Fall Reading List

Call me basic, but fall is without a doubt my favorite season of the year. Fall reading can look like a lot of different things, but it typically makes me think of doorstop novels, family stories (especially if food plays a role), and non-fiction that really makes me think. I think this list has a bit of all of those.

The goal here isn’t perfection. I don’t expect to actually get through all of these titles in the next few months. If I go off-script and read something not on the list, that’s ok too! It’s been so fun to curate a list of varying titles to pull from as I make reading choices, and even more fun sharing it.

I also want to include a friendly reminder that I have not read any of these books yet. If you pick one up and find it repulsive, or boring, or offensive, I apologize. We all have different tastes, and not all of these will be to yours (or mine, for that matter).

Over the summer I was delighted to hear from some friends who read books off of that seasonal list. If you read one, or a bunch of these, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts and engage in some bookish chit chat.

Grab your cardigans, seasonal drinks, and cozy up with a book. I know I will!

Backlist Fiction

The Chicken Sisters

by KJ Dell’Antonia

The title of this book gave me pause, but the premise has lots of things I like. Fried chicken, a small town, and family drama. I’m hoping for some Hallmark movie-like vibes, but with less romance.

Matrix

by Lauren Groff

It’s historical fiction about a nun, friends. After reading “Fates and Furies,” I trust Lauren Groff to keep me engaged in an unlikely topic. I’ve seen this listed as a favorite by many of my trusted recommendation sources, so I’m excited to see where it goes.

Olive Kitteridge

by Elizabeth Strout

Elizabeth Strout keeps going back to Crosby, Maine and the characters she first introduced in “Olive Kitteridge. I’m ready for my introduction to the quirky cast of townspeople. Bonus points for being so late to this book that I can binge the miniseries when I finish the book.

Nonfiction

Cloud Cuckoo Land

by Anthony Doerr

Here’s my doorstop of a book selection. From what I can tell this book seems to defy description. Do I feel like reading this will make me see smart and cultured? Maybe. Will I abandon it after 100 pages? Also, possible.

Transcendent Kingdom

by Yaa Gyasi

Yaa Gyasi is another trusted author, and in this book she looks at the intersection of religion and science. This has been on my shelf since it came out in 2020, its about time I finally read it.

Waiting for Tom Hanks

by Kerry Winfrey

This one goes out to all my rom-com loving friends. I’ve heard that Kerry Winfrey’s romance books are low on the spice scale, which is a plus for me. Hopefully pairs well with one of non-fiction picks for the season.

Rookie Mistakes

by Kelly Bandas

Kelly Bandas is very funny on Instagram. This book promises to contain plenty of humor alongside her reflections on growing up. I’m excited that I convinced my book club to make this our September book!

Atlas of the Heart

by Brene Brown

Brene made us a really pretty textbook, and this fall I hope to sit down and read it. I’m considering a homework like approach to it. I think it could be beneficial to spread out the reading and really give myself time to soak it all in.

Her Country

by Marissa R. Moss

I LOVE country music. Ken Burn’s PBS documentary on the genre helped me dive into it’s history. This book zeros in on the last 20 years, and how women have fought for every bit of success they have found during those years.

It’s Better to be Feared by Seth Wickersham

I am going to read a big fat football book, because what better time than the start of the NFL season? I also expect it to be about a lot more than the Xs and Os of football.

Celebrities for Jesus

by Katelyn Beaty

I was intrigued by this book as soon as it was announced. Katelyn Beaty is a great Twitter follow, and the early reviews for this book are glowing.

I’ll Have What She’s Having

by Erin Carlson

Pairs well with “Waiting for Tom Hanks,” I hope. Entertainment journalism is so fun to read. This book looks at the movies and life of Nora Ephron. Should fit nicely between rewatching “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

I love essays, and I love Ann Patchett. Visiting her bookstore, Parnassus in Nashville, in the spring was such a fun experience. I’ve never read her non-fiction before, but that’s about to change.

A Curious Faith by Lore Ferguson Wilbert

As I’ve grown older I have let go of a lot of the “answers” I thought I knew about God. Christians have not necessarily developed a reputation for their curiosity. I’m super onboard with this book’s promise that the Bible is a permission slip to ask all the questions.

New Release Fiction

The Candy House

by Jennifer Egan

I love “A Visit From the Goon Squad.” It's an all-time favorite for me, but it is definitely not for everyone. The same will probably be true for this follow-up. My pre-order arrive a couple of months back and I can tell you that the cover is shiny and beautiful.

Booth

by Karen Joy Fowler

I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I’m interested in all things Abraham Lincoln adjacent. Blame it on my Illinois upbringing. This book tells a fictionalized version of the story of John Wilkes Booth’s family.

Flight

by Lynn Steger Strong

Described as a “Family Stone” like story. A bunch of adult children dealing with all their baggage at the holidays. This one releases in November, and should make for good holiday reading.

The Measure

by Nikki Erlick

Everyone gets a box that tells then exactly how long they will live. What then? I’m excited to find out. I am also giving this a try because the promotional copy says it is “uplifting,” no less than a gazillion times.

The Maid

by Nita Prose

I’m imagining this book to be like a mix of “The Flight Attendant” on HBO and “Knives Out.” Florence Pugh has already been cast to star in the adaptation, so you know it’s gotta be good.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

by Gabrielle Zevin

I’ve heard so much about this book about friendship and video games. I’m going in with some hopes that it might be a book that Ben and I will both read and enjoy.