Book Club: Your Fall Reading List

Okay bookish besties, pull up a folder. It’s time to build out that fall TBR pile. Cozy season calls for books that match the energy: a little introspective, a little healing, a little “curl up under a blanket and don’t move for three hours.”

Here’s my full breakdown, organized by what kind of fall mood you’re in.

Type your email…

Subscribe

If you want mindset & self-growth

“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle — This one will wreck you in the best way. It’s about unlearning who you were told to be and choosing who you actually are. Perfect for anyone in a “who even am I outside of everyone else’s expectations” era.

“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown — Short chapters, big impact. If your fall reset includes letting go of perfectionism, start here. Read one chapter a night with your tea and just sit with it.

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert — For the girls trying to reconnect with creativity after a burnt-out summer. Gentle, encouraging, exactly what you need if you’ve been too tired to make anything lately.

If you want a slow, atmospheric read

“Circe” by Madeline Miller — Gorgeous, mythic, slow-burn. If you want a book that feels like it was written specifically for cardigan weather, this is it.

“Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro — Quiet, aching, beautiful. Not a fast read, and it’s not supposed to be. Save this for a Slow Sunday.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern — Atmospheric, dreamy, made for candlelight reading. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a different world for a few hours, this is your book.

If you want healing through story (fiction that hits different)

“Beautiful World, Where Are You” by Sally Rooney — Messy relationships, real questions about what it means to live a meaningful life. Book club discussion gold.

“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi — Powerful, generational, emotional. Not a light read, but an important one. Give yourself space to sit with it after.

“Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata — Short, strange, and quietly profound. A palate cleanser between heavier reads.

How to actually build a reading habit this fall (not just a wishlist)

Buying the books isn’t the hard part actually reading them is. Here’s what’s worked for me:

1. Pick one book, not five. I used to start four books at once and finish none of them. One book, start to finish, then the next.
2. Read during a specific window, not “whenever.” Mine is 20 minutes before bed instead of scrolling. Small, consistent, doable.
3. Physical book or e-reader, not your phone app. If you’re reading on the same device you scroll on, you will get distracted. Every time. No exceptions.
4. Track it loosely, don’t gamify it into a chore. A simple note of what you finished and how it made you feel is enough. This isn’t a competition.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a conspiracy theory you actually find believable?

View all responses

Reading in the fall just hits different. There’s something about a slower pace of life that makes room for actually sinking into a story instead of rushing through it.

What’s on your fall TBR? Drop your picks below, I’m always looking for the next read.

• 
  Did you Cramp My Style
  “Cramp My Style” is a comprehensive period guide for teens that addresses common misconceptions about menstruation while offering practical advice and inclusive language. It covers menstrual health, pain management, tracking cycles, and the importance of communication with parents. The book is designed for ages 12 and up, aiming to empower users with knowledge.
• 
  I Said No to 12 Holiday Invitations Last Year. Nobody Stopped Speaking to Me
  In November, the author faced overwhelming social obligations, often leading to burnout. Last year, they declined twelve invitations and found that most reactions were positive. The piece emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, offering strategies for saying no kindly while prioritizing personal time and well-being during the busy holiday season.
• 
  Set the Table Anyway
  The author reflects on transforming solitary dinners from mundane moments into meaningful experiences. By treating oneself like a valued guest—using nice dishes, preparing one dish from scratch, and eliminating distractions—the act of dining alone becomes special. This practice fosters self-worth, enhancing overall quality of life and self-relationship.
• 
  I Skipped New Year’s Resolutions and Did This Instead: The 60-Minute Year-End Review
  The author shares a transformative approach to year-end planning that involves a one-hour personal review instead of traditional resolutions. By examining the past year’s achievements and challenges, individuals can identify patterns, emotions, and energy sources. This method emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and setting a guiding theme for the upcoming year, fostering more intentional growth.
• 
  The Clocks Are About to Change: The 20-Minute Morning Habit That Beats the Winter Slump
  The winter season can bring feelings of fatigue and isolation due to shorter daylight. To combat this, incorporating habits like morning light exposure, scheduling social activities, and creating evening rituals can help. It’s important to acknowledge low-energy days without guilt and seek help if feelings become persistently severe.