Seasonal Reading Lists: Capturing the Autumnal Spirit

Autumn is a time of year that is often associated with magic, mystery, cozy reads, and hot cocoa, right? The leaves change color, the air becomes crisp, and the days grow shorter. This can be a time of year when people feel more introspective and reflective. Most in the literary world slow down and want to curl up with a nice book, warm socks, and a comfy space. Exploring new themes, finding ones you’ve squirreled away on your TBR, and giggling to characters you didn’t realize you had lost in the piles are waiting for you. Additionally, the changing of the seasons can be a time of year when people feel more nostalgic.

Here are some examples of books that are popular to read in autumn:

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

These books all explore themes of magic, wonder, and the supernatural. They are also set in the past or explore themes of nostalgia. These books can provide a sense of comfort and escape during the autumn months, but there’s so much more to explore. I’ll explain later; keep reading.

• Seasonal reading lists are important because they help readers find books that are relevant to the time of year.
  • For example, a summer reading list might include books set in the summer or that have a summery theme. Getting in the mood for the season helps reset your internal clocks and energizes you throughout the year. Additionally, seasonal reading lists can help readers discover new books that they might not have found otherwise. When books are grouped by theme or season, it can be easier to see which books might interest a reader. 

Here are some other reasons why seasonal reading lists are important:

• They can help readers to stay on track with their reading goals.
• They can provide a sense of community among readers.
• They can inspire readers to try new genres or authors.
• They can help readers to learn more about different cultures and perspectives.
• They can simply be a lot of fun!

If you want to improve your reading habits, consider checking out a seasonal reading list. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

1. The Allure of Autumn – Changing leaves, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and crisp air. Autumn is a special time of year for many reasons. Here are a few things that make autumn special:

• Changing leaves: One of the most popular things about autumn is changing the leaves. The leaves on trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making for a beautiful sight.
• Cozy sweaters: Autumn is also the perfect time to break out your cozy sweaters. There’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with a good book and a warm sweater on a chilly day.
• Pumpkin spice lattes: Pumpkin spice lattes are another autumn classic. These delicious drinks are perfect for enjoying on a cool day. I mean, who doesn’t like pumpkin spice, right?
• Crisp air: The air in autumn is crisp and refreshing. It’s the perfect time to go for a walk in the park or take a hike in the woods.

Autumn is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a special time of year to enjoy. With its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and fun activities, it’s sure to be a memorable season.

1. Criteria for Curating the Perfect Autumnal Book List

• Warm and cozy atmospheres.
• Settings that evoke a warm and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of fall often involve colorful foliage, crisp air, harvest festivals, and gathering around fires. Here are some book settings that capture the essence of the autumnal season:

1. Hogsmeade in “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling

• The only all-wizarding village in Britain, Hogsmeade is particularly enchanting in the fall with its magical shops, the Three Broomsticks Inn serving hot butterbeer, and the Shrieking Shack surrounded by rustling leaves.

1. Starcross Castle in “A Night in the Lonesome October” by Roger Zelazny

• Set in Victorian England, this novel presents an eerie and atmospheric setting, fitting for the Halloween spirit of October.

1. The wood between the worlds in “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis

• Though not explicitly fall, the forest pool-filled landscape has a quiet, tranquil, and reflective atmosphere that matches the introspection of the season.

1. Miss Peregrine’s Home in “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs

• The isolated house on a Welsh island, surrounded by fog and inhabited by children with special abilities, has an eerie yet warm atmosphere that suits the fall season.

1. The village of Mill Valley in “The Halloween Tree” by Ray Bradbury

• This novel encapsulates the essence of Halloween with a journey that takes readers through space and time to explore the holiday’s history.

1. The setting of “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman

• The Owens house, with its enchanting garden and the backdrop of a New England town, evokes a perfect setting for a story of love, magic, and family curses, especially as the season changes.

1. The town of Salem in “The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane” by Katherine Howe

• Salem, with its history of witch trials, becomes the atmospheric backdrop of a story that spans centuries. The crisp New England fall air makes it even more evocative.

1. The colonial farm in “The Witch of Willow Hall” by Hester Fox

• Set in 1821 in New Oldbury, Massachusetts, the novel’s setting of a stately manor surrounded by woods and whispers of witchcraft is perfect for an autumnal read.

1. Avonlea in “Anne of Avonlea” by L.M. Montgomery

• While Green Gables is cozy throughout the series, the sequel brings delightful descriptions of Anne’s school teaching days, with goldenrod and asters blooming, making the reader feel the essence of fall.

1. The setting of “November 9” by Colleen Hoover

• The story, which takes place on the same date over several years, brings out the feel of late autumn with its theme of change, transition, and reflection.

These settings capture the mood, colors, and feelings associated with fall, making readers want to curl up with a blanket and a hot drink as they immerse themselves in the story.

1. Recommended Reads for Fall

• Here are some lists you can check out for fall reads. I’ve included mine as well, of course, in case you wanna check out what I’ve read past falls and what I’ve read this fall already.
  • Time magazines list – https://time.com/6306503/best-books-fall-2023/
  • Esquire magazines list –https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g45337255/best-books-fall-2023/
  • Country living –https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g44620810/fall-books-2023/
  • Washington Post – 
  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/09/01/fall-books-preview/
  • The Authors Porch – https://theauthorsporch.com/the-authors-porch-magazine/issue-10/

1. No matter what, make sure you dive into a fall read regardless of genre. There will be some cold days somewhere, and you’ll be looking for something to do. There are a lot of books that will transform you into magical worlds.

Like always, until next time my friends.

CJ