep 23, 2014)

Bones Never Lie Book Summary (from Amazon)

Unexpectedly called in to the Charlotte PD’s Cold Case Unit, Dr. Temperance Brennan wonders why she’s been asked to meet with a homicide cop who’s a long way from his own jurisdiction. The shocking answer: Two child murders, separated by thousands of miles, have one thing in common—the killer. Years ago, Anique Pomerleau kidnapped and murdered a string of girls in Canada, then narrowly eluded capture. It was a devastating defeat for her pursuers, Brennan and police detective Andrew Ryan. Now, as if summoned from their nightmares, Pomerleau has resurfaced in the United States, linked to victims in Vermont and North Carolina. When another child is snatched, the reign of terror promises to continue—unless Brennan can rise to the challenge and make good on her second chance to stop a psychopath.

What I Liked Most

The writing in Bones Never Lie was punchy and right to the point. After reading many books that go on forever needlessly, I enjoyed a book that went straight to the point. Bhe of this, the book was easy to read and didn’t take long.

What I Liked Least

I found in some spots I felt like I was reading a police report or legal document, which interrupted the flow of the story for me. I’m not sure if I needed so many distinct details about the case.

Overall Thoughts

Bones Never Lie is a thriller, and should leave you feeling somewhat depressed, but it doesn’t. This book is perfect for crime thriller fans who don’t want to leave the story feeling depressed. The ending is happy enough to please even non-seasoned thriller readers.

Share your favorite thriller with me in the comments!

More Thrillers at Daily Mayo

4 Heart-Pounding Thrillers Written by Women

Nine Years Gone

Black Chalk

Moving Day