As fall is in full swing, I find myself wanting nothing more than to curl up with a good book. While fuzzy blankets and an autumnal drink set the tone for a cozy day of reading, the genre of a novel can be a make or break. Here are my recommendations for books that will undoubtedly get you ready for sweater weather.
“She and Her Cat: Stories” by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
Shinkai and Nagakawa’s collection of short stories is absolutely endearing. Shifting between perspectives of Miyu and her cat, Chobi, the book highlights the beauty in everyday life. The best thing about this book is that readers can escape into a world of simple adventure without ever leaving their bedroom.
“This Shining Life” by Harriet Kline
Arguably the most somber of the recommendations, “This Shining Life” is a story that will inevitably tug at your heartstrings. The story jumps between past and present, as a family copes with a terminal diagnosis. Young Ollie attempts to solve the puzzle that his father left behind for him, with his efforts leading to more than readers could imagine. The family manages to still find joy regardless of circumstance and their attitude is infectious.
“Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters” by Mark Dunn
Readers follow protagonist Ella as her island, Nollop, descends into disarray. As letters begin to fall off of the island’s beloved monument, she finds herself scrambling to protect freedom of speech. The story is told through letters between Ella and her friends, family and neighbors. Dunn’s play on linguistics is nothing short of a literary masterpiece. Quirky and wildly creative, I simply could not put it down.
“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Would you travel back in time if you could? Set in a hole in the wall café, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” follows four customers, each holding on to their past in some way. Characters grapple with love, loss and friendship throughout the feel-good story. Reminiscent of a childhood fairytale, the book plays into nostalgia without losing sight of its hard-hitting themes.
