lou's library

As I’m writing this, I’m deep in the trenches of my bi-annual Kerstin Gier fantasy reread (and having the time of my life), but with autumn finally being here, it’s time I think about what I want to read this season, once I’ve gotten my rereadathon out of the way (only three books to go). And as 2025 is also slowly but surely coming to an end (HOW? IT WAS NEW YEAR’S YESTERDAY!), I guess I should also think about which books I really want to get around to before 2026. So let’s delve right in.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

I have several friends who name Rebecca as their favourite book of all time. Clearly, Daphne Du Maurier did something right with this classic. That being said, I have very little idea what this book is about (a girl/woman named Rebecca, I suppose?), but that’s fine with me. I like going into books not knowing what to expect, but something tells me autumn might be a good time of year to read Rebecca? I’m going off of nothing except the vibe the cover is giving me, so I could be very wrong there. But if I’ve understood my friends correctly, Rebecca is about passion and making mistakes and obsession? If so, then I do think autumn might be a good time to read it. Then again, I might be confusing it with Lolita, in which case, god knows what Rebecca is about. I guess I shall have to read it and find out for myself.

These Truths by Jill Lepore

Heaven above, please let me finish this book in 2025! I have been reading These Truths by Jill Lepore for the better part of a year now and before that, it spent a lot of time on my book shelf, staring at me accusingly for ignoring it. Initially, the goal had been to read it in time for the US presidential election in autumn 2024, as this is a history of the United States. Let’s just say that didn’t go to plan. But, I’ve accepted that These Truths is not the kind of book I can read within a few days. It’s written incredibly well, but it’s very dense and if I truly want to understand what I’m reading, I have to take my time with it. So, I’ve slowly been making my way through this 800-page-beast and am currently at the half-way point, but taking a break right now for my massive Kerstin Gier rereadathon. However, I really hope I will manage to finish These Truths in autumn, as it is on my list of big books to conquer in 2025 and I can already see myself racing through it on New Year’s Eve to finish it in time. Please, let me be smart enough to avoid that destiny by simply reading it now.

Beyond The Wall by Katja Hoyer

While we’re on the topping of non-fiction, Beyond The Wall is a history of the German Democratic Republic (GDR for short) and I’ve had it for almost a year now. This is the sort of topic I want to learn more about (although we did discuss it in school for years, I feel as though certain perspectives were left out), but I still have to force myself to pick up the book. Sometimes, I’m simply in the mood for something light and easy (hence the Kerstin Gier rereadathon), but I know that once I pick up Beyond The Wall, I’ll be glad to be reading it. It’s just the getting to that stage that I’m struggling with a bit. But seeing how These Truths has non-fiction priority for me right now, I’m a little worried I will keep putting Beyond The Wall off. And because I really don’t want it to become one of those books I feel guilty for not having read yet (a silly feeling to have, if you ask me, but also one I can’t seem to shake), I shall read it this autumn and then not only be a lot smarter, but also feel smug and good about myself. Win win!!

The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden

I spent a lot of time in bookshops when I visited the Netherlands last year, which made me realise how little Dutch literature I know. So now I’m on a quest to change that, which is why when I stumbled upon The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden the other day, I had to get it immediately. I only know very little about the book: It’s set 15 years after the Second World War and is about the forced proximity of two women who have to live with each other. Maggie O’Farrell said that the book blew her away, and anything Maggie is a fan of I need to read. I have a feeling The Safekeep might be an emotional read, and god knows I love those. I want to get around to it sooner rather than later, as it is set in summer and right now there is still the occasional warm day, so I better make the most of it and read it before it starts getting dark at four in the afternoon again.

Essays by George Orwell

I won’t lie, this was a cover buy and because I do want to read more essays, and I do like George Orwell’s writing. But the print is really tiny and I think I might have to use a lot of brain cells to read some of these. Which is fine, you know. And I have already read the first essay and really enjoyed it, so I’m really making life complicated for myself here by not simply sitting down and reading Essays. I don’t think I want to read the entire book in one go, but a couple of essays at a time. This way it will probably be easier to absorb the information and really try to think about what George Orwell is arguing. So, I’m totally fine if I don’t read all of Essays this autumn, but I want to make a start on it. Maybe I should read an essay every time I have finished another book? Uh, that might actually work.

Für Polina by Takis Würger

It’s simple, really: Takis Würger publishes a book and I read it. That’s the way my world works. Because he is one of the few German contemporary authors whose writing I truly love, and because there’s just something about his use of language that sings to me. So, when I saw his new book Für Polina (English title: For Polina) being published, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. But instead of reading it straight away, I thought I’d keep it for a rainy day. As I automatically buy any Takis Würger book, I actually have no idea what this is about, but I’m dying to find out. Which makes me think the rainy day I’ve been waiting for might have to come sooner rather than later.

Those are some of the books I’m hoping to get around to this autumn. Who knows if I’ll stick to this TBR pile, but I do have all my fingers crossed for myself that I will at least finish These Truths so that this book can stop haunting me!! Let me know what you want to read this autumn! And if you need some inspiration, here are my autumnal recommendations ❤ Happy reading!