The season of fall brings pumpkin harvests, cinnamon smells, and rain-covered pavements. However, with school beginning, the magic of autumn seems to be covered with countless academic offsets. As stress levels begin to rise once again, individuals everywhere need a method of escapism to exit their world and enter an entire new reality. This problem seems difficult, but it actually has a very simple solution: books. After all, what better way to de-stress and begin this year’s autumn season than to cuddle up with an enticing fall-based novel? 

 

Struggling to find something fitting for the fall mood? Don’t worry! Continue reading on to find the top five best books to add to your reading list this pumpkin season. Ranging from adventure to romance to horror, there won’t be a book on this list that fails your reading urges.

 

 

 

 

1) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: J.K Rowling

Beginning with an iconic series that’s filled up bookshelves for over 20 years, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling is a fall classic. The story follows a boy named Harry, who at the young age of eleven discovers he has a secret gift for magic. As he navigates his way through his first year at his new wizarding school, Hogwarts, he discovers untold secrets about his past while making trustworthy allies. Packed with tons of fall imagery, eerie monsters, and more, the first book in the infamous franchise is definitely one to consider during the autumn season. 

 

2) The Last House On Needless Street: Catriona Ward

If horror is what you’re interested in, The Last House On Needless Street is a book you won’t be able to put down. This novel by Catriona Ward follows a sick man named Ted Bannerman and a vengeance-filled woman named Dee Walters. Ted suffers from a particular mental health condition which results in him having multiple different personalities, and he lives on the infamous Needless Street. Dee Walters is currently heartbroken from her sister’s disappearance, and after concluding that Ted may be responsible, she seeks out his residence for revenge. The narration for this book splits between the characters, as well as Ted’s daughter named Lauren, and Ted’s cat that strangely contains very human-like qualities. This book is a heavy psychological thriller with turns at every corner, so readers are advised to be amongst an older audience. In addition, Catriona Ward is also the first woman to win the August Derleth Award regarding Best Horror more than once, so her other novels are definitely worth checking out as well. 

 

3) The Ex Hex: Rachel Hawkin

Looking for a romantic comedy instead? The Ex Hex by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins follows the story of a witch named Vivienne Jones, who after getting her heart broken, casts an unethical spell on her ex boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow. Although all appears normal, a supposed supernatural curse mysteriously comes over Vivi’s town after Rhy returns back home after being away. The two quickly realize they have to put their past aside and work with each other to stop the mysterious curse, regardless of the unspoken chemistry between them. A quick, light, and easy read, The Ex Hex is an iconic second chance romcom, recommended for more mature readers. 

 

4) Twilight: Stephenie Meyer

Another book from a classic series, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer revolves around a 17-year-old girl named Bella Swan, who moves from Phoenix, Arizona to a small town named Forks, located in Washington. After settling into her new high school, Bella meets the mysterious, unaging Edward Cullen, another teen attending her school. With the possibility of a romantic relationship between the two, Bella quickly realizes the danger that comes along with the connection, as Edward and his family contain a deep, hidden, supernatural secret. Set in a small rainy town and filled with monsters, Twilight is definitely a book to add to this year’s fall reading list.

 

5) The Institute: Stephen King

A final story to add to your spooky list, The Institute by Stephen King is one for the dystopian horror fans. When a young boy named Luke is kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken to a place filled with kids containing magical abilities, a story is waiting to unfold. Unlike Harry Potter’s journey in Hogwarts, these children are trapped at this secret location for the “better good” of society, to be isolated from the rest of the world. Angry, confused, and fueled with revenge, Luke and his fellow allies make an enticing plan to escape.  Another solid horror book, King’s writing reputation will never not disappoint. 

 

 

Regardless of whether the story has physical or mental monsters, fall is definitely the season for reading. The books listed above provide a solid basis for the rest of autumn, and if you’re interested in more, consider checking out other novels made by the same authors. Happy reading!