Autumn reading: Coming of age.

I Capture the Castle

by Dodie Smith

Claims to fame: this is the “original YA novel,” with one of the best narrators in English literature. We hear the story of this eccentric 1930s English family—struggling to make ends meet in a tumbledown castle—through the eyes of 17-year-old Cassandra—bright, witty, and wise beyond her years. Replete with love, magic, writer’s block, and bear costumes.

A Prayer for Owen Meany

by John Irving

Irving is a masterful storyteller, and has a knack for drawing compelling characters. This novel, which gently addresses heavy themes of fate and faith, is widely believed to be his finest. Read it and see why it’s on so many readers’ desert island lists.

The Age of Miracles: A Novel

by Karen Thompson Walker

The writing is okay and the plot gets a little muddy in the middle, but the concept of this YA almost-apocalyptic novel is brilliant: the rotation of the earth is slowing down, and the wheels are coming off. A little science fiction + a little coming-of-age make for a good read, if not a must-read.

Emily of New Moon

by L.M. Montgomery

If you come to Montgomery's later, darker series expecting to find a second Anne, you're bound to be disappointed. Luckily, my grade school self had no such preconceived notions. These were the first books that I finished under the covers with a flashlight at 2:00 a.m. because I had to know where Emily's hopes, dreams, and disappointments led her.

Autumn reading: Coming of age.

I Capture the Castle

A Prayer for Owen Meany

The Age of Miracles: A Novel

Emily of New Moon

Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations
for every mood

Autumn reading: Coming of age.

I Capture the Castle

A Prayer for Owen Meany

The Age of Miracles: A Novel

Emily of New Moon

Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations for every mood

100 Book recommendations
for every mood