The summer heat has passed and it’s full-on “sweater weather” -- Autumn has arrived in New England. Spend some time outside and connect with friends and family as we celebrate the harvest season!

Here are a few book suggestions from our lists of Recommended New England authors. They go great with hot apple cider…

New Hampshire writer, Hannah Fries, will guide you through your very own forest bathing experience in her book, Forest Bathing Retreat: Find Wholeness in the Company of Trees, (Story Publishing). Her writing encourages the reader to be authentic, attentive, and open to the natural world around us. Find inspiration and insight here!

Environmental education and child development expert, David Sobel -- also a recommended author from New Hampshire, has plenty of ideas for encouraging children to find inspiration and a bonding with nature. His book, Wild Play (Green Writers Press) is a guide for parents looking to see their children active and playing outside rather than staring at a screen; a trail marker from his family to you, as he’s integrated a variety of nature experiences into his children’s lives, play, and storytelling.

Vermont poet and dairy farmer, Ross Thurber, will heighten your senses with his debut book of poetry, Pioneer Species (Green Writers Press). The smell of wood smoke, the sounds of cows and thunderstorms, the heart and soul of rural Vermont are found in his poetry. As you wind your way past another barn and field, or visit a weekend farmer’s market, scenes of life on Lilac Ridge Farm – Ross’s third-generation family farm, will go with you.

Michael Snyder, Vermont’s Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (and a self-proclaimed “tree geek”) presents 63 short essays on forestry, written from 1998-2015 and printed in Vermont Woodlands Magazine (later Northern Woodlands Magazine). Woods Whys (Bondcliff Books) is the result of his years of answering tree and woods questions as a forestry professional. But have no fear of being overwhelmed by scientific jargon. His love of the woods, his knowledge, and his enjoyable writing cuts through each and every essay. “Does a Bumper Crop of Acorns Predict a Harsh Winter?” Here’s a hint: the answer is found on page 15!

New England's General Stores by Ted Reinstein

Massachusetts author, Ted Reinstein (a journalist for WCVB-TV/Boston’s award-winning program, Chronicle) has written New England’s General Stores: Exploring an American Classic, published by Globe Pequot Press. With plenty of full color photographs by award-winning photographer, Art Donahue, and individual historic stories, he brings to life a visit to the local general store, and a time before strip malls and online shopping. Ted is also an inspired speaker and enjoys spreading the word to fellow New Englanders about interesting local stops along the way. You might see him out there!

Tourists in the Known World by Kristen Lindquist

Poet and naturalist, Kristen Lindquist, lives in her hometown of Camden, Maine. Her book of poetry, Tourists in the Known World (Megunticook Press) is a walk in nature, with a poet as your guide. Her poems are said to be “in tune with the seasons.” She’s written a natural history column for the local papers for many years and since 2009 has maintained a daily haiku blog, Book of Days. An avid bird watcher since childhood, she’s also a beekeeper!

And one more book of excellence is from Vermont author, naturalist, and photo-blogger, Mary Holland. Trafalgar Square Books presents a revised and updated edition of her award-winning original, Naturally Curious: A Photographic Field Guide and Month-to-Month Journey through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England. First published in 2010, it now contains over 100 new photographs.

Find these and more Recommended Authors and Poets of New England at your favorite local independent bookstore!

— Scott Lesniewski, Contributing Editor, Brilliant Light Publishing