Cozy Reads for Fall Evenings

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells" by Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer's book "Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells" was released in 2019. Iyer uses the metaphor of fall to ponder on life, death, and the passing of time as he examines the idea of impermanence and the passage of time in this introspective piece. The book explores Japanese culture, customs, and traditions, providing insights into the nation's distinct approach to accepting mortality and life's fleeting nature. It is set in Japan, where Iyer has resided for a considerable amount of time. Iyer explores the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, the beauty of ephemeral moments, and the deep effects of loss via personal tales and observations. The thoughtful meditation "Autumn Light" explores the transient nature of existence and the art of finding purpose in the midst of unavoidable change.

Hardcover and paperback can be found here.

“Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's book "Mexican Gothic" was released in 2020. The narrative centers on Noemí Taboada, a young socialite and anthropology student, and is set in 1950s Mexico. Noemí's father sends her to see how her cousin Catalina is doing. Catalina married into a mysterious and affluent family and now lives in a decrepit mansion in the countryside of Mexico. When Noemí arrives, she finds that the Doyle family is haunted by something horrible, and she finds herself caught in a web of dark secrets, gothic horror, and long-standing customs. She must face both mystical powers and the deeply ingrained sins of colonialism as she explores the house's mysteries further in an effort to save her cousin and herself from an awful destiny. "Mexican Gothic" is a gripping and atmospheric novel of suspense, horror, and cultural identity that blends aspects of traditional gothic fiction with historical accounts and mythology from Mexico.

Hardcover and paperback can be found here.

“The Haunting on Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

Definitely more scary than cozy, Shirley Jackson's book "The Haunting of Hill House" was released in 1959. The old estate Hill House, with its shadowy and enigmatic past, serves as the focal point of the narrative. Dr. John Montague, a paranormal investigator, brings together Eleanor Vance, Theodora, and Luke Sanderson as part of his team to investigate paranormal occurrences. Strange and unsettling things start to happen while they are staying at Hill House. Eleanor, in particular, is more and more agitated and fixated on the house as a result of the property's apparent evil presence, which feeds off of her vulnerabilities and fears.

The book delves into issues of psychological fear, seclusion, and the indistinct boundary between reality and fantasy. It explores the frailty of the human mind and poses concerns about suggestion power and the paranormal. The book creates a sense of dread and tension as the characters battle both the haunting and their own inner demons. It ends in a terrifying and unclear way, leaving readers to speculate about what the real purpose of Hill House's haunting is.

The hardcover and paperback can be found here.

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