An Autumnal Assemblage of Reading Material (Among Other Things)

    Hello Reader! October is upon us, bringing autumn with it. I thought that some recommendations would be pertinent, to go along with the (hopefully) cooling weather, pumpkin spice, and sweaters that abound in this season. Included in this post will be: book, poem, short story, and movie recommendations that I think are appropriate for the season. And so, without further ado, I present the autumnal assemblage promised you in the title!

    

We will begin with the poems, as they are the shortest of the lot. 

    First, we have "The Tyger," by William Blake. It is a poem that sounds haunting, introducing drama by references to "the fire within." It reads and flows beautifully and I recommend performing it dramatically and passionately for your family and friends. Perhaps at Thanksgiving? No? 

    Second, by William Henry Davies, is "Leisure". It is a lovely reminder of the beautiful natural world that surrounds us. I feel, Reader, that in the colors and changes of fall, this reminder is all the more fitting. Look about you, Reader! See what you are able while you can!

   If you are the sort of person to which spooky things appeal, look no further to find your next eerie short story. Edgar Allan Poe is one of my very favorite authors, and his poems and stories abound in the ghostly and mysterious. His short story, "The Tell-Tale Heart," is a wonderful example of this, all about a dreadful blue eye, a guilt-ridden conscience, and madness.

   We now move into the novel territory. Cozy mysteries are in season at this time of year, as the pair well with tea and pumpkin bread. The following are some of my favorites.

    Firstly, we have the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley, beginning with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Starring a snarky eleven-year-old aspiring detective and chemist, this book is a cozy mystery with very enjoyable characters. Its setting in the English countryside is a bonus as well. This series was recommended to me by my friend Cici. She did not lead me astray either. I have read the first two books and have the third waiting to be read. 

    One cannot mention the mystery genre without speaking of the queen of such works. Agatha Christie, of Poirot fame, has written a truly astounding number of mysteries. One of my favorites is The Man in the Brown Suit, involving a luxury boat, a clever heroine, and stolen diamonds. The ABC Murders is also an enjoyable murder mystery, albeit a slightly darker one. Hercule Poirot encounters a murderer with interesting methods in choosing victims. But not all is as it seems...

    On a more cheerful note, if you are decidedly NOT looking for a murder mystery, The Labors of Hercules Beal may satisfy you. This book is written by Gary D. Schmidt, one of my very favorite authors. Hercules Beal is challenged by his teacher to replicate the twelve labors of the mythical Hercules- in current-day Truro, Massachusetts. It is beautifully written. Schmidt is capable of handling the tragedies of real life with aplomb, while showing the beauty and hope still present in the world. Read one of his books, Reader, and you'll want to read the others.  

    Fall flavored movies are a wonderful way to set the mood of this season. Little Women is a splendid one for the autumn. Both the 1994 and 2019 versions are excellent. If you favor accuracy in the storytelling, the 1994 version starring Winona Ryder and Christian Bale would be the one for you. Or, if you prefer a star-studded cast, the 2019 version would be ideal for you, as it includes Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet. 

    Next, Sense and Sensibility from 1995 is delightful for this season as well. This adaption is of one of Jane Austen's more melancholy novels. In a strange crossover, several actors who lended their talents to the Harry Potter movies appear in this movie. Potterheads should look out for the faces of Severus Snape and Dolores Umbridge.

    What list of movies would be complete without a Studio Ghibli film (or two)? If you have not yet discovered the wonders of Studio Ghibli, I am so glad I have the honor of introducing you. Movies from this Japanese animation studio focus on romanticizing the beauty of the everyday, often including elements of nature and young female characters. My Neighbor Totoro is a charming film, featuring a house you will want to live in, soot spiders, and an enormous bunny-like creature. The young characters are sweet and lovable. From Up on Poppy Hill is another treasure from Ghibli. The side effects of these movies include a bittersweet dissatisfaction with normal life (rather like a longing for Heaven), a desire to venture into the nearest piece of woods, and a burst of creative energy.

    I hope you found many of these recommendations satisfactory, Reader, and that you make pumpkin bread and tea to go with them. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post and if you would like more seasonal suggestions!

*Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions on the seasonal vibes of the recommended materials are the property of Thea Knightley. She does not claim to have the genius needed to write or produce the entertainment referenced here.