Fall into these reads: The Ultimate Autumn Reading List 2024

I cast the net a little wider for this reading list and asked my friends and family for their top Autumn book pick. It led to some very interesting dinner conversations about what this season can mean and does mean, to people. It also gave me some great reads to add to my TBR!

I’m not a big non-fiction girlie but after Evie’s recommendation, I have added this book to my Autumn TBR. This introspective non-fiction is a soulful exploration of life’s fallow periods. Through personal anecdotes and observations of nature, May teaches us to embrace the quiet, restorative power of ‘wintering’ – be it a personal setback or the literal changing of seasons. As autumn ushers in shorter days and longer nights, this book serves as a gentle reminder that periods of retreat and hibernation are natural and necessary. Supposedly, it’s a comforting read for those feeling the weight of the year as it draws to a close…which is definitely me.

A delightful brew of magic and romance, this cosy fantasy follows Mika Moon, a witch living in the mundane world. When she’s summoned to tutor three young witches, Mika finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, love, and the true meaning of family. With its enchanting atmosphere and heartwarming story, it’s the perfect book to snuggle up with as the air grows crisp. Totally heart-warming, I recommend a pumpkin space latte with this one.

Another that I’m adding to my TBR, Blake’s psychological thriller is tailor-made for dark autumn nights when the wind howls and shadows loom LARGE. Following Dr. Helen Burges as she treats a patient with a mysterious past, the novel is filled with surprising twists and turns. For those who relish the spine-tingling aspect of the season, choose a gripping thriller such as this one to keep you up past midnight!

For those who feel a little melancholy as the seasons change, lean into those emotions with Hiro Arikawa’s The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Told from the perspective of Nana the cat as her owner Satoru revisits old friends, seeking a new home for his feline companion, we’re treated to a tapestry of human relationships, all observed through Nana’s discerning eyes. The novel’s themes of change, letting go, and the cycles of life resonate deeply with the season, and it’s the first time I’ve seen Joe almost brought to tears by a book.

This cosy fantasy blends the charm of a quaint bookshop with the excitement of a fish-out-of-water tale. When a barbarian warrior stumbles into a magical bookshop, worlds collide in the most delightful way. As autumn invites us to slow down, this story celebrates the magic of literature and unexpected connections. Comforting, sweet and just a hint of the extraordinary, this laugh-out-loud book is very reminiscent of the writing style of Terry Pratchett.

A children’s classic to revisit whilst wrapped in a blanket and sipping a hot chocolate, ASOUE is a brilliant pick for readers who recognise Autumn as the season of nostalgia. Snicket’s darkly humorous series follows the luckless Baudelaire orphans as they navigate a world of incompetent adults and sinister plots. With its gothic undertones and clever wordplay, it’s a read that appeals to both young and old.

Maybe a little on the nose for an Autumn Reading List but I am who I am and I stand by this addition. Smith’s lyrical prose dances through time and memory in this contemporary masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of post-Brexit Britain, the novel weaves together the unlikely friendship of a young girl and an elderly man, exploring themes of ageing, art, and the cyclical nature of life. As autumn heralds change and reflection, Smith’s work mirrors the season’s contemplative mood. It’s a poignant choice for those looking to lose themselves in beautifully crafted sentences while the world outside transforms into a riot of reds and golds.

The last book that I’m adding to my personal TBR from this list, Legends & Lattes has been everywhere for the past 12 months, especially now the sequel is out. It follows Viv, an orc barbarian, as she hangs up her sword to open a coffee shop in a world that’s never heard of the brew. With its focus on new beginnings and the comfort of a hot beverage, it’s an ideal read for early autumn mornings when there’s a nip in the air and the promise of change on the horizon.

This timeless classic pulses with raw emotion and wild, untamed landscapes. The tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy unfolds against the backdrop of the windswept Yorkshire moors, making it a perfect read for the seasonal change of Autumn to Winter. The novel’s Gothic elements – ghostly encounters, stormy nights, and passionate declarations – mirror the season’s intensity. As the last leaves fall and frost begins to creep in, I recommend you lose yourself in this elemental tale of love, revenge, and the enduring power of nature. Timeless, bloody timeless.

Happy autumn reading, bookworms!