Tag: Fall

What I’m reading, Fall 2025

Fall is upon us, finally. Yes, technically, Fall doesn’t start until September 22nd. But I’ve been drinking pumpkin spice for weeks already.

Fall is easily my favorite season. And part of that is because it’s the best time of the year for reading. Warm drinks taste better. Candles burn brighter. And no one wants to be baking anything in the Summer.

I’m behind on my reading goal for the year still, but I have some fantastic books on my Fall Reading list. Some are new. Some are just new to me. We’ve got a blend of fiction and non-fiction. Hopefully, you’ll find something to interest you on this list. If you do, let me know.

And as always, you can follow along with my reading journey on Goodreads.

Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Got to get this one out of the way first. It’s a yearly October read. Yes, it’s a children’s book. No, I don’t care.

Halloween Tree is the story of a magical, terrifying Halloween night. It’s the story of a group of boys flying through history to save their friend Pip. The story is wonderful, the artwork is a delight. All around a trick and treat.

House of Quiet by Kiersten White

This one was on my Summer reading list. But I still haven’t gotten my hands on it.

This is a very busy season in my life.

House of Quiet kind of feels like a cross between Ms Perrigrin’s Home for Peculiar Children and Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. Rest assured, we’ll be talking about it here as soon as I read it.

Banana Rose by Natalie Goldberg

My hero has written exactly one fiction book. And can you believe I’ve never read it?

It’s about a marriage in which two people become very different and eventually drift apart. It’s about her marriage. It’s probably also about Zen. Because everything she writes is, at its core, about writing and Zen.

They don’t seem that different.

The Great Failure by Natalie Goldberg

For some reason, I thought this book was coming out this month. Turns out it was published in 2004. Well, it’s still a Natalie Goldberg book, and I still want to read it.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This book was a recommendation from my library. Shout out to my local library. It’s about a deity called Father going missing, and his children battling to claim his power.

This seems like wild dark fantasy and a great fun book.

Rehab, an American Scandal by Shoshana Walter

Because clearly, I needed another reason to be angry.

How we treat, or neglect, people with addictions is a particular sore spot with me. I lost two people I cared deeply about to addiction. It shouldn’t happen. And the places we depend on to help our loved ones sometimes do more harm than good.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

This one seemed like a chilly good tale for spooky season. It’s a psychological thriller about a woman locked in a psychiatric ward and her sister who attempts to save her. I’m currently on a rather long wait list at my library for this book, so I’m assuming it’s going to be a good one.

Jesusland by Joelle Kidd

If you’re a fan of Fundie Friday (and if you’re not, you should be), you recently got to see a long interview with this author. It was fascinating. And as a former Mormon, I am fascinated by Christian culture. The Silver Ring Thing. The music that makes it sound like God is our boyfriend. The magazines that exemplify a ‘pure’ life.

It’s all a little crazy when seen from the outside. I’m partway through this book already, and I am loving seeing this weird Jesus Freak culture from someone else who grew up with it and escaped.

Banned by Weston Brown

This is another one that I learned about from Fundy Friday. But it’s certainly darker. It’s about a young man who escaped his deeply fundamental family, struggled with discovering the world, and eventually went to battle against his own mother in the world of book banning. I am sure this one’s going to upset me. I’m still going to read it.

Don’t Blow Yourself Up by Homer Hickam

I read Rocket Boys years ago. It was fantastic. And now, Hickam’s written a book about his adult life. It’s about his writing, his career, his journey to working for NASA. I am very excited about this book.

Poetry as spellcasting by Tamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill and Lisbeth White

This book has been on my TBR list forever. I swear, I’m getting to it. I clearly have to read this book; it was tailor-made for a writing witch who’s super into social change. I will read this book this season. I just need to get to it.

Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by Erin Lowry

I loved the first Broke Millennial book. It taught me so much about money. And with the rise of ‘trad wives’, I’m really becoming an advocate for women’s financial literacy. So expect me to talk about this book after I read it.

Look, writers don’t always make a lot of money. If you’re going to have a small income and a long career, you need to be good with money. You need to learn about investing. So, that’s the plan.

Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson

I have been feeling called to learn more about Mary Magdalene for a while now. This probably won’t be the last book I read about her. But it sure seems like a great place to start.

Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay

I got this book purely because I found it randomly for five dollars at Dollar General. There was no way I was passing that up. And I’ve yet to read a Paul Tremblay book I didn’t adore. Also, this book is about something I am legitimately terrified of. A rabies-like illness. No joke, rabies scares the hell out of me. So this book will likely upset me in a very deep way.

I’m stoked.

Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou

I don’t talk enough about how much I love Maya Angelou. She is amazing. Her life is amazing. She’s taught me so much. I got this book because it was on special for just two dollars. I am very excited to read it.

As always, I might not get to all of these books. But I will almost certainly enjoy every one I get to. Assuming I don’t accidentally pack them, like I did with my can opener. (I didn’t pack the corkscrew, just the can opener. Which should tell you where my priorities are.)

Now I’m excited to hear from you. What are you reading this Fall? Let us know in the comments.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you love what I do here, please consider liking and sharing this post and leaving a comment. You can also support me financially on Ko-fi.

Spooky season is coming, and it’s time for some creepy reads. Check out my horror novel Quiet Apocalypse, about a witch trapped in her apartment during a dark winter storm with a demon devoted to ending the world.

Or check out my horror short, The Man In The Woods. A man tries desperately to protect his granddaughter from the mysterious man in the woods. But his fear only grows when a new housing complex is built too close to the woods.

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My 2024 Fall reading list

Fall will be with us officially on Sunday. Banned Books Week also starts on Sunday. So it seems like a good time to sit down with a scented candle, a good cup of something warm and write out a reading list for the Fall season.

While I am unsure if any of these books are on the official banned book list, I feel comfortable saying they would almost all be banned in Florida schools. So we’re rolling with that.

This list is not full of new books, but all but one are new to me. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction. All have caught my eye. Rather than suggesting that you read every book on this list, I’d like to invite you to make your own Fall reading list. And please, as always, share it with us in the comments.

Happy Fall reading.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

This one’s been on my list for a while. When I found it at random on the library shelf, I took that as a sign to grab it. It’s the story of a boy and his dog discovering a magical and dark world in their shed. There’s nothing to dislike there.

Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

I read this every Halloween. It’s a fantastic blend of poetic writing and history. If you haven’t read it, consider this your sign to read it this year. And if you have littles, read it aloud to them. It’s a magical time.

William by Mason Coile

This is a new novel about an AI smart house that, as always, turns evil. I love stories like this. And it is an example of an old story told in a new way. At l—at, I think it’ll be a great example. I haven’t read it yet.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

I should say I plan to read this if I can get my hands on it. I’m currently fifteenth in line for this book at my local library. It’s been all over Instagram, and people are not shutting up about it. And as it is a haunted house story, I had to read it.

Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg

I’m still playing catch-up with Goldberg’s work. I forget sometimes that people continue to live and do things when I’m not looking at them. But Writing on Empty should be fascinating, as it’s one of my favorite writers struggling with something I don’t believe in, writer’s block. Let’s see if she changes my mind on this. If anyone can, she can.

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix

I think this is about a rock star who sold her soul for musical talent. I know it’s by Grady Hendrix and I’ve yet to find a book of his that I didn’t simply devour. He’s become an instant buy (or borrow) author for me.

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White

This is the story of Lucy, one of Dracula’s first victims. And if it’s anything like the other works by White, I cannot wait to start reading it.

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Feminism has never been as intersectional as we’d like it to be. Part of fixing that is educating myself. I’m also fascinated by women who do daring things. So this one should be a great read.

Sisters in Hate by Darby Seyward

It’s not just men who hold up these damaging alt-right beliefs that are so damaging to our country and communities. I want to hear the stories of the women who align themselves with these horrific ideologies. Maybe if I can hear their stories, I can understand how to help them write better ones.

We’ll Prescribe You A Cat by Syou Ishida and translated by E. Madison Shimoda

I am entranced by the premise of this story. People in emotional and physical need are given cats. These cats proceed to change their lives.

