Bibliolifetyle’s Minimalist Fall Reading Guide for Cozy Fall Reading
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As the leaves change and the air cools, there’s no better time to settle in with a good book. Today, we’re diving into a special fall edition of the What to Read Next podcast, where Victoria joins me from Biblio Lifestyle to share her Fall Reading Guide. If you want the best book recommendations without feeling overwhelmed, this guide is for you!
Victoria is a recurring guest on our show, and each season, she carefully curates a list of books to help you choose what to read next. This time, she’s back with a short but mighty list of fall reads. While her complete guide features 33 books across eight categories, we will highlight six to eight key picks you won’t want to miss. For the full guide, be sure to download it at fallreadingguide.com.
What is the Minimalist Fall Reading Guide?
The Minimalist Fall Reading Guide is about making your reading life easier by narrowing the vast world of fall book releases to a small, hand-picked selection. Whether you love literary fiction, romance, or thrillers, this guide has something for every kind of reader. This fall, Victoria has chosen 33 books across eight categories: literary fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, family and friendship, mystery and thrillers, romance, science fiction and fantasy, and gothic horror.
Why minimalist? In a world of endless choices, sometimes it’s nice to have a carefully curated list of books that pack a punch without overwhelming you. Each book in the guide is selected for its ability to capture the fall mood, be it cozy, mysterious, or atmospheric.
Fall Reading Categories & Featured Books
Victoria’s reading guide features books from a wide variety of genres. Here are a few standout picks:
1. Literary Fiction– Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
If you enjoyed Leave the World Behind, you’ll love Alam’s latest, Entitlement. This novel follows a black woman who leaves her teaching career to become a wealthy billionaire’s protégé. But the lure of wealth and privilege comes with a price, and the story explores how proximity to power can cloud your moral compass. Entitlement is a sharp look at ambition, privilege, and the ways money can alter our lives.
2. Nonfiction– Roman Year by André Aciman
Known for his fiction, Aciman brings his signature introspection to this memoir, Roman Year. As a refugee in Rome after being expelled from Egypt, Aciman reflects on his family’s struggle to adjust to a new life. Set against a beautiful, chaotic city backdrop, this memoir is perfect for readers who want a combination of history, family drama, and emotional depth.
3. Historical Fiction– The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk
Set in the early 20th century, The Empusium tells the story of a young Polish man seeking treatment for tuberculosis at a remote sanitarium. As strange events unfold at the nearby inn where he stays, the novel blends mystery and philosophical debates on politics, life, and gender. Fans of historical fiction with a twist of suspense will enjoy this immersive and thought-provoking read.
4. Family & Friendship– Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
This novel is about the complexities of sibling relationships. It follows Amy, who has spent her life overshadowed by her chaotic and rebellious older sister. Set in Connecticut, this coming-of-age story explores how Amy grows into her own while grappling with her sister’s influence. It reads like a memoir, capturing family dynamics with a compelling, heartfelt narrative.
5. Mystery & Thriller– You Can’t Hurt Me by Emma Cook
This thriller centers on a journalist who uncovers a shocking mystery: a woman who couldn’t feel pain has died under suspicious circumstances. As the protagonist digs deeper, secrets unravel, and an investigation into the wife’s death is reopened. This gripping page-turner is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
6. Romance – Best Hex Ever by Nadia El Fassi
Love, magic, and a dash of humor! This contemporary romance follows a kitchen witch who runs a cozy cafe in London. While she’s great at casting spells for others, her own love life is cursed—literally. When sparks fly between her and a curator at the British Museum, she must decide whether to fight the curse or embrace it. This is the perfect autumn read if you’re looking for a cozy romance with a touch of magic.
7. Science Fiction & Fantasy– City in Glass by Nghi Vo
In this stunning standalone fantasy, a demon seeks to rebuild her town after angels destroy it. She captures one of the angels and binds them with a curse, leading to a complicated and transformative relationship. City in Glass stands out if you’re in the mood for a story with rich world-building, complex relationships, and themes of redemption.
8. Gothic & Horror– The Night Guest by Hildur Knutsdottir
This psychological horror novel features a woman suffering from chronic exhaustion who discovers through a sleep tracker that she’s getting up to strange, dangerous activities at night. Filled with unsettling, surreal moments, The Night Guest builds tension with its eerie atmosphere and a shocking ending. Perfect for fans of gothic horror!
Why These Books Are Perfect for Fall
Whether you’re a literary fiction fan or love a cozy romance, each book is carefully selected to capture the cozy, mysterious, and atmospheric feeling of fall. From the suspenseful thrills of You Can’t Hurt Me to the enchanting world of Best Hex Ever, there’s something to keep everyone reading well into the autumn months.
Full Fall Reading Guide Access
Want more than just these highlights? The complete Fall Reading Guide features 33 books that span eight genres. To access the full guide and discover even more fall reading recommendations, download it at fallreadingguide.com.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
For an even deeper dive into these book recommendations, listen to the full What to Read Next podcast episode, where Victoria from Biblio Lifestyle and I discuss these books in more detail. You can listen to the episode here.
Join the Conversation
What books are you excited to read this fall? Leave a comment below with your favorite fall reads or recommendations! You can also join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook, where we share more bookish discussions and recommendations.
This Fall Reading Guide inspires you to have cozy reading sessions this season. Download the complete guide and subscribe to the podcast for even more bookish content. Happy reading!