‘Tis the season to dust off your Converse; take out your chunky sweaters, and embrace the refreshing breeze nipping at your cheeks. For all those who celebrate, autumn is finally upon us, and students at Ayala breathe a collective sigh of relief as the grueling heatwaves of the summer pass to welcome cooler weather. 

To commemorate this lovely change in temperature, nothing is better than rewatching movies that have become an autumn tradition, or opening a new novel as you wind down with a pumpkin spice sweet treat. Even putting in your earpods or blasting albums loud during a late night drive characterize the season as the start of newfound comfort. Without a doubt, books, movies, and music are the key to truly getting into the fall spirit, and therefore here are some recommendations that emanate autumn. 

This is the perfect cozy book to enjoy as the weather cools down. It projects the comfortable setting depicted onto readers like a warm blanket. It follows the protagonist getting back on her feet at her uncle’s bookstore, learning that the journey of life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and understanding to be accepting of such a fact. This is a heartfelt book that explores literature and relationships in an aesthetic way that only a plot that unfolds in a bookstore can achieve. It is truly a book that finds you just when you need a pick-me up, and is incredibly addictive to binge-read.

“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. This is your harbor. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you’re well rested, you can set sail again.”

― Satoshi Yagisawa, “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop”

A classic that is perfect for reminiscing on childhood, the nostalgia makes this book a must read for the occasion of the changing season. Following Anne, an orphan who recently got adopted by a family in Green Gables, the book shows the beauty of growing up.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

― L. M. Montgomery, “Anne of Green Gables”

A story that encapsulates the true importance of connection, acceptance, and love for healing and growth, especially after experiencing trauma or feeling isolated.  This book has been an important part of literature as it illustrates the importance of change in a person’s life in order to become a better person similar to the season. Although a short book, the message provided is unforgettable. 

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.”

― Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

If teenage years could be rolled up into one movie, “Juno” would be the one to achieve it. Capturing the uncertainty of adolescence, the comedy of growing up, and the obstacles that are complex relationships, this movie follows a witty young girl Juno through her journey of maturity. The way in which the movie concludes makes it a must watch to get comfortable for the fall season leading to the holidays. 

“I never realize how much I like being home unless I’ve been somewhere really different for a while.”

A perfect way to get started into the fall season with a light hearted murder mystery film. The movie focuses on the death of the wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey’s death leading to an investigation by detective Benoit Blanc. Throughout the movie, characters use dark comedy and satire in order to lighten the mood perfect for fall. 

  “It’s a strange case from the start. A case with a hole in the center. A doughnut.” 

An animated stop motion film focusing on the story of a young girl, Coraline, as she unlocks the door to another world and her journey back home. This movie is a classic fall movie as it features some frightening element, yet nothing that really unnerves the mind. Through both the dark color palette and storytelling, the movie is perfect for any late night movie watching. 

 “How can you walk away from something and still come back to it?”

Listening to this song practically calls for a chilly morning walk through your neighborhood. Containing guitar chords to die for and sorrowful lyrics, this song is the pinnacle of the carefully curated vibe that The Sundays achieve. It is an anthem for accepting tumultuous change, and it perfectly matches the fuzzy feeling autumn brings.

“Build me up, don’t get me down

Weather the storm

Well, life goes on

Feelings ebb and flow by hour

You’re up in the clouds

And then you sink like a stone”

No one quite captures the stormy aspect of romance like Hozier manages to do in his songs, and Hozier has yet to write a song with a similar brand of beauty as he has on this song. For those feeling stuck in melancholia as summer fades away, this song can add fuel to the fire in the best possible way. Hozier never fails to bring a certain charm in the cruel type of love he is accustomed to, making this song perfect for late night pondering.

“Her fight and fury is fiery

Oh but she loves

Like sleep to the freezing

Sweet and right and merciful”

This song brings the feeling of being home in warm clothes during the rain with a good book. The meaning of the song is very difficult to analyze; however, it could be a symbol for a love that is gentle and oppressive. Although being a sad and sorrowful song, it encapsulates the feeling of fall as the weather gets warmer and the day’s mood gets colder.

“He faced the mirror to avoid the thing

We’re outta money and we sold the bling

And I just wanna take you home

I just wanna take you home” 

Bring back out your friendship bracelets as this song feels like walking to your favorite coffee shop in your comfiest sweater. This song captures the feeling of being in a state of despair in a long desolate emotional state with no end light. Although the meaning behind the song may be sad, it does not mean it can’t be enjoyed during this beautiful changing season. 

“And I couldn’t be sure

I had a feeling so peculiar

That this pain would be for

Evermore”

As the leaves fall from the trees during autumn, seasonal pieces of media begin to reemerge from their slumber. Autumn is a season full of change and is illustrated through the dynamic pieces of media consumed during this season. These pieces of media are only suggestions, giving everyone the media options to consider consuming during the wonderful season. However, this should be considered as it is a great way to get your Converse dirty.