The cold weather is here! Even though the first day of autumn was a month ago, it finally feels like the season has changed. Bring on the sweaters, cozy blankets, and apple cider!
The history of the word “fall” goes back to the 1500s when it was short for “fall of the leaf,” referring to trees shedding their leaves. Before this, the season was commonly called “harvest,” but the term fell out of favor as it referred to both the time of year and the act of harvesting crops. “Autumn,” a word derived from the Latin for “passing of the year,” was popularized in the UK, while “fall” became more common in the United States.
We’ve got some great reads that take place in fall for you to enjoy and get you in the mood to rake your yard!
First up is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The Night Circus is a story about a mysterious circus that only appears at night and is filled with magical wonders. Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, have been trained since childhood to compete in a magical contest set within the circus. They don’t fully understand the rules or the purpose of the game, but as they create incredible, magical experiences to impress each other, they begin to fall in love. Their growing feelings make the competition more complicated, especially when they learn that only one can win and the price of losing is high. It’s a tale of enchantment, romance, and the power of choice.
Next is The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah. The Great Alone is about a teenage girl named Leni who moves with her parents to the wild, remote land of Alaska in the 1970s. Her dad, a former soldier, is struggling with anger and pain after the Vietnam War, and he believes that starting over in Alaska will fix everything. At first, life in the wilderness is exciting and beautiful, but as winter sets in and the days grow dark, things become dangerous—especially at home. Leni must learn to survive not just the harsh landscape, but also her father’s growing violence. Through it all, she discovers strength, love, and what it truly means to be free.
Finally, we’ve got The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. The Thirteenth Tale is about a young woman named Margaret who loves books and works in a quiet bookstore. One day, she’s invited by a famous but mysterious author, Vida Winter, to write her life story. Vida has always kept her past a secret, but now she’s ready to tell the truth. As Margaret listens to her strange and haunting tale about twins, a burned-down mansion, and family secrets, she starts uncovering mysteries of her own. The deeper she goes, the more she realizes that the past and present are connected in ways she never expected. It’s a story full of mystery, family, and the power of storytelling.
And, of course, don’t forget the greatest fall movie of all time (which is also a book by Alice Hoffman), Practical Magic. Practical Magic is about two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of witches. They grow up knowing they’re different, and there’s also a family curse: any man who falls in love with an Owens woman is doomed to die. As adults, Sally tries to live a quiet life, while Gillian is more wild and adventurous. But when a dangerous situation brings them back together, they have to use their magic—and their sisterly bond—to fix their mistakes and protect their family.
Looking for some fall fun? On October 27 at 7:00pm we’ve got Annie Hex, local tarot reader and performance artist, coming to teach us about the basics of tarot and why it’s a great tool for helping people gain insight.
You can also join us to learn why letting leaves stay in your yard this fall is good for your garden, local wildlife, and the planet! Discover how fallen leaves enrich soil, provide habitats, and reduce waste, all while saving you time and effort. Leaving the Leaves is October 28 at 6:00pm.
Need help finding more fall recommendations? Never fear — the Adult Services staff is here. Contact us at [email protected] to ask questions or for recommendations. We’re happy to help.