Fall Is Arguably the Best Time for Reading—These 12 Books Are at the Top of Our List

There’s nothing better than reading (cooking, baking, movie-watching, and cozying up) in the fall. Otherwise stated: Everything is better in the fall. The elusive season catches us just as we tire of the summer heat and before we’re prepped to hibernate for winter. Autumn is the perfect respite from it all. And though it passes us by all too quickly, the best fall books are the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.

Featured image from our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Suruchi Avasthi.

What books should I read in autumn?

During the short, leaf-strewn months of September through November, I want nothing more than to curl up with a blanket and a tall stack of cozy, comforting, and sometimes spooky novels. While some may designate the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte the signal of the season, my mind shifts instead to romantic stories about a small town in New England, a thriller scattered with secrets, or books about book clubs where the unlikely protagonist finds connection, discovers hope, and leans into love.

As you can tell, there’s a certain mood, a specific vibe, and at times, a little magic that comes with the best fall books. While summer’s all about beach reads and the start of winter sees us diving deep into our tossed-aside pile of self-help books, my favorite fall books transport me like no other novel can.

So, at the beginning of October and as we near the spookiest time of year (Halloween, y’all), I encourage you to add a few of the titles below to your TBR. If yours looks similar to mine, it’s likely an ever-growing list. But hey, when it comes to the best fall books, the more the merrier, right?

The Best Fall Books To Cozy Up With

1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Genre: Literary Fiction

The latest from Sally Rooney is a masterclass in emotional nuance, exploring the quiet moments that shape relationships and identity. Set against the backdrop of shifting political and personal landscapes, Rooney’s signature introspection is as sharp as ever, drawing readers into the intimate lives of her characters with unflinching honesty. The novel delves into the complexities of communication—what’s said, unsaid, and everything in between—with a sensitivity that feels both familiar and profound. While I didn’t love Beautiful World, her forth novel is a rich, thought-provoking work, perfect for cozy fall reading.

Release Date: Available now

2. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten

Genre: Memoir

If you know me, you know I’ve been waiting for this book for years. It’s a heartfelt and inspiring look into the life of a beloved culinary icon. As someone who has long admired Ina’s approachable elegance and warm, inviting presence, this memoir feels like a gift. She offers readers an intimate look into her personal journey—from her early days in Washington, D.C., to building her dream career in the Hamptons. Her candid reflections on seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and creating a life filled with passion and purpose make this a long-awaited treasure for fans. For those of us who’ve followed her for years, it’s the perfect fall read to cozy up with, a reminder that with heart and perseverance, beautiful things happen.

Release Date: Available now

3. From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Genre: Memoir

Clearly, when fall comes around, memoirs are at the top of my reading list. This is poignant and deeply reflective memoir offers a rare glimpse into Presley and Keough’s extraordinary lives. Co-written by mother and daughter, the book weaves together their shared experiences of fame, loss, and resilience, painting an intimate portrait of the legacies they’ve inherited. With heartfelt honesty, they explore their complex family history, while also embracing the quiet moments that have shaped their identities. Notably, Presley passed away unexpectedly a month after she asked Keough to help her finish her memoir. Keough poured over the tapes that her mother had recorded, telling the story of her life. This memoir is a long-awaited journey into the heart of these woman’s personal and artistic worlds—perfect for fall reading that invites introspection and connection.

Release Date: Available now

4. The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

Genre: Thriller + Suspense

With Halloween on its way, the fall is a perfect time to dive deep into this gripping psychological thriller, filled with the dark, atmospheric tension Hawkins is known for. Set during the mysterious twilight between night and dawn, the novel unravels the lives of its complex characters, each haunted by secrets they desperately try to keep buried. Hawkins’ gift for weaving suspense and emotional depth makes this story both chilling and intimate, drawing readers into a web of lies, guilt, and unexpected twists.

