Autumnal Equinox: Books & movies for fall

By Collection Management Librarians Dontaná and Andrea

The equinox is upon us! That means it is officially fall and time to get cozy, make all the comfort food, watch some scary movies, and read books in a warm sweater.

What we suggest this autumn



The Craft: Legacy

Why you should try it: If you've been on Tik Tok, then you are deeply familiar with the phrase "We are the weirdos, mister." This movie is where the phrase comes from. It has a great cast, a crumbling mansion, and plenty of magic.

Description: A group of high school students forms a coven of witches. A sequel to the 1996 film.

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The Witches of Eastwick

Why you should try it: You mix one part Michelle Pfeiffer to one part Susan Sanderson, a splash of Cher, a dash of Jack Nicholson, a sprinkle of New England, and you get the bizarre and fun movie, The Witches of Eastwick.

Description: This memorable comedy with a dark edge is based on the novel of the same name by John Updike.

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Howl's Moving Castle

Why you should try it: This is a fun and whimsical movie that the whole family can enjoy. Jean Simmons, Billy Crystal, and Christian Bale share their voices in this wonderful animated film.

Description: Sophie, who helps out at her late father's hat shop, is transformed one day by a witch into an old woman. Sophie seeks out the help of the wizard Howl, who has an amazing moving castle fueled by a fire demon named Calcifer.

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Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Why you should try it: This classic of the season is witchy without being too scary, and the basis for the movie of the same name—starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. If you've read this one already, did you know there are others in the series?

Description: The story of two sisters, Gillian and Sally Owens, brought up by their elderly guardian aunts in a small New England town. The aunts possess magic that they in turn hand down to their nieces.

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The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Why you should try it: If you love the Owens family, you'll love the Montoya family. Bonus: Join us to discuss the title at our next Latinx Author Book Cafe on October 11 »

Description: Seven years after their matriarch Orquidea passed away, blessing them with her special gifts, the Montoya family journeys to Ecuador to uncover the truth behind their inheritance to stop a hidden figure from killing off Orquidea’s line one by one.

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Under Her Skin

Why you should try it: Lean into the Halloween season early with this poetry anthology that proves women who write can be just as scary as men.

Description: A showcase of poetry from some of the darkest and most lyrical voices of women in horror. Under Her Skin features the best in never-before-published dark verse and lyrical prose from the voices of women in horror. Centered on the innate relationship between body horror and the female experience, this collection features work from Bram-Stoker Award-winning and nominated authors, as well as dozens of poems from women (cis and trans) and non-binary femmes.

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Maria, Maria & Other Stories by Marytza K. Rubio

Why you should try it: The title may make you think of the classic Santana song, but the stories are pure magic.

Description: A darkly funny and imaginative debut conjuring tales of Mexican American mystics and misfits.

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The Shamanic Bones of Zen by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

Why you should try it: This book can help navigate the deep reflections that the turn of the seasons invites us to explore.

Description: Conceived at the crossroads of Buddhism and indigenous earth-based practice, The Shamanic Bones of Zen explores the deep human traditions of transformation that are made possible by meditation, ceremony, ritual, dreams, and spiritual connection to one's ancestry.

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This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley

Why you should try it: A healing read perfect for those long nights of the soul.

Description: In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of her family alongside contemplative reflections to discover the "necessary rituals" that connect us with our belonging, dignity, and liberation.

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Rest Rituals by Valerie Oula

Why you should try it: Autumn and, to a deeper extent, winter are seasons of rest. We rest, so that we may engage with ourselves and others fully and authentically.

Description: Rest easy with this collection of powerful restorative techniques. Vibrational energy healer and meditation instructor Valerie Oula has put together over 50 rituals for winding down, drifting off, and improving the quality of your rest.

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Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island by Emily Meggett

Why you should try it: Southern cooking is especially perfect for the cozy season, because of the rich flavors, robust ingredients, and large portions meant for eating with family. With this book, you can learn about Gullah Geechee culture and enjoy delicious food. Win-win!

Description: The history of the Gullah and Geechee people stretches back centuries, when enslaved members of this community were historically isolated from the rest of the South because of their location on the Sea Islands of coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Today, this Lowcountry community represents the most direct living link to the traditional culture, language, and foodways of their West African ancestors. Gullah Geechee Home Cooking, written by Emily Meggett, the matriarch of Edisto Island, is the preeminent Gullah cookbook.

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Dontana

About Dontaná

Dontaná is a Collection Management Librarian who was born with an unending reading list. She is almost always reading two books simultaneously and is easily distracted by cool covers.

Librarian Andrea

About Andrea

Collection Management Librarian Andrea is an avid audiobook and manga reader. When she isn't chipping away at her reading list she's attending local pop culture conventions.