eight books you need to read this autumn

must-read, cozy, addictive books that will be your best friend this autumn

As the days get darker quicker, the leaves become darker and decorate the pavement under our feet, reading gives us a cozy solitude escape away from the darker, colder world outside. During autumn, my favourite activity to do is curl up and read a good book that feeds into these autumnal vibes, with a haunting atmosphere, leaving an eerie, misty imprint inside my mind.

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

   

For a thought-provoking read, Jane Eyre is an incredible classic driven by a passionate and intelligent heroine, Jane Eyre challenges societal norms and seeks independence. Brontë’s exploration of themes like class, gender, and religion is as relevant today as ever. Jane Eyre is an ideal autumn read because of its moody, atmospheric settings that echo the season’s spirit. Set in the windswept English moors, filled with misty mornings, you can’t help but get a feel for the quiet mystery and introspection that you can connect with on cool, cozy autumn evenings.

2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

   

A dark and atmospheric novel that delves into the lives of a group of privileged college students. Tartt’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot make this a must-read for fans of literary fiction. This novel is an ideal read for autumn, capturing the season's moody, introspective atmosphere with its exploration of beauty, intellect, and moral ambiguity. Set in a secluded Vermont college, the novel unfolds among fall’s crimson leaves and chilly landscapes, immersing readers in an academic world filled with dark secrets, classical studies, and twisted friendships. Tartt’s evocative prose and hauntingly poetic style seem crafted for the crisp, contemplative days of autumn when readers are most drawn to layered, immersive stories. It’s a book that feels like a slow burn—perfect for quiet afternoons and cozy evenings as the days grow shorter.

3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

   

For a chilling read, this is a timeless Gothic novel that perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere of autumn. Shelley’s exploration of themes like isolation, ambition, and the nature of humanity is as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. It’s a hauntingly perfect read for autumn, especially as Halloween draws near. The novel’s Gothic tone and themes of creation, isolation, and humanity resonate with the season’s dark, reflective energy. From the stormy, windswept landscapes to Victor Frankenstein’s lonely pursuit of forbidden knowledge, Shelley’s tale mirrors autumn's sense of mystery and transition. The eerie settings—remote mountains, bleak forests, and shadowed laboratories—are ideal for reading on a cool, quiet evening. As leaves fall and darkness comes earlier each day, Frankenstein offers the perfect atmospheric chill to accompany the season.

4. The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis

   

The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis is a compelling autumn read, inviting readers into the intense, cerebral world of competitive chess, which mirrors the introspective and focused energy of autumn. As the season turns cooler and routines settle, Beth Harmon’s journey from an orphanage to becoming a chess prodigy offers an absorbing escape, blending intellectual thrill with personal struggle. The novel’s mid-century settings, the quiet tension of chess tournaments, and Beth’s solitary determination all align with autumn’s contemplative mood. Just as the season encourages slowing down and focusing inward, The Queen’s Gambit draws readers into its intricate, immersive story, filled with suspense, drama, and a touch of melancholy, making it an ideal companion for crisp, cozy afternoons.

5. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

   

A heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and the joy of autumn. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a quintessentially cozy autumn read, perfect for fans of seasonal romance and small-town charm. Set in a delightful café brimming with pumpkin spice treats and warm lattes, the story invites readers to settle into a world filled with autumn festivals, changing leaves, and community spirit. The novel’s heartwarming storyline and feel-good romance capture the magic of autumn, offering readers a sweet escape where they can savor all things pumpkin spice. It’s the ideal book to curl up with on a crisp evening, capturing the cozy, comforting vibe that only fall can bring. This book reminds me exactly of Lorelai and Luke from Gilmore Girls, so if you love them, this book is for you.

6. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy

   

My university assigned this book for class, but I found unexpected comfort in it, thanks to its cozy autumn vibe. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy is a perfect autumn read, as its vivid depictions of nature and the raw, untamed landscapes of Egdon Heath align beautifully with the season's shifting, melancholic mood. Hardy’s prose captures the haunting beauty of autumn, with its shorter days, bracing winds, and somber tones that seem to echo his characters' complex struggles and desires. The novel’s themes of fate, love, and conflict against a dramatic rural backdrop make it an ideal companion for reflective autumn nights. As nature transitions, Hardy’s rich, atmospheric storytelling deepens the sense of change and introspection, making The Return of the Native an evocative, fitting read for autumn.

7. My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

   

You probably are resonating the cover of this book with Pinterest - and yes, this is the ultimate ‘it-girl’ ‘bedside table’ book. A darkly humorous and deeply unsettling novel about a young woman who retreats from the world to indulge in a year-long drug-induced slumber. Moshfegh’s sharp wit and unflinching honesty make this a thought-provoking read. The novel follows a young woman navigating her life in New York City, seeking to escape her emotional turmoil through an extreme year of hibernation and self-imposed isolation. As the leaves change and the days grow shorter, the themes of reflection, disconnection, and self-discovery resonate deeply, mirroring the natural world’s cycles of rest and renewal. The book's dark humor and sharp observations create a compelling atmosphere that invites readers to ponder their own lives amidst the cozy backdrop of autumn. Whether curled up by a fire or sipping a warm drink, you will find Moshfegh's exploration of rest and existential questions a thought-provoking companion for the season. In Autumn, all I crave is a time of ‘Rest and Relaxation’, making this a valid read for this time of year.

8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

   

Another chilling read that’s perfect for autumn is this absolute classic, Wuthering Heights. Capturing the season’s brooding atmosphere and themes of passion, revenge, and isolation, you will immerse yourself in the wild and stormy moors of Yorkshire with this classic tale of love, revenge, and obsession. Set against the backdrop of the wild Yorkshire moors, the novel’s turbulent emotions and haunting landscape mirror the dramatic changes of autumn. The crisp air and rustling leaves evoke a sense of both beauty and melancholy, perfectly complementing Brontë’s intense narrative. As the days grow shorter and nights become longer, the story's dark and passionate romance unfolds, inviting readers into a world filled with stormy weather and intense feelings. The Gothic elements of the novel, along with its exploration of love and despair, resonate beautifully during this season of reflection and change, making Wuthering Heights a captivating choice for cozy autumn evenings.

These novels offer a diverse range of reading experiences, from the gothic and the romantic to the darkly humorous and the thought-provoking. Whether you prefer a cozy mystery or a chilling thriller, there’s something here to satisfy every reader. So, grab a warm blanket, and a cup of tea, and lose yourself in these captivating stories.