Release Date: Available now

5. Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik

Genre: Biography

This is more than a biography—Didion and Babitz is an engrossing dual portrait of two of the most iconic women writers of Los Angeles. With her sharp, insightful prose, Anolik explores the contrasting yet intertwined legacies of Didion’s cool, detached reportage and Babitz’s vibrant, hedonistic charm. The book brilliantly captures how these women, through their writing and lives, defined an era of California culture and left indelible marks on American literature. For fans of either—or both—this is an absolute must-read, offering a fascinating exploration of friendship, fame, and the art of living.

Release Date: November 12

6. The Great When by Alan Moore

Genre: Fantasy

Alan Moore’s The Great When is a spellbinding exploration of time, existence, and human potential, blending philosophical depth with a richly imaginative narrative. The novel delves into the complexities of fate and free will, weaving together surreal elements with profound reflections on how we shape our own destinies. Moore’s writing is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally resonant, inviting readers to question their understanding of the world and their place within it.

Release Date: Available now

7. The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

Genre: Mystery

Expect a deeply emotional, suspense-filled novel that masterfully weaves together family secrets, love, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. Known for her heartfelt storytelling, Dave captures a family’s unraveling when the patriarch suddenly disappears, blending mystery with her signature warmth and insight into human relationships. Each page pulls you further into the tension and emotional stakes, as revelations come to light and the bonds between characters are tested.

Release Date: Available now

8. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

Genre: Literary Fiction

With her trademark subtlety and emotional insight, Strout delves into the intimate connections between family, friends, and strangers, revealing how even the smallest moments can carry profound meaning. The novel captures the rawness of vulnerability, the weight of untold stories, and the deep yearning to be truly known by another. Strout’s eloquent prose invites readers to sit with these emotional truths, making Tell Me Everything the perfect fall read for those who love character-driven narratives that resonate long after the final page.

Release Date: Available now

9. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami

Genre: Literary Fiction + Fantasy

This book reads as a mesmerizing journey into the surreal, blending dreamscapes with haunting explorations of memory, identity, and the subconscious. In classic Murakami style, the novel unfolds in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, drawing readers into a labyrinth of existential questions and enigmatic characters. With his signature blend of melancholy and wonder, Murakami invites us to wander through a city that feels both familiar and unsettling, where nothing is as it seems. For fans of his meditative, otherworldly storytelling, The City and Its Uncertain Walls is an immersive, thought-provoking read that’s perfect for long, contemplative fall nights.

Release Date: November 19 (English Translation)

10. Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author Ashley Audrain said it best: “[This is] the rare kind of book that lives in your bones.” And it’s true—this is a raw, electrifying novel that explores the fragility of sanity. With unflinching prose, Bieker plunges readers into the chaotic, often brutal world of a woman on the edge, grappling with trauma, motherhood, and the longing for redemption. The novel’s intensity is matched by its deep emotional undercurrents, as Bieker expertly weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the limits of control. It’s a gripping, visceral read.

Release Date: Available now

11. No One Gets to Fall Apart by Sarah Labrie

Genre: Memoir

Sarah Labrie invites readers into a world where vulnerability and resilience coexist in the delicate balance of everyday life. Through lyrical prose, she delves into the intricate dance of relationships and self-discovery, capturing the raw emotions that come with navigating heartache and healing. Labrie’s insights into the human condition resonate deeply, making her exploration of struggle and triumph feel intimate and relatable. Expect to find yourself reflecting on your own experiences, drawn in by a narrative that masterfully balances sorrow and hope.

Release Date: October 22

12. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Genre: Mystery

Liane Moriarty is best read in the fall, when books serve as a reflective companion, inviting you to contemplate the fragility of existence and the beauty of human connection. In her latest book, Moriarty weaves a captivating tale that explores the fleeting nature of life and the connections that define us. With her signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth, Moriarty delves into the lives of characters grappling with moments of profound change, loss, and unexpected revelations. Her storytelling will leave you (as always) deeply entertained.

Release Date: Available now