With autumn upon us, it’s the perfect season to curl up with a warm blanket, perhaps some pumpkin spice, and immerse yourself in stories. Whether you lean toward cozy reads or delightfully spooky tales, booksellers are ready to guide your reading adventures this fall. From magical escapades to haunting mysteries, let’s explore the enchanting choices available this season.
Ava Najafi from Alinéa bookstore shared insights about the literary divide many readers face as the leaves fall. “Readers seem to be split between spooky reads and cozy, relaxing ones,” she stated. Together with Sonja Persch from Ernster, they curated top picks for the season.
If You’re Looking to Cozy Up:
Ali Smith’s novel, Autumn, is the first recommendation for those seeking comfort. This book is part of Smith’s seasonal quartet, which beautifully captures the essence of the fall.
If you’re more inclined toward light-hearted enjoyment, Pumpkin Spice Café and The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore may strike your interest. Najafi describes these titles as “perfect light-hearted reads for readers who adore autumn and pumpkin spice lattes.”
These cozy stories promise to whisk readers away to peaceful cafes and enchanting bakeries, inviting them to indulge their senses as they sip and snack alongside the characters.
For Those Looking for Spook and Horror:
On the flip side, both Najafi and Persch recommend A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez for those wanting chills down their spine. Najafi emphasizes its Gothic allure by stating, “This novel is perfect for horror lovers. Latin American authors truly have a unique talent for crafting beautiful horror stories.”
Persch praised the collection of twelve distinct horror stories, mentioning, “Each tale feels distinct, yet they share a haunting atmosphere.” With supernatural beings and chilling realities intertwined, this book might be the ideal pick for the brave hearts wanting to embrace the darker side of autumn.
Classic spooks also find their place among the recommendations. Najafi points out the timeless Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and the chilling The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson as must-reads for lovers of the gothic genre. Readers can’t go wrong with these canonical works, promising thrills and deep reflections on humanity.
For those who prefer thrilling mysteries, We Solve Murders by Richard Osman offers both action and humor, making it enticing for fans of the Thursday Murder Club series. Persch encourages readers by noting how the protagonist navigates the perilous world of crime-solving without compromising character depth.
New Releases to Keep on Your Radar:
Autumn also brings with it exciting new releases, many of which are already creating buzz. Among them, Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is noteworthy for those enamored with the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. The series has captivated audiences, and this latest installment promises to deliver more sentiment and warmth.
Perhaps the biggest highlight this season is Sally Rooney’s much-anticipated release, Intermezzo. “We sold out of it in less than five days,” Najafi revealed, demonstrating its overwhelming popularity. Rooney’s contemplative narrative—focusing on estranged brothers dealing with grief—aims to leave readers reflecting on their own connections.
“The novel explores love, loss, and the messy intricacies of human relationships,” Persch adds, underlining how Rooney’s unique storytelling can impact readers deeply.
Not just confined to fiction, readers can also discover the stirring realities within Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible, which delves deep as it traces the transformative adventures of Grace Winters on the Mediterranean island.
Closing Thoughts:
Autumn invites the cozy warmth of beloved blankets and the adventures waiting within the pages of books. With enticing selections from comforting classics to spine-tingling horrors, Luxembourg’s booksellers provide ample choice for every reader's taste this season. So, whether you seek to soothe your soul or thrill your spirit, grab your next book and enjoy the captivating stories of autumn.
