Back-to-School Vibes: A Curated List of Fall 2025 Reads
As the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, the arrival of fall brings a unique sense of excitement. For many, it’s the time when school supplies are packed, classrooms are cleaned, and the anticipation of new beginnings fills the air. Even if you’ve long since left the halls of academia behind, there’s something undeniably magical about this season. It’s a time for fresh starts, new challenges, and the kind of inspiration that only comes with the turning of the year. If you’re feeling nostalgic for those back-to-school vibes, there’s no better way to embrace them than through a carefully curated list of books that capture the essence of the season.
Fall is a special time for book lovers, offering a shift from summer’s light reads to more immersive stories. Cozy mysteries, dark academia, and spine-tingling thrillers all find their place in the autumn reading lineup. Whether you're looking for a story that takes you back to the classroom or one that offers a different kind of academic setting, there’s something for everyone. Below are some standout titles that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of fall 2025.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
For fans of magical boarding schools, Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education is an absolute must-read. Set in the Scholomance, a school where students learn to survive against magical threats, the novel blends elements of dark academia, horror, and fantasy. The story follows El, a student navigating a world where death is a constant threat. While it shares similarities with the Harry Potter universe, A Deadly Education offers a darker, more intense take on the genre. The novel has sparked a lot of interest, with readers praising its intricate world-building and compelling characters. Fans of the series can continue the journey with The Last Graduate and The Golden Enclaves, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy immersive, multi-book experiences.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a modern classic that captures the essence of a college campus with its rich atmosphere and complex narrative. Set in a small New England college, the novel explores themes of beauty, classical scholarship, and the dangers of obsession. The story centers on Richard, a student drawn into a group of eccentric peers and a charismatic professor. As the plot unfolds, the idyllic setting gives way to a darker, more unsettling reality. The novel has become a favorite among BookTok users, with many creating aesthetic videos inspired by its lush descriptions of libraries, courtyards, and student life. Its timeless appeal makes it a great pick for anyone craving the charm of a college setting.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s Babel offers a unique blend of historical fiction, dark academia, and magical realism. Set in the mid-19th century, the novel follows Robin Swift, an orphan trained to become a translator at Oxford University’s Royal Institute of Translation. The story delves into themes of language, identity, and cultural conflict, making it both thought-provoking and engaging. BookTok users have embraced the novel, with many sharing aesthetic videos that reflect its warm, sepia-toned campus scenes. The novel’s emotional depth and vivid storytelling make it a standout choice for readers looking for a compelling academic experience.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Simone St. James’s The Broken Girls is a chilling mix of mystery and horror set in a remote Vermont boarding school. The novel alternates between two timelines, following a journalist as she investigates the disappearance of her sister in the 1950s. With its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot, the book offers a fresh take on the boarding school genre. Readers will appreciate the atmospheric descriptions of Idlewild Hall, which add to the novel’s haunting tone. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy a little spooky energy during the fall months.
If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio
M. L. Rio’s If We Were Villains is a dark academia masterpiece that combines Shakespearean drama with a gripping mystery. The novel follows Oliver Marks, a former actor who is accused of murder and spends ten years in prison. Through his interactions with a detective, the story unravels the events that led to his downfall. The novel is set in a prestigious conservatory where students take their roles as actors very seriously, blurring the line between performance and reality. Fans of The Secret History will find much to love in this book, which is filled with literary references and a strong sense of atmosphere.
Methodology
Each book on this list was chosen based on its ability to evoke the back-to-school spirit and offer a compelling academic setting. All of the novels center around educational institutions, ensuring that readers looking for that vibe will find satisfaction. Additionally, each book received high praise from readers, with most earning four stars or higher on Goodreads. While A Deadly Education had a slightly lower rating, the overall success of the Scholomance trilogy justified its inclusion. The selection also aimed to provide a diverse range of genres, from magic and fantasy to literary fiction, ensuring there's something for every reader.