There is nothing better than reading (cooking, baking, watching movies, and relaxing) in the fall. Otherwise said: Everything it is better in autumn. The hard season hits us just when we are tired of the summer heat and before we are ready to sleep in the winter. Autumn is the perfect break from everything. And even though it’s quickly passing us by, the best fall books are a great way to celebrate this special time of year.
Featured image in our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Suruchi Avasthi.
What books should I read in the fall?
During the short, leafy months of September through November, I want nothing more than to curl up with a blanket and a pile of cozy, comforting, and sometimes scary novels. While some may nominate the ubiquitous pumpkin spice as a signal of the season, my mind shifts to romance stories about a small New England town, a play full of secrets, or books about them. book clubs where an unlikely character finds connection, finds hope, and leans in love.
As you can see, there’s a certain feeling, a certain vibe, and sometimes, a little magic that comes with the best fall books. While summer is all about beach reading and the onset of winter sees us sinking deeper into our pile of discarded self-help books, my favorite fall books transport me like no other novel.
So, at the beginning of October and as we approach the spookiest time of the year (Halloween, y’all), I encourage you to add a few of the titles below to your TBR. If yours looks anything like mine, it’s probably an ever-growing list. But hey, when it comes to the best fall books, that’s where it all comes together, right?
The Best Fall Books to Enjoy
1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Type: Literary Fiction
The latest from Sally Rooney is a master class in emotional nuance, exploring the quiet moments that shape relationships and identity. Set against a backdrop of shifting political and personal terrain, Rooney’s signature exploration is sharper than ever, drawing readers into the intimate lives of his characters with unflinching honesty. The novel explores the complexities of communication—the spoken, the unspoken, and everything in between—with a sensibility that is both familiar and profound. Although I didn’t like it Beautiful Worldher latest novel is a rich, thought-provoking work, perfect for a cozy fall read.
Release date: Available now
2. Be Ready When Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
Type: A reminder
If you don’t know, you know I’ve been waiting for this book years. A heartfelt and inspiring look into the life of a beloved culinary icon. As a longtime admirer of Ina’s approachable beauty and warm, inviting presence, this memo feels like a gift. He gives readers an in-depth look at his personal journey—from his early days in Washington, DC, to building his dream job in the Hamptons. His thoughtfulness about taking chances, overcoming challenges, and creating a life filled with love and purpose makes this a long-awaited treasure for fans. For those of us who have followed him for years, it’s a perfect fall read for fun, a reminder that with heart and persistence, good things happen.
Release date: Available now
3. From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Type: A reminder
Obviously, when fall comes around, memoirs are at the top of my reading list. This poignant and deeply moving memoir gives you a rare glimpse into the extraordinary lives of Presley and Keough. Co-authored by mother and daughter, this book covers their shared experiences of fame, loss, and resilience, painting an intimate picture of the legacies they have achieved. With heartfelt honesty, they explore their complicated family history, while embracing the quiet moments that have shaped their identities. Remarkably, Presley died suddenly a month after asking Keough to help him complete his memoir. Keough poured over the tapes her mother had recorded, telling the story of her life. This memoir is a long-awaited journey into the heart of these women’s personal and artistic worlds—perfect for a fall read that invites self-exploration and connection.
Release date: Available now
4. Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
Type: Thriller + Suspense
With Halloween on the way, fall is the perfect time to dive deep into this gripping psychological thriller, full of dark, atmospheric tension that Hawkins is known for. Set in the mysterious twilight between night and dawn, the novel reveals the lives of its complex characters, each haunted by the secrets they try to hide. Hawkins’ gift for weaving suspense and emotional depth makes this story poignant and intimate, drawing readers into a web of lies, guilt, and unexpected twists.
Release date: Available now
5. Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik
Type: Biography
This is more than a biography—Didion and Babitz a fascinating double portrait of two of Los Angeles’ most prominent female writers. With her sharp, insightful prose, Anolik explores the contradictory yet intertwined legacies of Didion’s cool, curvaceous reportage and Babitz’s lively charm. This book perfectly captures how these women, through their writing and their 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 life.
Release date: November 12
6. The Great When by Alan Moore
Type: Dreams
This is Alan Moore’s place Great Where a meandering exploration of time, existence, and human potential, combining philosophical depth with a richly imaginative narrative. This novel explores the complexity of the future and free will, combining surreal elements with deep thoughts about how we shape our future. Moore’s writing is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotional, inviting readers to question their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Release date: Available now
7. The Night We Lost Her by Laura Dave
Type: A mystery
Expect a deeply emotional, suspenseful novel that delicately weaves together family secrets, love, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. Known for telling heartfelt stories, Dave captures a family’s struggles when a patriarch suddenly disappears, combining mystery with his signature warmth and understanding of human relationships. Each page draws you into the tension and emotional stakes, as revelations come to light and bonds between characters are tested.
Release date: Available now
8. Tell Me All by Elizabeth Strout
Type: Literary Fiction
With his trademark intelligence and emotional insight, Strout explores the connections between family, friends, and strangers, revealing that even the smallest moments can have deep meaning. The novel captures the rawness of vulnerability, the weight of untold stories, and the deep longing to truly be known by another. Strout’s witty prose invites readers to sit with these emotional truths, which they do Tell Me Everything the perfect fall read for those who love character-driven narratives that resonate long after the last page.
Release date: Available now
9. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
Type: Literary Fiction + Fantasy
The book reads like an exhilarating journey into surreal, dreamscapes mixed with a haunting examination of memory, identity, and the unconscious. In classic Murakami style, the novel unfolds in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred, drawing readers into existential questions and enigmatic characters. With his signature blend of melancholy and wonder, Murakami invites us to wander through a city that feels familiar and uncomfortable, where nothing is as it seems. For followers of his meditation, telling the story of other countries, The City and Its Uncertain Walls it’s a focused, thought-provoking read that sets the tone for long, thoughtful fall evenings.
Release date: November 19 (English translation)
10. Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker
Type: Literary Fiction
Author Ashley Audrain said it best: “[This is] the rare kind of book that stays in your bones.” And it’s true—this is a raw, captivating novel that explores the fragility of sanity. Through unflinching prose, Bieker plunges readers into the tumultuous, often brutal world of a woman on the brink, dealing with grief, motherhood, and longing for redemption. The novel’s intensity is matched by its emotional depth, as Bieker skillfully weaves together themes of endurance, identity, and the limits of control. Amazing, visceral reading.
Release date: Available now
11. No One Will Break Up with Sarah Labrie
Type: A reminder
Sarah Labrie invites readers into a world where risk and resilience come together in the delicate balance of everyday life. Using lyrical prose, she delves into the complex dance of relationships and self-discovery, capturing the raw emotions that come with heartbreak and healing. Labrie’s understanding of the human condition resonates deeply, making his exploration of struggle and triumph feel intimate and relatable. Expect to find yourself thinking about your own experiences, drawn in by a narrative that expertly balances sadness and hope.
Release date: October 22
12. Here for a Second by Liane Moriarty
Type: A mystery
Liane Moriarty is best read in autumn, when books act as a thoughtful companion, inviting you to think about the fragility of existence and the beauty of human connection. In his latest book, Moriarty writes a compelling story that explores the fleeting nature of life and the connections that define it. With his signature combination of sharp wit and emotional depth, Moriarty delves into the lives of characters who experience moments of great change, loss, and unexpected revelations. His story telling will leave you (as always) deeply entertained.
Release date: Available now