42. 14 Books I Want to Read This Fall
a mix of fantasy, literary fiction, and classics - with some rereads of course!
Happy Sunday friends! I did a fall reading and recommendation post last week on Instagram and I felt the need to dive in more, so here you go. Let me know if you have read any of these, or what books are on your fall reading list!
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
I’ve spoken a bit about this book and Coco in the past, like in this newsletter. I haven’t read her first book, Cleopatra and Frankenstein, and I’m not sure I will. Ultimately, I knew I wanted to read this for months because it is about sisters. I am a younger sister to my sister and an older sister to my brothers. Sisterhood is always unique and ever changing. Not one pair of sisters has the same relationship. It fascinates me, and it’s why I knew I needed to grab this as soon as it released in the US.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
So, I have already tried to read this once. I DNF’d it because I wasn’t in the mood for a fantasy (it was June, and I was craving romance). It wasn’t bad at all, but I wanted to give it a fair shot. I’m super intrigued by the premise, and to this day, I remember what I’ve read so far. Fantasy, witches, a very unique society, enemies (like actually) to lovers, big secrets and feelings … it just seems very fall coded. Plus, a lot of my friends online really enjoyed it! I hope to read it in October.
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
In my lifetime, I want to read every book of Kristin Hannah’s. Winter Garden comes recommended from friends of mine, and it sounds incredibly fascinating. I love historical fiction because I love history - it can be a bit like a story, and it is important to remember. With her special focus on female relationships, we have sisterhood (again) and mother-daughter relationships. Their mother is tough, disapproving. But her story? It will shake the sisters to their cores - or so I am told.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
Hi, yes, Kristin again! I feel a slight sense of dread going into this one. It’s about a mother who does everything for her children and the friend that changes all their lives one night of senior year. It follows into the aftermath and how everything is tested, destroyed, remade. I think it’s an important read for everyone because this bit of fiction is oftentimes reality.
One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake
I love Olivie’s writing style. Her books are also always gorgeous and so unique. I have mixed feelings on The Atlas Six and Alone With You In The Ether, but I enjoyed Masters of Death last fall (plus it’s stunning). I’ve heard this one is fabulous too. This book is about two rival witch families in Manhattan. Like ?? Of course I’m reading this in October.
The Serpent and The Wings of Night (reread) by Carissa Broadbent
I wish I kept my old blog up to show everyone how much I’ve loved Carissa for so long now. I feel so proud of her and happy for her in all her writing success. I was able to get this one in paperback, and it’s the start of my Carissa Broadbent collection. I want literally all of her books, and I’m willing to wait for them to be in paperback. I foresee this series becoming a comfort one to me.
Bride (reread) by Ali Hazelwood
This book shocked me with how much I liked it, especially because I’ve always been iffy with her other books. I loved how unique the world was, and I was fascinated by exploring it. The paranormal kidnapping mystery/marriage of convenience/enemies to lovers crossover was everything I didn’t know I needed. I wish this was released in October, so I’m going to reread it. There is obviously a scene or two that are … interesting, side-eyeing, hmm-ing, but the book is made up of more pages than that.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A classic I can’t believe I’ve never read before. I’ve been wanting to read this since early high school after my best friend who doesn’t really read told me its her favorite book. I’m on a journey to read more classics, and this is one that I know covers topics that we should all remember.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I think I’m ready. I’ve watched the movie (2005 of course) so many times that I get what they say now, which makes me want more. I think I can find that by reading it. I’m at an age now where I’ll appreciate it, and I have a solid understanding of the book already. I’m really excited for this!
Belladona series by Adalyn Grace
I honestly don’t know much about this trilogy except that the covers are literally mind blowing and that my friends enjoyed it. It seems like a murder mystery and magic crossover. What else do I need for fall?
Bunny by Mona Awad
Literary fiction of those secret underground college communities where they do bad things specifically in New England. That is so fall!! Plus, I’ve heard really great things about this book which makes me so excited to read it.
A Dawn of Onyx (series) by Kate Golden
I really hope I like this series because I already have the first two books of the series! Oops! Perhaps I trust my reading friends a bit too much? We have a magic wielding girl who is a prisoner and needs to break out, so I think I’ll be good!
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
I’m equally scared of this one and can’t wait to read it. I know I’ll devour it. Leah has finally come home after her submarine sank to the sea floor. She’s acting oddly, slipping away. What happened in the water? The description sounds like a thriller, but it’s classified as Literary and Sci Fi. I’m really interested to see how Julia explores the aftermath and how coming home after traumatic events like this changes who you are and your relationships.
Little Women by Lousia May Alcott
Hi sorry I feel like a fraud for not having read this yet. I adore the movie, but my copy is so massive it’s intimidating. Do not fear - I am determined to read it this fall and right my wrongs! A classic we all know and love about four sisters.
Some highly anticipated releases!! Also: affiliate links
Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Wrath of the Triple Goddesses by Rick Riordan (Fantasy): September 24, 2024
Counting Miracles by Nicolas Sparks (Romance): September 24, 2024
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Literary Fiction): September 24, 2024
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A Craig (Dark Fantasy): September 24, 2024
Graveyard Shift: A Novella by M. L. Rio (Thriller): September 24, 2024
Bad Liar by Tami Hoag (Mystery): September 24, 2024
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan (Fantasy): September 24, 2024
Books I’ve compiled from mainly the NYT Bestsellers List, but also the B&N Top 100 and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.
Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune (Fantasy, Family)
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Thriller)
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (Women’s Fiction)
Holly by Stephen King (Horror, Thriller)
TJ Klune has been churning out books recently. I’ve read two of them, and I’ll definitely read the new sequel.
TJ Klune is an award winning, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author. His books revolve around fantasy mixed with life lessons and queer representation. You might have heard of The House in the Cerulean Sea. It’s simply fabulous and genuinely makes my heart squeeze when I think about it. I also read Under the Whispering Door which made me sob like a baby.
TJ has been writing his whole life - since he was eight years old. His first book published in 2011, and he has been consistently publishing since. TJ’s goal is to write accurate representations of queer relationships, and he also seems to process his own feelings through his writing. His books will give you new perspective on life while also feeling a bit more complete inside.
You can learn more on his website or Instagram.
Just a reminder to comment any recommendations or email me: thesundayreads@gmail.com!
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
This would’ve been on the list had I not read it last week. A fascinating mix of magical realism, parallel timelines, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. I had no idea what the truth was until the end, and its a beautiful display of the love between generations of women.
That’s all for today. Much love
Izzy
Oh To Kill A Mockingbird is FANTASTIC I’m so excited to hear what you think!!
Pride and Prejudice and Bunny are both on my autumn read list! I definitely recommend To Kill A Mockingbird too - it's a classic for a reason.
I love the spotlight on TJ Klune too. I read The House in the Cerulean Sea earlier this year and absolutely adored it.