18 Books To Fall Into This Autumn

Autumn is my favorite time of year to read a book. A hot drink, fuzzy blanket, and diving into the pages is really all I need. If you’re looking for a new book to read that may relate to military life, here are a few books for you to try. They span a variety of genres, so there is something for almost everyone. You can find them wherever books are sold.

For the fiction fancier

Where You Go by Claire Cain (written by a military spouse!)

Cain tells the story of Luke Waterford and Alex Moore, two people who have known each other their whole lives. Alex leaves busy New York City to settle in Nashville, not far from Fort Campbell, where Luke is stationed. As they begin a relationship of their own, Alex has to consider if she can adjust to the needs of a military relationship. Unlike some other military romance novels, this book is not focused on special operations service members. Luke is an infantryman. The story has a very true-to-life vibe that most milspouses will connect to. After all, many of us have been in Alex’s shoes. This book is brand spankin’ new and releases on Oct. 2.

The Soldier’s Wife by Joanna Trollope

Written by an English author, the story centers on a soldier in the British Army and his family. As often happens in military life, the spouse, Alexa, is offered a job she would love, but she can’t take it due to a potential PCS. Other elements pile on and the couple is forced to consider whether or not they can continue their lives together.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

I fell in love with this book almost 10 years ago, but it’s still a favorite. The story begins in 1935 when a teenage girl observes the relationship between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, a son of one of the household servants. The two are forced apart due to untrue allegations, just before the beginning of World War II. This will provoke all sorts of feelings.

Wives of War by Soraya M. Lane

A group of three women sign up in the British nurses corps, traveling from England to France after the D-Day invasion during World War II. The story contains love, regret, hope, and fear. Some of the descriptions may be intense to some people.

Hearts of Resistance by Soraya M. Lane

This is a second book by the same author, but it’s too good to pass up. The story is told from the point of view of three different women who eventually come together to assist the French resistance during World War II. One is German and the daughter of a Nazi leader. One is English and working for a top-secret organization. The other is French and wanting to do more in memory of her husband. The stories will pull at your heartstrings, and you may find yourself believing in their mission as much as they do.

For the military life angle

1001 Things To Love About Military Life by Tara Crooks and others (written by military spouses!)

Sometimes in this military life, we can all use a pick-me-up when the times aren’t looking so rosy. This book does just that. You’re sure to find something from this list that clears up your mood. You might even learn a few things you didn’t know.

Separated By Duty, United in Love by Shellie Vandevoorde (written by a military spouse and veteran!)

If you’re new to military life or are facing a deployment for the first time (or the first time in a long time), this is for you. Vandevoorde breaks down deployment in an easy-to-manage way, directing you to resources to help you through it. She also highlights self care during deployments, a refresher we all can use.

Married to the Military by Meredith Levya (written by a military spouse!)

If you’re new to the military and are still learning how to read an LES among many other things, you’ll want to pick up this book. Everything you need to know is in here, and it can act as an easy-to-reach reference point. You also get additional information regarding deployment and separation.

For those mad for marriage material

The Five Love Languages: Military Edition by Gary Chapman with Jocelyn Green (a military spouse contributed to the writing!)

There are plenty of editions of The Five Love Languages, but the military edition is special. When you purchase the book, you’ll also receive a code for downloading a digital copy to your favorite device, so your service member can also read the book wherever he or she is currently living. The book is mostly the original Languages book but has helpful guidance peppered throughout, provided by military spouse Jocelyn Green. The tips are great for helping to show love in the way your spouse will understand it, even during a separation or deployment. You can find those tips under the “Decoding Deployment” section.

His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Harley, Jr.

My husband and I received this book from a chaplain at his first duty station. We’ve both read it and it makes some really great points. Harley found that, overall, men and women have the same 10 emotional needs that they consider important in relationships. The problem is that men and women don’t choose the same top five. In fact, their top five lists are usually entirely different. This book explains how couples can meet each other’s emotional needs.

For the love letter likers

Other People’s Love Letters edited by Bill Shapiro

I stumbled on this book on Valentine’s Day almost 13 years ago, and it’s always been a favorite to re-visit. In military life, most of us have sent or received a handwritten letter. This book is a collection of private letters, some of which are love letters written and sent during a deployment or other military separation. Reader beware: Keep a box of tissues nearby. You may need them.

My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams

John and Abigail Adams were no strangers to separation. Over their lifetime, they spent many years apart and oceans away from each other, but their love didn’t waver. John Adams frequently called Abigail his “ballast” and his “dearest friend.” Their collection of letters spans the years 1762-1801. This will be an added bonus for history lovers as it also describes the birth of the U.S. and the politics of the years that followed.

What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self edited by Ellyn Spragina

This book may be better for a younger crowd, but it’s interesting to read simply for the perspectives of some well-known women. Authors include Madeleine Albright, Maya Angelou, Ann Curry, Vanna White, Nora Roberts, and more. The writers reflect on what they know in their present life and what they wish they could tell their younger selves.

For the religion relishers

Journey of a Military Wife by Brenda Pace (written by a military spouse!)

If you are looking for a Bible study that spans a variety of topics related to the military, this may be for you. The boxed set includes: Steps of Peace in Times of Transition, Steps of Faith in God’s Plan, Steps of Hope in Times of Uncertainty, and Steps of Love Toward Healthy Relationships.

Marriage Maintenance: Tuning Up After Time Apart by Elizabeth Giertz (written by a military spouse!)

Marriage requires work to keep it strong and to stay connected. When you factor in the military, things can get even stickier. It’s hard to connect when you aren’t even in the same state or country. But once you’re back together, you don’t need to struggle alone to get your connection back. The workbook pairs with a Bible study so you and your spouse can work separately to process what you’re feeling. There are two versions of the book: one “for him” and one “for her.” Stay tuned to Army Wife Talk Radio to hear Giertz talk about her books on-air.

For the non-fiction nurturers

Tribe by Sebastian Junger

This book received a lot of positive criticism when it was released in 2016. If you’ve ever seen the documentary film Restrepo, then you’re familiar with Junger, who lived in a remote outpost for a year covering an infantry unit there. He bonded closely with the soldiers, but also had a hard time transitioning when he returned to the U.S. Being the in-depth researcher that he is, he attempted to find the root cause of why service members have problems with reintegration. His research is well conducted and he reaches a likely conclusion. His book, War, is another must-read.

For the short story savorer

Chicken Soup for the Military Wife’s Soul by Jack Canfield and others

You’ll find a variety of short stories on numerous topics: patriotism, separation, raising children, moving, celebrating holidays, grief, and so many other wonderful stories. Some of these are bound to stick with you. Many of the stories are told by military spouses or military family members spanning decades of war. I would suggest a box of tissues while reading this. You may find this is a book you re-read during certain periods of military life.

You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon (written by a military spouse!)

A combination of stories telling the darker side of military life, this book isn’t for everyone. There are some very powerful topics. Personally, I enjoyed the stories, but don’t expect to get a complete story here. Many of these stories leave the reader with questions. Fallon’s writing is very strong and I think she pulls you into the story.

 

Now go to your installation’s library or buy something online and get reading! The hot beverage and cozy blanket is entirely optional, but definitely preferable.

What book will you pick up next? Happy reading!