Want to get into the autumn spirit? Get a fall drink of choice and curl up with a good book, TV show, album, or movie from the Roar’s list of autumn recommendations.
Books:
“A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” (2019) – Holly Jackson
Though “AGGGTM” was recently adapted into a Netflix series, the book is much better. Teenage detective Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to reopen a local murder case because she believes the police got the wrong person. It’s a wonderful first book in a series you can’t put down.
“The Secret History” (1992) – Donna Tartt
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt is the dark academia novel of your dreams, examining a group of college students at a small liberal arts college and their demise. Its interesting structure and descriptive setting engulfs you in the story, and it’s a great book for the fall season because of this.
“Frankenstein” (1818) – Mary Shelley
This fairly short novel by gothic author Mary Shelley is the perfect example of a Halloween read: it features an eerie setting, a classic monster, and a much deeper commentary on man vs. beast. It’s available online for free if you prefer reading books that way, but a paperback version isn’t hard to come by, either.
TV:
“Stranger Things” (2016-) – Matt and Ross Duffer
Though many have already seen “Stranger Things” once or twice, a rewatch of at least seasons one and two are essential to prepare for the season. The show is a good mix of horror and cozy comedy. Its atmospheric setting defined by falling leaves, Halloween decorations, and retro machinery is sure to provide nostalgia for an earlier time.
“The Haunting of Hill House” (2018) – Mike Flanagan
Often abbreviated as “Hill House,” this Netflix series by horror maestro Mike Flanagan features ghosts both real and imaginary. The Crain siblings, now grown, return to the haunted house they escaped from in their childhood: the haunted house that never quite stopped haunting them.
“I Am Not Okay With This” (2020) – Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall
This dark comedy/teenage drama, based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, released in February of 2020. Teenager Sydney Novak navigates a complex high school experience defined by the emergence of superpowers, the loss of her father, and a crush on her best friend Dina. It’s strange but hilarious, and absolutely deserves a watch in the autumn.
Albums:
“Punisher” (2020) – Phoebe Bridgers
Quarantine saw the release of many albums, but none quite like Phoebe Bridgers’ “Punisher.” The indie rock and folk album features great singles such as “Kyoto” and “I Know The End,” but its less known tracks, such as “Halloween” and “Graceland Too” really stick out as beautiful reflections on difficult times in Bridgers’ life.
“Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” (1993) – The Cranberries
The Cranberries, through masterful lyrics and folksy production, portray a lovely fall vibe with their debut album that’s name is too long to repeat here. This Irish rock band has had music featured in shows such as “Derry Girls” and movies such as “Click.” It has a hopeful sound behind it.
“Stick Season” (2022) – Noah Kahan
Few artists have grown like Noah Kahan did, practically overnight, with his hit third album and lead single “Stick Season.” It’s explicitly perfect for the later months of the year, as Kahan refers to what he calls “stick season,” the season in which the leaves are falling from the trees. The rustic quality of his music has been popular with many listeners.
Movies:
“American Psycho” (2000) – Mary Harron
The satirical horror film “American Psycho” examines the life of professional-by-day, serial killer-by-night Patrick Bateman, and his descent into madness. The acting is superb, specifically on the part of lead Christian Bale, who has an eerie nothingness behind his eyes. It’s so engaging that you feel like you’re spiraling with the character.
“Coraline” (2009) – Henry Selick
“Coraline,” a stop-motion horror film, transports the watcher into a world of horrifying whimsy. Its animation style is beautifully uncanny, and it tells the tale of a girl who discovers an idyllic version of her life through a secret door in her new house. While it might be the scariest movie on this list, it’s also somewhat cozy.
“The Conjuring” (2013) – James Wan
“The Conjuring” is a masterclass in all of the classic horror tropes. It focuses on a (real!) couple named the Warrens as they investigate a haunted house and try to help the family who lives in it. With a good mix of psychological horror and jumpscares, “The Conjuring” is sure to be an enjoyable and spooky watch for your October.