Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there’s something about the change of seasons, from summer to fall that seems to impact my reading habits.  Despite the clichéd expression, curling up on the couch under a blanket with a mug of tea and a good book is one of my favorite things to do in the fall…I pretty much become a sloth on the first day of October and do nothing besides eat, read, and nap until around Christmas.

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One of my favorite types of books to read while I’m in my wholly sedentary state are novels that have some kind of journey in them, whether physical or emotional/journeys of self discovery.  So, bearing this theme in mind, here are my picks:

Watership Down by Richard Adams; This tale of a ‘lapine’ exodus to find a new home is a great read for both kids and adults.  It’s got adventure, friendship, loyalty, and of course, rabbits.  I definitely would recommend this read because the lessons Hazel, Fiver, and the rest of their warren learn along the way are important ones- even to those of us with only two legs.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas; This classic story isn’t near as dry as most ‘classics’ are typically deemed.  Dumas is excellent at weaving together multiple plots that all come together to create a more well-rounded and holistic story about a series of both tragic events and persevering heroes.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini; I like this read a little better than Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” because it does have a happy ending.  I loved the feminist undertones, and the women’s journeys both to find their own freedom and identities in an oppressive environment, as well as Laila’s decision to devote herself to helping her community and finding her own happiness.  You fall in love with the characters, the plot lines, and even the heartache that comes with it.  One of my favorite books of all time.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros; The journey included in this book is more centered on the evolution of a community, and the interconnected lives of those living and trying to survive on Mango Street.  Cisneros gives great insight into what life is like for that community in general, while still maintaining a strong individual narrator.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; I cannot praise Coelho’s masterpiece enough.  This story is of a shepherd who is determined to find his own destiny and an unknown ‘treasure’, but along the way, he faces countless obstacles, meets friends of all kinds, and learns more about himself and who the universe is helping him to become.  It was both a spiritual/philosophical and an inspirational read; it encourages you to be the person you are meant to be, but reminds you that you will have lots of help along the way.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my fall reading recommendations- these are some of my personal favorites, most of which are so special to me because they were recommended to me by really cool people!   If you like to spend the majority of fall in one spot (couch, bed, comfy chair, you name it) like I do, any of these books is perfect to take your mind on the adventures your body is just too lazy to accomplish!

Which books are on your fall reading list?  Comment some titles below!