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Open book with a fall leaf covering the left page.
Open book with a fall leaf covering the left page.
Photo by Ksenia Makagonova from Unsplash
Indy | Culture > Entertainment

5 Cozy Fall Book Recommendations

Emily Napier Student Contributor, University of Indianapolis
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Indy chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

We’re only a few weeks into fall, and the weather has been perfect. Nothing screams classic autumn like gloomy skies, foggy golden mornings, and the ambient pitter-patter or raindrops on rooftops. Soon it will be just cool enough to break out the fuzzy socks and “All Too Well” scarves, which means it’s the time of year to light a pumpkin spice candle and cozy up with a good book.

Here are the perfect recommendations for lovers of all autumnal genres.

  • Scifi: “The Institute” by Stephen King

If the “Stranger Things” hiatus has left you yearning for more, “The Institute” has just what you’re looking for. 12-year-old Luke Ellis is abducted by a secret government facility and subjected to experiments designed to strengthen his psychic abilities and turn him into a weapon. Never giving up hope of escaping and reuniting with his parents, Luke faces harrowing trials and danger around every corner. This masterfully crafted novel by the legendary Stephen King is impossible to put down and will have you looking over your shoulder–perfect for spooky season.

  • Romance: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

The quiet English countryside, stunning nature and architecture, the delicate opulence of 19th-century high society romance, Matthew Macfadyen walking though a foggy field in the early morning wearing a billowy coat with his chest out
 sorry, got carried away there! If you love the 2005 movie adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” you’re going to love the book just as much. Nothing gets me going quite like a grumpy x grumpy slow burn enemies to lovers trope, and this book has all of that–what more could a girl ask for? Pour yourself a piping hot mug of hot cocoa and immerse yourself in the world of Lizzy Bennet.

  • Easy read: “Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by Laurie Gilmore

“Pumpkin Spice Cafe” encapsulates the warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I think about all things fall–pumpkin carving, trips to the apple orchard, late-night bonfires, and s’mores. Even the name is festive. Don’t be put off by the title, it’s okay if you don’t like pumpkin spice-flavored coffee (I don’t either, I just love the idea of it). This book has a lot more to offer than overpriced lattes. “Gilmore Girls” meets the Hallmark Channel in this tale of big life changes and facing everyday (in Hallmark land) issues. Makes me want to run out and get an iced pumpkin chai!

  • Fantasy: “Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer

Wait! Before you doubt my credibility and click off this article, let me tell you why Twilight is the quintessential autumnal read. If you’re a Twilight hater, you probably haven’t given the book the fair shot that it deserves. While the blue tint and banger soundtrack of the first “Twilight” movie has me pressing rewind as soon as “15 Steps” by Radiohead comes on, there’s a reason my glossy black paperback copy of “Twilight” is falling apart and stuffed full of book tabs in every color of the rainbow. The “Twilight” book by Stephanie Meyer allows the reader to form a deeper connection with Bella because, unlike Edward, we can read her thoughts. Bella Swan is a dynamic and complex character that young girls can relate to and grow up with. She was raised by a mother that she had to parent more than be parented by, and a father who, up until this point, hasn’t been involved in her life. We as readers get to see her character evolution and her unwavering loyalty to the people she loves. Not to mention hot werewolves and vampires. Put on a comfy sweater and prepare for hoa hoa hoa hoa hoaaaaa weather.

  • Fantasy: “The Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien

Nobody loves cozy comforts more than Bilbo Baggins, which makes “The Hobbit” ideal for the fall fantasy lover looking for an adventure. Bilbo, the smallest and most unassuming of people in Middle-earth, shows that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. This novel is a tale of friendship, hardships, and facing your greatest fears to stand up for what’s right. If you liked the Lord of the Rings movies, this story is perfect for you. Prepare a feast that a Hobbit would be proud of and light the fireplace; you have a whole new world to explore.

As you can probably tell, fall is my favorite season and the ‘ber months are, in my opinion, the most wonderful time of the year. I hope you get as much joy out of these reads as I have. If you need me, I’ll be buried under blankets and surrounded by fall candles with my nose stuck firmly in a book. 

Happy fall, lovely reader. 

Emily Napier

Indy '26