Fall is upon us. With the change in season comes deliciously cooler air, brightly colored, crunchable leaves and a lust for literature un-sated by your average textbook.

Luckily, there is no shortage of literary alternatives. But which to read? Fear not! Here you will find a list of books that embody the autumnal season.

First up: **”The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells**. Whether or not you’re a science fiction fanatic, this quick and enjoyable read has just the right touch of Halloweeny surrealism to keep you on your toes. Pair this with Wells’ subtle humor and amusing social commentary, and this classic has the right to headline any fall reading list.

When a young, unstable scientist (and budding madman) manages to turn himself invisible, he fails to consider the possible consequences of his state until it’s too late. Desperate to undo what’s been done, Mr. Invisible rampages through the English countryside terrorizing the villagers while trapped in a world of criminal insanity. Delightful.

Of course, nothing says “fall” like a good mystery. Enter **”The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” by Laurie R. King**, a fascinating tale centered around Sherlock Holmes’ alleged 15-year-old apprentice Mary Russell.

Stumbling upon Mr. Holmes quite by accident in her wanderings through the Sussex Downs, Ms. Russell is plucked up by the supposedly retired detective and placed into a position of apprenticeship due to her astounding intellect. After a smattering of cases, a foe intent on murdering Holmes emerges, putting the lives of both Holmes and Russell in gravest danger.

Set in England during World War I, this lovely novel of thrilling suspense will sharpen the mind of any prospective reader just in time for midterms.

If you are simply craving realistic fiction, **Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”** fits perfectly into the fall category. This book follows the lives of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli and eventually their son Gogol as the family moves from Calcutta, India, to Cambridge, Mass., and adjusts to a completely new culture while struggling to retain the old. At the outset, “The Namesake” examines life for Indian immigrants, but as it progresses, the novel zeros in on Gogol’s life and growth as he finds his way in the world.

Gogol’s loves, losses and familial interactions all contribute to his process of self-discovery. His young adulthood in New York City is something any college student can either envy or relate to.

The poignant processes of death and decay followed by rebirth and renewal are prevalent in the novel, just as the fall season is part of a seasonal cycle that will eventually lead to spring ― an encouraging thought come leaden January.

So this fall, take a break from the textbook tedium with an enjoyable read. After all, midterms are overrated.