As autumn settles in, it’s the perfect time to cosy up with some captivating reads – whether you’re enjoying the crisp outdoors or relaxing by the fireplace. Meredith Moss and Sasha Kehoe from Today Radio have teamed up with Ernster Bookshop to bring you their top fall book recommendations.
If you missed the series’ earlier summer recommendations, fret not – you can still find them here, here, and here!
This week, Meredith and Sasha from Today Radio have recommended five more great books for you to check out, this time for the cosy autumn season. You grab your blanket, a hot beverage, and start reading!
Read on for a roundup of the books that will (with good luck) occupy your time the whole summer season long. Also, stay tuned for a chance to win a €50 voucher from Ernster – details forthcoming, at the end of this article.
You can catch the ladies discussing all five books, their full conversation live from the Today Radio studio here:
…or read on to find their five picks!
The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks
Sebastian Faulks’ The Seventh Son may not have captured Sasha’s attention as much as Birdsong, but it still presents an intriguing narrative set in 2030. The story follows Talissa, a young academic turned surrogate for a childless English couple, who unwittingly becomes part of an experiment that changes humanity’s future. The novel delves into the complexities of identity, love, and sacrifice as the people around Seth, the experiment’s child, struggle to protect him from the truth. Sasha found the near-future setting interesting but felt it didn’t resonate as strongly as Faulks’ earlier work.
The Seventh Son on Ernster Online
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
Meredith’s pick is the dark and gripping Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent. The story begins with Sally disposing of her adopted father’s body in an incinerator, a disturbing act that turns out to be unexpectedly humorous. This twisted tale of damaged individuals explores deeply unsettling themes, including kidnapping and dark family secrets, while maintaining a comic undertone. Despite the heavy subject matter, Meredith was drawn to Sally’s bluntness and quirkiness, finding her strangely lovable, even amidst the novel’s grim landscape.
Strange Sally Diamond on Ernster Online
The American No by Rupert Everett
If you’re after humour, Sasha suggests Rupert Everett’s The American No, a collection of short stories blending wit with poignant reflections. The stories range from the tragic – like Oscar Wilde’s final days in Paris – to the hilarious, such as a gay couple accidentally attending the wrong funeral after getting stoned. Everett’s voice shines through each narrative, offering a blend of the filthy and the heartfelt. Sasha enjoyed how his autobiographical elements infused the stories with authenticity, making it a fun and engaging read.
The American No on Ernster Online
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Meredith also recommends Bright Young Women, an intense book by Jessica Knoll, a fictionalised account of the victims of serial killer Ted Bundy. Rather than focusing on Bundy, the novel highlights the lives and friendships of the women, presenting a fresh perspective on the often glamorised serial killer narrative. Meredith appreciated the way the killer remained unnamed, shifting the focus onto the women and their stories and friendships, making this a unique and compelling read.
Bright Young Women on Ernster Online
A poem for every autumn day by Allie Esiri
Lastly, Sasha shares her appreciation for A Poem for Every Autumn Day, curated by Allie Esiri. This anthology offers a poem for each day of autumn, with a brief introduction for each piece. Sasha found that reading one poem before bed has become a lovely nightly ritual, introducing her to works by poets like Sylvia Plath and WB Yeats. This collection’s accessibility has made poetry a delightful part of her evening routine as the days grow shorter. The perfect read to get back into the habit of reading after summer has ended.
A Poem for Every Autumn Day on Ernster Online
All available at Ernster Bookshop – you can find any of this month’s edition of exciting reads in person or order them online. Happy reading and enjoy your summer adventures with these fantastic books!
Win a €50 Ernster voucher
Want to add some of these (or thousands of other) books to your summer reading stack? You can win a €50 Ernster voucher by sending a Whatsapp with your favourite book to Today Radio via +352 621 52 5000!