MOVE Staff Picks: Must Read Books This Fall - The Maneater

The best way to get into the cozy autumn spirit is to get sucked into a great book.MOVE reporters hand picked some of their favorite fall reads to put you in the pumpkin carving mood.“We Have Always Lived In The Castle” —Shirley JacksonRecommended by Sterling SewellShirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a book that sticks in the back of your head for months after reading it.The story centers on Mary “Merricat” Blackwood who lives with her sister and infirm uncle on their family estate.Tragedy shrouds the family, as six years prior to the events of the story the sisters’ parents, brother and aunt all died at a family dinner. Since then, the local town has ostracized the family from society.The witch-inspired storyline and setting in 1960s Vermont have always reminded me of the autumn months.I discovered this novel during the COVID-19 lockdown and its themes of isolation, madness and memory resonated during that time.“The List of Things” -Emma MillerRecommended by Izabelle CoolEmma Miller’s “The List of Things” is a romance novel between two college students at Seattle Pike University.Miller uses the trope of the golden-retriever football player, Bellamy Archer, and the black-cat bookworm, Kamryn Hart.Kamryn is a sports medicine student who doesn’t believe in love and thinks all boys see affection as purely physical. One night, she makes a list of things that happen in rom-com movies to prove to her best friend that the love portrayed in them doesn’t exist in real life.The star football player, Bellamy, finds the list when he comes over to be tutored by her.He offers to help prove to her that everything on the list can and will be checked off in under three weeks.She warily agrees, excited to prove everyone wrong that romance is real.After the three weeks, will things change?Miller and I were in the same acting troupe growing up. When she released this book as her debut novel, I knew I needed to read it.What connected me to the book was that she created a playlist with a song that went with every chapter.My favorite chapter is Crazier, which is named after Taylor Swift’s song.Listening to the playlist while reading allows you to understand what feelings Miller wanted to convey to readers.“The List of Things” is a good fall read because the story is set in Seattle, good for a rainy day, and the story takes you through the emotions of opening up to others during heartfelt and hardmoments. I couldn’t put it down, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.“Just Kids” -Patti SmithRecommended by Ava McCluer“Just Kids” tells the true story of Patti Smith’s love affair and friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and their intertwining lives as struggling artists in New York City.Almost as much about love for art and music as it is love for each other, this is a beautifully written memoir.Smith is not only a writer, but also a singer, songwriter, artist, painter and poet.Her eclectic artistry shows in her writing with frequent references to artists and musicians, writing that she met Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and more.This deeply emotional story with beautiful, poetic prose left me with a greater appreciation for art and friendship. As the holiday season approaches, I have a fonder appreciation stories like these.are.“The Metamorphosis” -Franz KafkaRecommended by Ava McCluerI often struggle to connect with many popular classics like this one.The language is not always accessible, and for those just getting into literary fiction, it can be difficult to understand.However, “The Metamorphosis” is one of the first classics I have read that I felt I could fully understand.Franz Kafka’s story of a man who wakes up one morning as a giant beetle is full of dark humor and an underlying theme of hatred towards the things we don’t understand, a perfect eerie subject for lovers of horror movies.For those wanting to get into reading classics but don’t know where to start or anyone who is interested in philosophy, “The Metamorphosis” is a great read. The book presents themes of nihilism and existentialism made simple, while Gregor’s character is complex and his character arc is incredibly intriguing.Around 200 pages, this is the perfect book to get you out of a reading rut or to curl up with around Halloween.“The Secret History” -Donna TarttRecommended By Faith JacobyAs someone who loves history and a good book, “The Secret History” drew me in from the start.Following six Greek students at a liberal arts college in Vermont, the story is a collage of murder mystery, dark academia and all-around pretentious energy.This book is perfect for college students, especially during the fall semester, who crave an autumnal thriller with hints of Latin, coffee and cigarettes.This one stays with you long after you put it down!“Catcher in the Rye” -J.D. SalingerRecommended by Ava McCluerSimilar to “The Metamorphosis,” this is a great classic for beginners.Fans of the anti-hero trope will love (or hate) Holden Caulfield, a cynical and angsty teenager.Written as a stream of consciousness, I loved how it felt like a constant conversation between the reader and Caulfield.“American Psycho” and “A Clockwork Orange” lovers will enjoy this complex character study of adolescents and identity.“The Catcher In The Rye,” while polarizing, is a beautiful read because it allows the reader to see Holden’s flaws and still understand him.I found his character incredibly lovable by the end. With very natural, run-on prose, this novel is remarkably human.This book is sometimes required reading in high school, but if you never got a chance to read it, fall is the perfect time.Reading this exploration of transitioning and coming of age is symbolic of not only life as a college student, but also the season of autumn.Whether you always have a book in your hand or you are wanting to get more into reading, great books like these will make the cold autumn months to come feel a little warmer.Edited by Alex Goldstein | [email protected] edited by Grace Knight and Brooklyn CrossEdited by Sophie Rentschler | [email protected]