Welcome to CalTimes’s Book of the Week series! We will be reviewing our favorite books and authors, old and new, across all genres. If you have any suggestions, please email us!
Whether you are ready to embrace the spooky season with open arms or snuggle in with a cozy fall romance, this list has the perfect selection for every reader.
For the one looking for something creepy to read:
“Misery” by Stephen King
Have you ever read a book you related to so much that the characters became real to you? This is the idea behind Stephen King’s psychological thriller, “Misery.” Published in 1987, “Misery” tells the chilling tale of Paul Sheldon, a famous novelist who finds himself held hostage by a super-fan of his romance series. The issue arises when his captor, Annie Wilkes, realizes that Paul Sheldon killed off Misery Chastain, the protagonist of his series, and Annie’s favorite character. Paul is faced with a difficult choice: rewrite an entire fictional world he spent so long creating, or remain a hostage of Annie Wilkes, literary-obsessed fangirl who clearly has a hard time separating fiction from reality.
“The Greatest Works of Edgar Allan Poe”
If anyone knew psychological horror and the macabre, it was Edgar Allan Poe. Poe seemed to be one of those writers who captured everyone’s attention in high school English class, and for good reason. If you’re looking for something you can pick up for a quick read, grab an Edgar Allan Poe collection and skim “The Tell-Tale Heart” or “The Fall of the House of Usher” for a creepy read.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
Although “The Bell Jar” isn’t considered horror, but rather a somewhat autobiographical work of fiction, it is the kind of story that will leave you feeling uneasy. Originally published in 1963, “The Bell Jar” follows the mental breakdown of Esther Greenwood, a young woman who spirals into depression after a New York internship. Esther’s story is one that will take the reader with her down a dark, confusing path. Plath’s “Fig Tree” symbolism is still frequently discussed in media, and “The Bell Jar” is worth the read just for a deeper understanding of the analogy.
For those looking for a fall romance:
“Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer
No autumn book recommendation list is complete without “The Twilight Saga.” The story follows teenager Bella Swan, new to Forks, Washington, the gloomy autumn destination of your dreams. While attending her new school, Bella meets The Cullens, a family of vampires. Edward Cullen, the only single member of the Cullen family, catches Bella’s attention, and it doesn’t take long for Edward to express interest in Bella too. The story is one of desire, instinct, and danger, and is the perfect autumn romance to kick off the season. Plus, the saga holds five books, perfect to span over your entire autumn season.
“My Oxford Year” by Julia Whelan
Published in 2018, “My Oxford Year” by Julia Whelan is a recent addition to many “favorites” shelves. The story follows Eleanor Durran, a recipient of Oxford’s Rhodes Scholarship. Utilizing the scholarship to study English literature, Eleanor finds herself swept off her feet by Jamie Davenport, a lecturer of one of her courses. Their story pulls at the heartstrings and will leave your heart aching – but the entire setting of the story is romantic, cozy, and history-rich, and leaves you with the perfect fuzzy feeling for autumn.
For the one still clinging to summer:
“One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle
There is someone out there rebelliously holding on to the last few days of summer heat; so, for you, I recommend “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle. The story follows 30-year-old Katy, a woman lost and heartbroken after her mother’s death. Katy travels solo to Positano for the Italian summer trip she had planned to take with her mother before she died. While in Positano, she encounters a sort of magic that encourages her to analyze her life choices, her mother’s influence on her life, and what her future should look like without her mom’s influence. Serle’s “One Italian Summer” is thought-provoking and will warm you up for that last taste of summer. It will also have you planning an excursion to the Amalfi Coast.
As autumn slowly creeps in, curling up to get lost in another world after class or work is the perfect escape. So, take a chance on a new genre or stick to the same old thing; reading is good for the soul, and this list offers the perfect ratio of spooky-to-cozy autumn stories sure to help you welcome in the new season.