I’m writing this post with the cat who has brought so much brightness into my life on my lap right now. I plan to read this one with her stationed squarely on my stomach.

The Hygge Witch Handbook by Courtney Hope

Oh, you didn’t think I was going to get through this whole list without adding one witchcraft book, did you?

Hearth witchcraft is not exactly the core of my practice, but it’s a big part of it. And I’ve been practicing hygge for years. The concept of slowing down, savoring life and embracing little joys is essential for living joyfully in a world full of darkness. I am very excited to learn about incorporating hygge into my witchy homemaking practices.

Will I get to all of these books? I dearly hope so. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to check in with me.

And if you’re looking for new books to add to your Fall reading list, don’t forget that Starting Chains is coming out on October 4. Broken Patterns is already available on Amazon.

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My Fall reading list

I used to do this every season, posting a list of books I planned to read. I got away from it because I’m as fickle as the wind and more rebellious against myself than anyone else. Putting a book on a reading list seemed to be a sure sign that I’d be reading anything except that book including the backs of Monster drink cans. 

But I really want to give it a try again. Maybe because Fall feels like back to school, and I love a good reading list. 

Also, there are some events in Fall that will dictate my reading to a point. Banned Books Week is in October, so I want to read certain things for that. Then there’s Halloween and Nanowrimo. As such, much of what I read for the rest of the year will be horror and writing related.

Oh darn, my two favorite things. 

So here’s what I plan to read this Fall. The list might be a bit aspirational, since we just got a new family member who’s taking up an awful lot of my time and attention.

I’m not including my holiday books, because that’s just five books I read every year. Some of these books are new, some are new to me. Some are old favorites. And of course, if something comes out or I get offered an ARC this might get adjusted. But as of right now, here’s the plan for Fall reading.

The Roots Grow Into The Earth by Bert S. Lechner 

I should already have finished this book by the time you’re reading this. I should in fact have a review of it up on Haunted MTL. It’s a pretty chilling read so far. 

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This is a no-brainer. I might not have loved Daughter of Dr. Moreau, but I have adored every other one of her books I’ve gotten my hands on. 

Holly by Stephen King

Dad wrote another book, of course I’m gonna read it. And, it’s about my favorite character from the Mr. Mercedes trilogy and The Outsider. It’s like this book was made for me. 

The ruin of all witches by Malcom Gaskill

This is a nonfiction book about a witch hunt in Springfield Massachusetts in 1651. I don’t think I need to explain why I want to read this one.

Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey

I just thought this would be a really fun book to read for Halloween. I’m a sucker for a good historical ghost story. 

Gather Together in My Name by Maya Angelou

I really love reading a Maya Angelou book for Banned Books Week. Which is in October this year, by the way. No idea why they moved it, except the current state of banned books in America is scary. 

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

I read this every year for Halloween. It’s cute, the artwork is delightful, and it doesn’t feel like Halloween without it. If you’ve never read it yourself, I cannot suggest it enough. 

Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix

I am a sucker for a good horror comedy. This book is basically about a haunted Ikea. I am stoked to read this one by the fireplace with some apple cider. 

Wild Mind and Thunder and Lighting by Natalie Goldberg

In November I crave inspiration from my favorite writers. Rereading some of my favorite Natalie Goldberg books will help me get inspired for Nanowrimo. 

The Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile

Lisa Marie Basile is easily my favorite witchy writer. And this book has so many great practices for writers and witches. I plan to work through it in November and December. 

Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

We’ll finish up November with Christmas and Yule, which means I’ll be starting with my favorite Christmas book of all time. 

If you don’t already read this book every holiday season, I cannot suggest it enough. It’s the best way for a literary lover to get into the holiday spirit. 

So that’s it. I’ll be checking back in December to see how many of these books I actually read. And now it’s your turn! What do you plan to read this Fall? Let us know in the comments below. 

My Preptober planner is available now! And it’s full of new pages for character creation and world building. Check it out in my Ko-fi store.

 

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