Staff Picks: What to Read This Fall
Nothing says goodbye to 80-degree weather like cozying up with a new anticipated read on your couch or tuning out the world with some headphones and an audiobook. Whether you want a New York Times bestseller, an old classic everyone but you seems to have read, or that dog-eared find hidden in the back of a used bookstore, there’s a book on this list for everyone.
Make your commutes more enjoyable and your nights more relaxing with our staff’s top picks for books to pay attention to this autumn.

Rebecca Poole: Victoria: The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire by Julia Baird
Victoria is a non-fiction biography of Queen Victoria, which encompasses an exceptional true story backed by extensive uncovered research, which details the life of the world’s second-longest reigning monarch. Rebecca cites this as an essential fall read, saying, “Don’t be intimidated by the page size or the fact heavy material the title suggests, because Baird writes a compelling narrative that’ll have you turning the page far into the night. It may be non-fiction, but it reads like a fast-paced story, both due to the author’s writing style and Queen Victoria’s own fascinating journey.”

Alexa Bricker: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This classic written in 1943 follows main character Francie Nolan in the early 20th century as she encounters many harsh realities surrounding her childhood and adolescence in Brooklyn, New York. The plot mainly centers around her family and the struggles of poverty and difficult circumstances, making for an eye-opening read. Alexa regards this as one of her favorite novels and says, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was recommended to me by a close friend and it has been my favorite book ever since. Every time I read it I’m able to take away something new about the importance of being grateful and appreciative for what I have.”

Shana Smith: Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon
Swan Song is considered by many to be one of the best post-apocalyptic fiction books to grace store shelves everywhere. The story centers on the United States in a post-nuclear state, and the forces of good and evil that drives the decisions of the multitude of characters present in this novel. Shana finds herself rereading it every five years, going on to say, “There’s also some mystical aspects to it that keep it very unique. This book was first released in 1987, but it’s still so very poignant to today. I keep holding out hope that one day it will be made into a movie.”

Chelsea Kirk: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s motivational non-fiction book gives us that dose of inspiration we all need from time-to-time on how to channel our innermost creativity. From personal anecdotes to helpful advice, Gilbert leaves you feeling determined to live your most creative life both personally and professionally. Chelsea considers this a favorite, saying,“I love the motivation this book gives. She explains her point of view on creativity in every aspect of life and gives ideas on how to generate your own creativity.”
Books are a great way to unwind and end (or start) your day on a right note. With the above picks, your next read is sure to be a winner!