Autumnal Reads

Fall reads that make you look mysterious while sitting on the train that are actually good

By: Maya Modelli

Fall, and more significantly school, always seems to hit me like a truck. Being able to take the time to read always makes me feel better and appreciate the world around me. Here are some of my favorite autumnal/Halloween-ish reads: 

“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley (1818): 

“Frankenstein” is one of my all-time favorite books. The narrative style is descriptive and captivating, while maintaining themes that hold relevance today, 200 years after it was written. The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein’s aspirations of modern science and the being he creates in the image of perfection, which ends up becoming a terrifying monster. The book switches between the point of view of Victor Frankenstein, trying to find the Monster as he feels responsible for the atrocities it commits and gradually descending into psychosis, and the Monster, as he comes to understand that he cannot be loved. The book falls into the psychological-thriller category, but continues to explore themes such as maternal instinct, the pursuit of knowledge, and alienation.

“Picnic at Hanging Rock” by Joan Lindsay (1967):

Set in 1900, “Picnic at Hanging Rock” follows the mysterious disappearance of a group of girls. Beginning with the Valentine’s Day picnic where the girls disappear, the novel describes the descent of the school and neighboring communities into chaos. “Picnic at Hanging Rock” is nightmarish and eerie, with great focus on obsession. The paradoxical nature of this book coupled with its mesmerizing language make it the perfect mid-length read. 

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis (1950):

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” may be a familiar children's novel, but frankly I find it to be sweet and autumnal. It’s a good choice if you're looking to read something easy and comforting. The story takes place in a mythical land called Narnia, ruled by a villainous White Witch. It follows four English children as they venture to save the creatures of Narnia from the White Witch.

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt (2013):

Set in New York, the narrative follows a young man's journey after the loss of his mother. With undertones of love and the tangibility of life, Tartt tells an enigmatic, philosophical tale of grief and coming of age, all surrounding a goldfinch painting. While this book is heavy and a great undertaking in terms of length, you will not be disappointed. It is the perfect book to read outside under the changing leaves or inside on a rainy afternoon.