The All Souls series by Deborah Harkness. Admittedly, it's mostly the first part of the first book and parts of the third, but still. The fifth book just came out and I've been waiting to read it so I can reread the first ones this fall. Ooooooo, I can't wait.
Also, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Another good one for academia, fall, and spooky season and absolutely brilliant on audio.
I just finished 'The Black Bird Oracle' and enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the series. It really sets you up for book 6 so the only problem now is waiting for that!
This is clearly my sign to finally read The Secret History! The two that come to mind for me are Rebecca Makkai's I Have Some Questions for You and RF Kuang's Babel.
Dave and I read 'In the Woods' out loud to each other during a road trip last summer. So good! I suspect I'll eventually get to the rest of the series. —Mel
That is the only book I have ever thrown against a wall. The ending made me so angry! But if course, I go back for more because Tana French is awesome. 😆🤷🏼♀️
I'm enjoying the Dublin Murder Squad series--I literally just finished Faithful Place last night. I'll look forward to reading The Secret Place . . . sometime soon. Those books are pretty intense & I think I need something "fluffier" right now :).
I have that on my list. I am currently enjoying reading Barry's 'When I'm Gone, Look For Me In the East', and am enjoying this book immensely. We Ride has to be so completely different than East.
I have that on my TBR! I loved "When I'm Gone, Look for Me in the East" so much — I'm curious about how she handles other subjects. She's so good at the sentence level and the storytelling level. —Mel
My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lipman is aout a girl whose parents are house parents at a college. The main character has lived on the campus her whole life, and the book perfectly captures that environment. It was wry and funny.
Good one! Anything by Elizabeth George, b/c most of hers are set in schools it seems--so glad she made your list. And I am Charlotte Simmons, by Tom Wolfe.
Your comment sent me to Mel's post--I hadn't associated Elizabeth George with school mysteries (& I LOVE her!). I've read most of her books, but have missed Well-Schooled in Murder--so delighted to dive into that one! I also loved I am Charlotte Simmons--amazing how Tom Wolfe did such a great job getting into the mind of a young adult female . . . while still managing his signature satirical style!
Oh great, Larissa! I’d heard George speak years ago at a writers conference and her theme was: research. She said she’d never been to the UK (!) but through thorough research she could replicate the interiors of the school halls, dining rooms etc. She said one of her biggest compliments came from a reader who wrote— Your characterization of the schools brought back even the smells associated with school there. Re Wolfe, if memory serves, did he have a college age daughter around that time? (I have to google it).
George's books are astonishingly thorough! And you are right about Tom Wolfe's daughter (I just googled it myself). The book came out in 2004; daughter Alexandra graduated from Duke in 2002 (although reportedly Wolfe used an amalgam of colleges and universities to create his fictional DuPont University in the book).
A few favorites of mine are Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (I just reread this...so good) and then The Secret History by Donna Tartt (seems to be a favorite with this group!) and also If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. Those two pair so well together. This fall I'm looking forward to reading Madam by Phoebe Wynne, described as "Rebecca meets The Secret History". Yes, please. Has anyone read that one?
Can you believe I haven't read The Secret History yet?! It's been on my TBR forever. Knowing what you know about my reading preferences from our show, should I read "Never Let Me Go"? —Mel
I think so. If you like a literary book with a unique element, a book with a nostalgic and wistful tone, a book that seems very straightforward in its writing style but gives you soooo much to think about in terms of the big questions it's bringing up, I think you'd love this. And if you've read Remains of the Day by Ishiguro the tone is similar but the subject matter very different. Also, don't read ANYTHING about it before you begin reading. And if you love If We Were Villains, you definitely need to read The Secret History. When I first read it I happened to be reading them kind of simultaneously...don't necessarily recommend, but it was a very immersive experience! I then reread Secret History later that year just because. So good.
No, but I've known about it for years. Definitely sounds interesting! I don't think I've ever heard it described quite the way you do in that post, though. And putting it in league with SH...right up my alley. Thanks!
What?! You have to read the Secret History. Now I understand why you gave such high praise for If We Were Villains, which I describe as a not-great knock-off of The Secret History. (Sorry, Christine!) Ishiguro is good, though. I haven't read that particular title, but I will now, based on your rec, Christine!
So many! The Nickel Boys, by Colton Whitehead, The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
It is in the public domain so it is easy to find free copies of it. Like here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/157 It is written by Mark Twain’s grandniece, and her style reminds me of his. It is set at a women’s college, at a time before women had suffrage, and school life is central to the story.
Never Let Me Go... maybe not to everyone's taste, but I loved it! I went in knowing *nothing* about this story (except for it's prep school setting), and would recommend others also avoid plot summaries for full effect.
Also loved When We Were Villians.
The Secret History has been in my Audible account, waiting... (Anyone else hoard/save books they are looking forward to??). Perhaps this is the year!
