The following post contains affiliate links, which sends me a small percentage of any sales at no cost to you.
Well, summer is officially coming to a close and, while I’m sad the sun is setting earlier in Buffalo (and it’s already been a little chilly), I am looking forward to the stack of seasonal books I’ve pulled for myself.
While my summer reading tends to be more beach-based, with sunny rom-coms and Nantucket boat rides, my fall reading is centered around school campuses, spooky stories, and that fresh-start feeling.
My fall list this year is a mix of new and backlist titles, so if you’re inspired to read along with me for any of these, hopefully you’ll have no problem finding them.
I purchased a good portion of my fall reading stack from Thriftbooks, and I do have a referral code if you want to earn free books:
Now, onto the fall books!
‘The Thoroughbreds’ by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
Elin Hilderbrand found a way to go from the beach to an elite private school campus with “The Academy” series. The first book was released last year, and I’m happy to say I devoured it (full review is here), so it’s probably no surprise that I pre-ordered book two, “The Thoroughbreds,” months ago.
In book two, it’s a new year at Tiffin Academy, but lingering questions from last semester need answers. Romances on the rocks, secret party spots, academy finances, and the school social structure… where will it leave everyone?
I believe this is the final book in the series, but there are serious rumors swirling about an accompanying TV show reminiscent of “Gossip Girl.”
‘You Are Here’ by Karen Lin-Greenberg
I actually purchased this book when I got my summer haul from ThriftBooks, but put it aside for the fall. “You Are Here” is the story of a once-bustling mall in upstate New York (Albany, I think?) and its store employees as the mall loses business.
Mall culture was a massive part of my childhood and teen years, but I know malls across the country are, for the most part, deserted. I actually went to the Buffalo mall a few weeks ago for a last-minute dress I needed and was in awe of how nice it was, how many open stores it had, and how busy it was!
I felt like an alien seeing a mall for the first time, as I don’t think I’ve been to a mall in 10 years, minus one outlet mall I went to in Nashville that also housed a Madame Tussauds. I was all, “Oh my god, a FOOD COURT! Cheesecake Factory! Barnes & Noble!”
Anyway, I don’t know why I necessarily put this book in the fall stack, but I know I’m excited to read it, and I’m planning on getting back to the mall as it gets colder to cheer myself up 🙂
‘The Very Heart of It’ by Thomas Mallon
I treated myself to this book when I went to the Strand bookstore in the city last December. Very rarely do I let myself buy a new book based only on its cover and description, instead of scouring reviews and seeing if I can get it at the library or used.
I was very drawn to this one, as “The Very Heart of It” is a collection of Mallon’s diary entries from the 1980s and 90s, set in New York, covering his literary coming-of-age during the AIDS crisis. Mallon is a literary professor, which is why I added it to my fall stack (NY campus scenes incoming).
I know this book will likely be heavy at times, but it also captures the joy of someone living in an exciting time in the city and in his life. I have also really loved reading Andy Cohen’s Diaries, so I’m thinking I’ll enjoy this, too!
‘Hollywood, Ending’ by John Green
Full transparency: As soon as I heard John Green was coming out with a new book (not to mention his first-ever adult fiction), I pre-ordered it without even looking at its description or anything.
I will read EVERYTHING this man writes, no questions asked.
So, after looking at its description for the sake of this blog post, “Hollywood, Ending” is the story of two actors starring in an Andy Warhol biopic. This book frames Andy Warhol’s story alongside two rising stars trying to figure out who they are.
Sounds like a book I’ll devour 🙂
‘Your Favorite Scary Movie’ by Ashley Cullins
I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat, so I don’t watch many scary movies, but “Scream” is a favorite.
I heard about this book last year (maybe even multiple years ago) and knew I had to read it.
“Your Favorite Scary Movie” is a deep dive into the “Scream” franchise, including interviews with the cast, creators, and crew, plus an exploration of how the films were made.
As a screenwriter, I’m excited to read about one of my favorite franchises from this unique angle. And PS, isn’t the cover fantastic?!
‘Ordinary Time’ by Annie B. Jones
I admit it: I’m not a huge fan of essay collections. But, as a fan of Annie B. Jones’ bookstore (The Bookshelf) and her podcast, “From the Front Porch,” there’s no way I could ignore her author debut!
“Ordinary Time” is Jones’ experience of staying put, living life in her childhood town, raising a family with her high school sweetheart.
Despite once having dreams of living in a big, bustling city and always saying goodbye to friends leaving the neighborhood for other adventures, Jones explores what life can look like when you stay put.
As someone who has never stayed anywhere (lol), I’m curious to read her perspective!
‘Wreck’ by Catherine Newman
I read “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman this summer, and absolutely LOVED it (full review is here), so when I saw it had a sequel, I immediately purchased a copy.
While “Sandwich” took place at a vacation home in Cape Cod, its sequel, “Wreck,” revisits the family two years later at their Massachusetts home.
Things seem relatively normal (at least for this family) until Rocky becomes obsessed with a local accident.
The cover of this book has quintessential fall vibes, and I’m really looking forward to diving in.
‘A Cook’s Tour’ by Anthony Bourdain
This book likely has nothing to do with fall, and it’s on this list only because I saw “Tony” last month and was reminded I still have some of his books on my shelf that I haven’t read yet.
“A Cook’s Tour” is Bourdain’s quest to find the PERFECT meal and, along the way, he redefines what perfection means to him, especially in the face of a worldly adventure.
Fall feelings or not, I’m looking forward to reading about the food and the places from the warmth of my blankie while keeping my unemployed wallet intact.
‘Directed by James Burrows’ by James Burrows
Fall TV used to be a big deal (at least in the 90s), when all the major networks announced their lineups in September, and we all sat on our couches and watched weekly shows at the same time!
Streaming has, of course, changed that, but some shows still draw people years later, such as “Friends,” “Frasier,” or “Will & Grace.” All of these shows (and more) were directed by James Burrows, who passed away this summer.
When I heard the news, I remembered I had his book on my shelf, unread. So, it’s here, on the fall stack! “Directed by James Burrows” tells first-hand stories about casting his shows, how he created them, and offers insight into his inspiration, challenges, and career.
As a fan of several of his shows, I’m excited to explore them from a different angle.
The Sweet Valley High Series by Francine Pascal
For some reason, a memory popped into my mind: our weekly visits to the school library in middle school. At the time, I think I was still reading “Babysitters Club” and “Goosebumps,” while many of my classmates checked out novels with soapy covers and serious plotlines.
I googled these books recently and discovered it was the “Sweet Valley High” series, which impressively spans 180+ books! The series takes place in Sweet Valley, California, where a set of twins attend high school and battle adult challenges like dating older guys, riding motorcycles (and crashing them), drinking at parties, and climbing the social ladder.
I don’t think I would have enjoyed (or even understood) these in middle school, but now? Bring it on!
The physical books stopped printing in 2003, so ThriftBooks came in clutch, and I ordered the first 10 books in the series. I’ll see how much more I want to read after that, ha!
… And that’s my fall reading list! A hefty one, yes, but I’m excited to dive in.
What are you reading this season?
For more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Goodreads @thebitterlemon – where I share more of my book picks.
The Bitter Lemon 