There’s nothing better than reading (cooking, baking, watching movies, and cozying up) in the fall. Otherwise stated: everything Autumn is better. Just before we tire of the summer heat and prepare to hibernate, this elusive season grabs us. Fall is the perfect break from it all. Even though it leaves us so soon, the best fall books are the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.
Featured image is from Suruchi Avasthi’s interview with Sabeena Ladha.
What books should I read in autumn?
During the brief, leaf-strewn months of September to November, all I want to do is curl up with a blanket and read a stack of cozy, comforting, and sometimes weird novels. While some may think of the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte as a sign of the season, my attention turns to small-town New England romances, thrillers sprinkled with secrets, or stories about book club There, the unlikely protagonists find a connection, discover hope, and fall in love.
As you can see, the best fall reads bring a certain mood, a certain atmosphere, and sometimes a little magic. While summer is all about beach reading and the start of winter brings us deep into the self-help books we toss aside, my favorite fall books move me like no other novel.
So, in early October, as we approach the spookiest time of the year (Halloween, everyone), I encourage you to add some of the following titles to your TBR. If yours looks similar to mine, it’s probably a growing list. But hey, when it comes to the best fall books, the more the merrier, right?
The best fall books
1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
type: literary fiction
Sally Rooney’s latest work is a masterclass in emotional nuance, exploring the quiet moments that shape relationships and identity. Against the backdrop of changing political and personal circumstances, Rooney’s signature introspection remains as sharp as ever, drawing readers into the intimate lives of her characters with unflinching honesty. This novel delves into the complexities of communication—what is said, what is left unsaid, and everything in between—with a sensitivity that is both familiar and profound. When I don’t love you beautiful worldher fourth novel is rich and thought-provoking, perfect for cozy fall reading.
release date: Now available
2. Be prepared when luck strikes: A memoir by Ina Garten
type: Memoirs
If you know me, you know I’ve been waiting for this book Over the years. It’s an honest and inspiring look into the life of a beloved culinary icon. As someone who has long admired Ina’s approachable grace and warm, inviting presence, this memoir feels like a gift. She gives readers an inside look at her personal journey—from her early years in Washington, D.C., to building her dream career in the Hamptons. Her candid reflections on taking chances, overcoming challenges, and creating a life filled with passion and purpose make this a long-awaited treasure for fans. For those of us who have followed her for years, this is the perfect comforting fall read and a reminder that with heart and perseverance, good things can happen.
release date: Now available
3. “From Here to the Great Unknown” Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
type: Memoirs
Obviously, when fall rolls around, memoirs are at the top of my reading list. This poignant and deeply reflective memoir offers a rare glimpse into the extraordinary lives of Presley and Keough. Written by mother and daughter, the book weaves together their shared experiences of fame, loss, and recovery to paint an intimate portrait of their legacy. They honestly explore their complex family histories while also embracing the quiet moments that shaped their identities. Notably, Presley died unexpectedly a month after asking Keough to help her finish her memoir. Keough flipped through the tapes his mother had recorded, telling her life story. This memoir is a long-awaited journey into the heart of these women’s personal and artistic worlds, perfect for fall reading, sparking introspection and connection.
release date: Now available
4. Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
type: Thriller + Suspense
With Halloween right around the corner, fall is the perfect time to dive into this gripping psychological thriller filled with the dark, tense atmosphere that Hawkins is known for. Set in the mysterious twilight between night and dawn, the novel unravels the lives of complex characters, each haunted by secrets they are desperately trying to keep buried. Hawkins’ gift for weaving suspense and emotional depth makes this story both chilling and intimate, drawing readers into a web of lies, guilt, and unexpected twists.
release date: Now available
5. “Dideon and Babitz” Author: Lily Anolik
type: pass
This is not just a biography –Didion and Babitz is a riveting dual portrait of two of Los Angeles’ most iconic female writers. In her sharp, insightful prose, Anolick explores the contrasting yet intertwined legacies of Didion’s cool, detached reportage and Babitz’s energetic, hedonistic charm. This book brilliantly captures how these women defined an era of California culture through their writing and lives and left an indelible mark on American literature. An absolute must-read for fans of either or both, this is a riveting exploration of friendship, fame, and the art of living.
release date: November 12
6. “The Great Time” by Alan Moore
type: fantasy
Alan Moore’s great time It’s a fascinating exploration of time, existence, and human potential, blending philosophical depth with richly imaginative narrative. The novel delves into the complexities of fate and free will, interweaving surreal elements with profound reflections on how we shape our own destinies. Moore’s writing is intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, inviting readers to question their understanding of the world and their place in it.
release date: Now available
7. “The Night We Lost Him” by Lola Dave
type: mystery
Expect an emotional, suspenseful novel that deftly weaves together family secrets, love, and what we do to protect those we care about. Known for her heartfelt storytelling, Dave captures the unraveling of a family when the patriarch suddenly disappears, blending a sense of mystery with her signature warmth and insight into relationships. Each page draws you further into tension and emotional crisis as truths are revealed and the characters’ bonds are tested.
release date: Now available
8. “Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout
type: literary fiction
With her signature subtlety and emotional insight, Strout delves into the intimate connections between family, friends, and strangers, revealing that even the smallest moments can carry profound meaning. The novel captures the rawness of vulnerability, the weight of untold stories, and the deep longing to be truly known by others. Strout’s eloquent prose invites readers to sit with these emotional truths, making tell me everything This is a perfect fall read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives that resonate long after the last page.
release date: Now available
9. “The City and its Uncertain Walls” by Haruki Murakami
type: Literary Fiction + Fantasy
The book reads like a mesmerizing, surreal journey that blends dreams with an unforgettable exploration of memory, identity, and the subconscious. In classic Murakami style, the novel unfolds in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred, taking readers into a labyrinth of existential questions and mysterious characters. With his signature blend of melancholy and wonder, Murakami invites us to wander through a city that is both familiar and unsettling, where nothing is as it seems. For fans of his meditative, otherworldly storytelling, The city and its uncertain walls This is an immersive, thought-provoking read, perfect for long, reflective autumn evenings.
release date: November 19 (English translation)
10. “Mad Woman” by Chelsea Beek
type: literary fiction
Author Ashley Audrain said it best: “[This is] This is a rare book that lives in your bones. It’s true – this is a raw, exciting novel that explores the fragility of the sanity. In unflinching prose, Bick draws readers into the chaotic and brutal world of a woman on the edge, grappling with trauma, motherhood, and the longing for redemption. Bick expertly weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the limits of control, and the intensity of the novel is matched by its deep emotional undercurrent. This is a gripping and heartfelt read.
release date: Now available
11. “Nobody Breaks Down” by Sarah Labrie
type: Memoirs
Sarah Labrie invites readers into a world where vulnerability and resilience coexist in the delicate balance of everyday life. Through lyrical prose, she delves into the complex dance of relationships and self-discovery, capturing the raw emotions that come with heartache and healing. Labrie’s insights into the human condition resonate deeply, making her exploration of struggle and triumph feel relatable and relatable. Expect to find yourself reflecting on your own experiences, drawn into a narrative that deftly balances sadness and hope.
release date: October 22
12. “Here and Now” by Liane Moriarty
type: mystery
Liane Moriarty is best read in the fall, when books serve as reflective companions, inviting you to consider the fragility of existence and the beauty of human connection. In her latest book, Moriarty weaves a compelling story that explores the fleeting nature of life and the connections that define us. With his signature combination of razor sharp wit and emotional depth, Moriarty delves into the lives of characters grappling with profound change, loss, and unexpected moments of revelation. Her storytelling will leave you inspired (as always).
release date: Now available
