Autumn Favorites

Finally, once again, it's my second favorite season.  Fall is upon us (even if it isn't official until like... the 22nd I think?). 

And as today I sit, awaiting the hurricane that wants to rip my state apart, I thought I would focus on some of the positives of fall that don't involve it being the end of hurricane season.  In other words, some autumn favorites.

In my mind, autumn involves comfy, cozy, sometimes spooky things.  And thus, here are some autumn-y things that I recommend to you:


Books:

To me, autumn is the time for classics, rereading childhood favorites, and fairytale retellings.  I don't know why, those just seem right to me. 

1. One Tuesday Morning ~ Karen Kingsbury

Even though by the time I post this it'll basically be 9/11, I thought I should recommend this anyway.  This book made me cry so much.  It takes place during and in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in 2001.  The faith content is wonderful, the characters are relatable, and the writing is amazing.  It was my first Karen Kingsbury book and I totally see why she's so well-known.

2. Andora's Folly ~ Abigayle Claire

This sweet little retelling is perfect for fall, I feel.  If I lived in a place where it was practical, I could see myself curling up in front of a fire with my Kindle and a fluffy blanket and reading this novella.  Even the forest setting says "read me in the fall!" to me. 

3. The Seer of Shadows ~ Avi

Now, I will readily admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween.  But I do enjoy reading a spooky book or two around that holiday (just to get in the spirit {hehe, get it?} of the season and all).  This is one of those books that is a favorite of mine... and I'm not entirely sure why.  I usually don't enjoy horror or creepy things... at all.  But this book pulled me in and would not let me go until the last page.  It's a hisfic ghost story, and if that interests you at all, I recommend this one.

4. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest ~ Melanie Dickerson

Look at that cover and tell me it doesn't scream fall.  But really, this whole book just feels like fall to me.  I don't really know why.  But it feels like autumn.

5. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel ~ Lois Gladys Leppard

This whole series was one of my favorites as a kid.  And while the books take place in every season, this one still seems like an autumn read to me.  It's a throwback, it's a mystery, and it's so sweet.


Movies:

Fall-themed movies make you feel fuzzy, give you cozy vibes, and are perfect to watch with loved ones around you.

1. Harry Potter

Look at those pumpkins!  Does that not scream fall? 
While I think the HP movies could also be very winter (what with Christmas being featured in almost every film), they seem more fall to me.  Maybe it's the Halloween-like ghosts, witches and wizards, and werewolves, or maybe it's the friendship, family, and love.  I don't know, but I think there's never a bad season to binge everyone's favorite Boy Who Lived.

2. Star Wars

Is there ever a bad time to watch Star Wars?  The answer is no, there isn't.  It is always a good time to watch Star Wars.  But really, the themes of friendship and loyalty seem very fall to me.  Also Endor.  Endor seems really fall.

3. The Prince of Egypt

Kind of like the last one, there's never a bad time to watch this masterpiece.  But for some reason I always want to watch Biblical films in autumn?  I don't really know why.  But this is one of my favorites.

4. Pocahontas

Look at that fall-themed color palette.  This is the Disney movie that felt the most fall to me.  The whole film is set in a forest, around harvest, so presumably in autumn.  Also, all the leaves.  It's so obviously a fall movie.

5. Invisible Sister

If you're in the mood to just watch a fluffy film that won't make you think too hard and is themed around Halloween, look to Disney Channel.  It's a surprisingly good movie, with the main plot being about sisters and their relationship, which is great. 


Television Shows:

Some shows to binge-watch curled up under a fluffy blanket with a mug of apple cider.

1. The Good Witch

Look at those leaves!  This show is basically built for fall.  Tea is an integral part of the plot.  It takes place in a small town with a touch of magic.  It's comfy, it's cute, and it makes you feel safe.  At least, it gives me that feeling.

2. Girl Meets World

(*cough* of course I'm not just talking about this show because it's one of my favorites what) This show takes place during the school year, which also makes me think of fall.  And there are three Halloween-themed episodes, if you're into that.  The show definitely feels more fall as it goes, but it's got the cozy sense, with it's great lessons, family relationships, and deep friendships.

3. Once Upon a Time

I wasn't going to talk about this show but it's such a fall show.  Especially the earliest seasons.  The magic, the mystery, the Maine setting where the trees actually change color in autumn, it's all here.

4. When Calls the Heart

Now, I haven't finished this show, but I think I probably will while we're in fall.  Because historical shows will always feel like fall to me.  And this one is so fluffy and heart-warming that it's perfect to snuggle up with on a chilly day.

5. Anne with an E

(or, to my Canadian friends, simply "Anne".  This show is so fluffy and feel-good with a slightly darker twist than most Anne remakes.  I recommend a late November-early December viewing, as it transitions from fall to winter in the story.  You'll feel the cozy vibes, and you'll probably still be swooning over Gilbert.  I know I did.


Music:

These are just some albums that gave me autumn vibes.  And also happen to be some of my favorites.

1. re:creation ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

This album is full of acoustic recordings of some of SCC's most well-known songs.  It feels very warm and personal, like one would listen to it around a campfire.  It's wonderful.

2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame ~ Original Studio Cast

This album almost makes me think of Halloween.  It follows the music of the Disney film with a slightly altered plot that will give you all the feels.  Trust me.

3. The Story ~ Various Artists

Remember what I said about Biblical stories?  This is the same kind of thing.  This album is original songs by well-known Christian artists about different Biblical characters.  And it's so. epic. 

4. Smell the Color 9 ~ Chris Rice

Pretty much every Chris Rice album feels like fall, but this is my most recent obsessive-listen of his music.  I can't explain exactly why this feels like autumn to me, but it does.

5. Naturally ~ The Isaacs

Hymns make me think of fall, and this album has several.  Not to mention the "almost-a-capella" format is perfect for when you're curled up with one of those books we talked about earlier. 


So there you have it!  Some of my autumn favorites!  What stories give you fall feels?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby