Fall Reading List: 5 Cozy Books to Curl Up With This Season

As the leaves begin to change and the air gets a little cooler, there’s no better time to embrace the coziness of fall than by curling up with a great book. The season practically begs for us to slow down, light a candle, and settle into a cozy nook with a warm drink and a captivating story. Whether you prefer dark mysteries, emotional stories, or some more seasonal fiction, my fall reading list along with some clever reading nook tips, will keep you cozy as the weather gets cooler over the next few months.

Here I’ll share five of my must-read books for fall that you won’t want to miss, and I’ll show you how to set the mood for the perfect reading experience. So grab your blanket, make a cup of tea, and let’s dive into it.

1. The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk

There’s no better way to welcome fall than with a mystery-filled, atmospheric novel like The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk. Set in a sanatorium in the Polish mountains during the late 1800s, this gothic story follows Mieczysław Wojnicz, a patient recovering from illness. As he starts to heal, Mieczysław senses something strange about the sanatorium, its residents, and the nearby forest. This haunting story explores deep themes of life, death, and the supernatural.

Tokarczuk, a Nobel Prize winner, is known for her rich, poetic writing, and the eerie setting of this novel makes it perfect for fall. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy slow-building gothic fiction that leaves them thinking about life’s big mysteries.

Cozy Reading Tip:
Create a moody reading atmosphere by lighting a candle with a smoky or woody scent, like sandalwood or cedar. Wrap yourself in a thick blanket and listen to the sound of wind or rain to fully immerse yourself in the novel.

2. I’m Sorry for My Loss by Rebecca Little and Colleen Long

If you’re looking for an emotional and heartfelt read this fall, I’m Sorry for My Loss by Rebecca Little and Colleen Long is a great pick. The novel tells the story of two women—Jess, a young widow grieving her husband, and Hannah, an older woman who has experienced many painful losses in her life. When their lives cross paths, they form an unexpected friendship that helps them both deal with their grief and find hope again.

This touching novel explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of human connection. I’m Sorry for My Loss is perfect for readers wanting a comforting, reflective story that’s both heartwarming and tear-jerking.

Cozy Reading Tip:
For a deeply emotional book like this one, create a reading space that feels comforting and safe. Surround yourself with soft pillows and blankets, and keep a hot cup of chamomile tea nearby. You may also want to keep a box of tissues close—I have a feeling you’ll need them!

3. The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

If you enjoy stories with a bit of magic and folklore, The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister is a must-read this fall. The story takes place in the mysterious marshlands of the American South and follows Nora, a woman living with her mother and sister near a bog. When a stranger shows up and brings out old family secrets, Nora gets pulled into a world of magic, mystery, and danger.

The Bog Wife mixes witchcraft, Southern Gothic style, and old folklore to create a captivating tale perfect for autumn. Chronister’s detailed descriptions of the bog and eerie atmosphere will pull you into a world where the line between the natural and supernatural is blurred, making it a great read for the season.

Cozy Reading Tip:
Enhance the eerie vibes of The Bog Wife by reading in a dimly lit space with a candle flickering nearby. Add earthy tones to your nook with blankets or pillows in shades of brown, green, or gold. Play soft instrumental music or the sounds of nature—think rustling leaves or the croaking of frogs—to feel fully immersed in the boggy setting.

4. Model Home by Rivers Solomon

Rivers Solomon is known for their bold, unique stories, and Model Home is no different. This speculative fiction novel is set in a near-future where the idea of the perfect suburban home becomes a twisted version of reality. The story follows a group of people living in a model home that seems like paradise, but things aren’t as perfect as they appear. As the characters struggle with societal pressures, their own identities, and hidden secrets, Model Home offers a sharp look at the systems that shape our lives.

Solomon’s writing is powerful, and their focus on themes like belonging, identity, and human connection makes Model Home a thought-provoking read. It’s perfect for readers who want a story that challenges the way things are and sparks deep thinking.

Cozy Reading Tip:
For a futuristic and thought-provoking read like Model Home, go for a minimalist approach in your reading nook. Keep the décor simple and modern, with sleek lines and muted colors. A cozy, oversized chair with a blanket will balance the futuristic setting of the book with the warmth you need for a fall reading session.

5. The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

Famous for her hit thriller The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins brings another exciting mystery with The Blue Hour. Set in the peaceful French countryside, the story follows a family on vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare. When one family member goes missing, hidden secrets from the past start to come out, and the quiet setting becomes the backdrop for dark revelations.

Hawkins is great at building tension and atmosphere, and The Blue Hour will keep you hooked from beginning to end. With its mix of psychological suspense, deep characters, and a moody setting, this novel is perfect for those chilly fall nights when you want a thriller that keeps you up late, turning pages.

Cozy Reading Tip:
Create a reading nook that mirrors the suspenseful tone of The Blue Hour by dimming the lights and adding a few flickering candles for ambiance. Choose cozy, dark-toned blankets and pillows—think navy blue or charcoal grey—to match the novel’s tense vibe. And don’t forget to make a warm drink—hot chocolate or mulled cider (or even mulled wine!) would be perfect companions for this page-turner.

Setting the Mood: Your Cozy Fall Reading Nook

To truly enjoy this fall reading list, you’ll want to create a space that’s perfect for long, uninterrupted reading sessions (if you’re a mom, I know this is hard to do! But, take time every night to decompress with a good book.). A cozy reading nook is an essential part of the fall experience—here’s how to craft your own:

  • Find Your Space: Whether it’s a window seat, a corner of your living room, or a spot on your bed, choose a space where you can relax and escape into your book.
  • Layer Up: Add layers of comfort with blankets, throws, and pillows. Opt for autumnal colors like burnt orange, mustard yellow, or deep burgundy to set the fall mood.
  • Add Soft Lighting: Use a soft reading lamp, fairy lights, or candles to create a warm and inviting glow in your nook. The right lighting can make all the difference when it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere.
  • Bring the Scent of Fall: Light a candle with a fall-inspired scent like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or apple cider to complete the sensory experience.

With the perfect nook and a captivating book in hand, you’re ready to savor the season and make the most of those crisp, fall days.

Fall 2024 brings a bounty of books that will transport you to other worlds, stir your emotions, and make you savor the coziness of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for a gothic tale, a heartwarming story of friendship, or a suspenseful thriller, this reading list has something for every type of reader. So grab a book, settle in, and let fall work its magic!

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xoxo Fil

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