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.

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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?

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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.

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  How to Break the Fall Doom-Scroll Habit, According to How Habits Actually Form 
  The piece discusses the ineffectiveness of willpower in breaking habitual phone scrolling. Instead, it suggests interrupting the habit loop by altering cues, routines, and rewards. Practical strategies include making the phone less accessible and providing engaging alternatives, reinforcing that breaking the cycle requires less discipline and more thoughtful adjustments in behavior.
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  The Version of Me I Kept Workable 
  The content explores the emotional exhaustion of deliberately staying soft to gain love from others, leading to self-neglect. The author reflects on crafting poetry about personal growth, transitioning from being moldable to embracing a strong, independent self. Ultimately, the book “Clay” celebrates the journey of self-acceptance and resilience.
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  Before Love Takes Form, There Is Mud 
  The author reflects on personal transformation through the metaphor of pottery, illustrating the process of shaping one’s identity. Each poetic stage, from dry clay to bisque firing, symbolizes different phases of becoming. Ultimately, the journey reveals that the author is not merely shaped by others but is the potter of her own life.
• 
  How to Actually Host People Without Losing Your Mind
  Hosting stress often arises from poor timing rather than lack of effort. To improve gatherings, prepare ahead by planning menus and shopping early. Focus on cleaning key areas and prep dishes in advance. Aim for a cozy atmosphere and embrace simplicity, prioritizing enjoyment over perfection for memorable experiences.
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  The Sunday Reset Routine That Actually Sticks 
  The Sunday reset should focus on creating a manageable weekly routine rather than being an elaborate event. By identifying key areas of need—like meal planning and outfit preparation—and incorporating enjoyable elements, a practical reset can ease stress and enhance productivity without overwhelming. Flexibility is essential for sustainability.