From the "way back machine" I'm remembering The Catcher in the Rye, which was probably the first novel I read that had "deeper themes". (I was in 10th grade & my English teacher totally intimidated me with that comment!). I also liked I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe--skewering big-time universities (& their associated big-time sports programs) like only Tom Wolfe can. More recently, Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. While not specifically set in a school/college, a good portion of the plot takes places there.
I'm not a fan of dark academia (The Secret History, etc) so not many campus books on my favorites. I did enjoy Gaudy Nights by Dorothy Sayers and True Biz by Sara Novik.
Has anyone read The Broken Girls by Simone St. James? I heard it was really good and now I want to read it! A haunted boarding school for rebellious girls, a missing person, 1950s Vermont, a body found on campus, long buried secrets...has the hallmarks of a good book!
The All Souls series by Deborah Harkness. Admittedly, it's mostly the first part of the first book and parts of the third, but still. The fifth book just came out and I've been waiting to read it so I can reread the first ones this fall. Ooooooo, I can't wait.
Also, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Another good one for academia, fall, and spooky season and absolutely brilliant on audio.
I just finished 'The Black Bird Oracle' and enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the series. It really sets you up for book 6 so the only problem now is waiting for that!
Yes, The Historian is an excellent pick for reading in the fall! I agree!
YES TO THE HISTORIAN! And I agree: the audio is fantastic. —Mel
This is clearly my sign to finally read The Secret History! The two that come to mind for me are Rebecca Makkai's I Have Some Questions for You and RF Kuang's Babel.
The Secret History is my favorite book! Definitely try it!!
I forgot about Babel...such a fantastic book!
I loved The Secret Place by Tana French. It's part of her Dublin Murder Squad series, which I love.
Harry Potter, too. You can't go wrong with Hogwarts.
Dave and I read 'In the Woods' out loud to each other during a road trip last summer. So good! I suspect I'll eventually get to the rest of the series. —Mel
That is the only book I have ever thrown against a wall. The ending made me so angry! But if course, I go back for more because Tana French is awesome. 😆🤷🏼♀️
I wanted a different ending, but I thought it was good — if that makes sense.
Tana French is awesome. Her books are like dark chocolate. I read one per year.
Agreed--they are awesome . . . and intense. I like the idea of reading one per year.
SO intense. —Mel
I'm enjoying the Dublin Murder Squad series--I literally just finished Faithful Place last night. I'll look forward to reading The Secret Place . . . sometime soon. Those books are pretty intense & I think I need something "fluffier" right now :).
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry, an 80's story about a school with a field hockey team but set in Salem Village.
I have that on my list. I am currently enjoying reading Barry's 'When I'm Gone, Look For Me In the East', and am enjoying this book immensely. We Ride has to be so completely different than East.
So glad you’re reading this one!
I have that on my TBR! I loved "When I'm Gone, Look for Me in the East" so much — I'm curious about how she handles other subjects. She's so good at the sentence level and the storytelling level. —Mel
My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lipman is aout a girl whose parents are house parents at a college. The main character has lived on the campus her whole life, and the book perfectly captures that environment. It was wry and funny.
Oh, Elinor Lipman! I love all of her books! —Mel
That sounds good! Thanks for sharing.
Good one! Anything by Elizabeth George, b/c most of hers are set in schools it seems--so glad she made your list. And I am Charlotte Simmons, by Tom Wolfe.
100% yes to Elizabeth George! I love her dark doorstoppers so much! —Mel
Your comment sent me to Mel's post--I hadn't associated Elizabeth George with school mysteries (& I LOVE her!). I've read most of her books, but have missed Well-Schooled in Murder--so delighted to dive into that one! I also loved I am Charlotte Simmons--amazing how Tom Wolfe did such a great job getting into the mind of a young adult female . . . while still managing his signature satirical style!
Oh great, Larissa! I’d heard George speak years ago at a writers conference and her theme was: research. She said she’d never been to the UK (!) but through thorough research she could replicate the interiors of the school halls, dining rooms etc. She said one of her biggest compliments came from a reader who wrote— Your characterization of the schools brought back even the smells associated with school there. Re Wolfe, if memory serves, did he have a college age daughter around that time? (I have to google it).
I would love to see her speak! Have you read her book 'Write Away'? It goes deep into her writing process — so much fun and really interesting. —Mel
No. Will check it out. She was an amazing speaker.
George's books are astonishingly thorough! And you are right about Tom Wolfe's daughter (I just googled it myself). The book came out in 2004; daughter Alexandra graduated from Duke in 2002 (although reportedly Wolfe used an amalgam of colleges and universities to create his fictional DuPont University in the book).
Oh good, my memory hasn't gone yet ): I love Wolfe. Started out w/ his Electric Koolaid Acid Test. My favorite was Bonfire of the Vanities, though.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo - Yale secret societies and dark magic
Yes that was good!!
A few favorites of mine are Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (I just reread this...so good) and then The Secret History by Donna Tartt (seems to be a favorite with this group!) and also If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. Those two pair so well together. This fall I'm looking forward to reading Madam by Phoebe Wynne, described as "Rebecca meets The Secret History". Yes, please. Has anyone read that one?
