This article is all about the best books for Fall road trip adventures on the East Coast.
Whether you’re opting for paperback or audiobook, these cozy reads will whisk you away on an east coast adventure.
From mythology to small-town east coast America, get cozy and watch the beautiful scenery pass by as you get lost in a great book.
Best Road Trip Books for Fall
Here are 7 book recommendations to make any Fall road trip one for the books. These books are available in book form and audio version.
Where The Crawdads Sing
- Perfect for: East Coast vibes.
- Themes: First time love, heartfelt friendship, United States ecosystems and outdoor nature, connection.
- Author: Delia Owens
A young girl, Kya is abandoned in the wild marsh lands of North Carolina. She fends for herself and uses her wits to forge a life, while rumors fly around Barkley Cove of a “Marsh Girl”.
When a young man that Kya is associated with goes missing, she’s immediately under suspicion. Facts and rumors fly, but will the truth be found out?
If you’re driving on the East Coast, in the Carolinas, or along the Atlantic Ocean, this will be a perfect book for your journey. this novel accentuates the wild nature of North Carolina’s coastlines, leaving a hauntingly beautiful memory of the trip.
And Then There Were None
- Perfect for: Suspense, human psychology, mystery.
- Themes: Mystery, murder, early 20th century history.
- Author: Agatha Christy
A heart-racing page-turner about nine strangers who end up together but alone on an empty island just off the rugged coast of England.
At least, they think they’re alone. As mysterious circumstances unfold, they must solve the mystery, and hopefully escape the island before it’s too late.
If you want a little suspense during your trip, choose the audiobook version. This is the best way to enjoy the suspense the narrator builds as you move through each chapter.
This would be a perfect book for a scenic drive through the mountains or along the ocean as the colors change for Fall.
The Lake House
- Perfect for: A poignant historical fiction novel that will have you holding your breath until the last chapter.
- Themes: Redemption, mystery, family ties.
- Author: Kate Morton
A teenage girl, Alice Evedane, is coming of age and starting her writing career in her family’s lake house in 1933. During a midsummers Eve party, her younger brother goes missing, causing the family to abandon their home. Decades later, a young detective connects with Alice to uncover the mysterious events of that night.
Using flashbacks and vivid storytelling, the author weaves a tail of 1930s Cornwall England, and the mysterious ties that bind time and family together.
If you’re traveling through the North East USA to see the Fall foliage, this is a perfect time to dive into The House at Riverton.
The superb storytelling will have you captivated right up to the final chapter, with the dramatic backdrop of the falling leaves as you go.
Paper Towns
- Perfect for: A somewhat lighthearted coming of age story set across states and on the open road.
- Themes: Young love, authenticity, growing up, finding meaning.
- Author: John Green
Two children, Quentin and Margo, experience a shocking discovery together as children. Several years later when both are in high school, the two reconnect. And then, Margo vanishes.
A perfect listen (or read) while road-tripping through Florida or up the East Coast during the Fall. References to paper towns and East Coast landmarks are a fun touchpoint connecting the story to the landmarks you may be passing.
With a story Set from Florida up to rural New York, this book will take you for a (fun) ride.
Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
- Perfect for: Fantastic conversations when the book is finished.
- Themes: The female experience, folklore, coming home to yourself.
- Author: Doctor Clarissa Pinkola Estés
A thought-provoking call to the wild, this book weaves story and myth across cultures, inviting women reconnect with their inner “wild woman”. A favorite quote from the book is the following:
“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories… water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.” – Doctor Clarissa Pinkola Estés
A season of change like Fall is the perfect season to get lost in the revelations and stirring quotes tucked in this book. Plus, if you’re a person who cherishes exploring, you’ll likely feel that same tug to adventure in each chapter.
Using her own story and experiences as a woman, Dr. Estes will give you a new perspective on what you thought you knew about yourself and the world.
The Group Trip
- Perfect for: A heartwarming journey, reminiscing on friendships.
- Themes: Southern setting, friendship, relationships, growing up.
- Author: Aubrey Ingram
A collection of 6 close friends go on a luxury getaway together. Just a year before, one of their friend group refused a marriage proposal, sending shockwaves through the friend group and damaging bonds.
If you’re embarking on a Fall drive you’ll enjoy this insightful read. Ultra-relatable, inquisitive, and heartfelt, it will bring you to the end of your road trip without even noticing the time has passed by.
The Wedding People
- Perfect for: North East culture, exploring life choices.
- Themes: Marriage, love, choice, regret, friendship.
- Author: Alison Espach
Phoebe arrives in Newport Beach, Rhode Island wearing a beautiful dress and heels. She’s the only one booked at the luxurious hotel who hasn’t arrived for a wedding – but the other guests don’t know that.
When Phoebe and the bride connect and open up to one another, the weekend begins to unfold differently than what they’d both planned or imaged.
This is a perfect Fall read if you’re heading up the East Coast or to a wedding, and want a tenderhearted book that won’t let you down.
Where the Forest Meets The River
- Perfect for: Exploring human dynamics.
- Themes: Small towns, grief, community and interconnections between people.
- Author: Shannon Bowring
Set in the small town of Dalton, Maine about half a decade after a shocking discovery by the town residents. The story follows the town folk, all ranging in age and life experiences, as they navigate the complexities and questions of life following the event.
This is a second book in a trilogy about the town of Dalton. The backdrop of Maine in the story makes this a solid read as you traverse the road north.
Audiobooks Versus Physical Books for Your Road Trip
Audiobooks are a fun choice if you’re the one driving (and obviously can’t read), or if you want to sit back and enjoy the beautiful colors en route while listening to a book.
Audio is also a great choice is you’re grabbing a book last minute before hitting the road. Or, if you get a little car sick when reading.
A good old physical copy of a book is perfect if you want to get lost in the story (and you don’t get car sick). After all, there’s no better time to commit to finishing a book than when you’re in a car!
Having a really good book or novel makes for a perfect road trip. Whether you’re heading through the Blue Ridge Parkway, a mountain town, up the coast, or just taking a day trip, why not experience the joy of reading along the way?
Reading List for The Best Fall Road Trips
You will have the best Fall road trip ever with these book recommendations! Each book is perfect for passing time as you drive.
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