Can you believe I haven't read The Secret History yet?! It's been on my TBR forever. Knowing what you know about my reading preferences from our show, should I read "Never Let Me Go"? —Mel
I think so. If you like a literary book with a unique element, a book with a nostalgic and wistful tone, a book that seems very straightforward in its writing style but gives you soooo much to think about in terms of the big questions it's bringing up, I think you'd love this. And if you've read Remains of the Day by Ishiguro the tone is similar but the subject matter very different. Also, don't read ANYTHING about it before you begin reading. And if you love If We Were Villains, you definitely need to read The Secret History. When I first read it I happened to be reading them kind of simultaneously...don't necessarily recommend, but it was a very immersive experience! I then reread Secret History later that year just because. So good.
This is all super helpful. Thank you! (I LOVE Remains of the Day so much.)
Have you read Special Topics in Calamity Physics? It's definitely in the same area as The Secret History. loved it when I read it AGES ago. https://strongsenseofplace.com/weekend_getaway/2021/09/23/fall-is-the-perfect-time-for-the-dark-academia-of-special-topics-in-calamity-physics/
No, but I've known about it for years. Definitely sounds interesting! I don't think I've ever heard it described quite the way you do in that post, though. And putting it in league with SH...right up my alley. Thanks!
What?! You have to read the Secret History. Now I understand why you gave such high praise for If We Were Villains, which I describe as a not-great knock-off of The Secret History. (Sorry, Christine!) Ishiguro is good, though. I haven't read that particular title, but I will now, based on your rec, Christine!
Whoa, a mash-up of my two favorite books?? Sign me up!
I know!! I hope that it holds up to that description and my expectations.
So many! The Nickel Boys, by Colton Whitehead, The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
I love the classic, epistolary story Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster.
I'm not familiar with that, but now I'm going googling. Thank you! —Mel
It is in the public domain so it is easy to find free copies of it. Like here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/157 It is written by Mark Twain’s grandniece, and her style reminds me of his. It is set at a women’s college, at a time before women had suffrage, and school life is central to the story.
Oh my gosh, I think I read that as a kid and liked it. I forgot all about that book!
Never Let Me Go... maybe not to everyone's taste, but I loved it! I went in knowing *nothing* about this story (except for it's prep school setting), and would recommend others also avoid plot summaries for full effect.
Also loved When We Were Villians.
The Secret History has been in my Audible account, waiting... (Anyone else hoard/save books they are looking forward to??). Perhaps this is the year!
Same, re: The Secret History! —Mel
Keep us posted if this is the year you decide to read it! Informal readalong anyone?
Oh definitely! I have about 10 books in audible, waiting on me!
Ooh, now I'm curious which ones you are saving...!
I use Audible when Libby doesn't have what I need. Here are the ones in my stash:
American Kingpin by Nick Bilton (white collar true crime)
Children of Nazis by Tania Crasnianski (I'm fascinated by the aftermath of WWII)
Conclave by Robert Harris (one of my fave authors)
Turning Angel by Greg Iles (ditto)
Edge of the Grave by Robbie Morrison (my never ending quest to find Peaky Blinders-esque books)
Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King (listening now and it is awesome)
The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock (of Devil All the Time fame)
Last Train to Istanbul by Ayse Kulin (WWII fiction + trains!!)
The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning (I will confess the cover got me)
The Weight of This World by David Joy (rural noir and one of my all time favorite authors)
Wow! So many new-to-me titles! Thanks so much for sharing ✨
From the "way back machine" I'm remembering The Catcher in the Rye, which was probably the first novel I read that had "deeper themes". (I was in 10th grade & my English teacher totally intimidated me with that comment!). I also liked I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe--skewering big-time universities (& their associated big-time sports programs) like only Tom Wolfe can. More recently, Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. While not specifically set in a school/college, a good portion of the plot takes places there.
If We Were Villians!
I'm not a fan of dark academia (The Secret History, etc) so not many campus books on my favorites. I did enjoy Gaudy Nights by Dorothy Sayers and True Biz by Sara Novik.
YES, Gaudy Nights! Excellent pick. —Mel
Has anyone read The Broken Girls by Simone St. James? I heard it was really good and now I want to read it! A haunted boarding school for rebellious girls, a missing person, 1950s Vermont, a body found on campus, long buried secrets...has the hallmarks of a good book!
I haven't read that yet (now it's on my TBR), but I love Simone St. James. Have you read The Sun Down Motel? Such an excellent ghost story. —Mel
I have heard that is good, too. It has been on my TBR for quite some time.
I loved The Broken Girls.
Ooh--that sounds like a juicy one!
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt; Moo, by Jane Smiley; and Straight Man, by Richard Russo.
I loved Moo! Such a great campus novel! You have reminded me that I love Jane Smiley! *races to Library app to go crazy with the holds!