When fall rolls around each year, a lot of us embark on the classic Gilmore Girls rewatch. Some super fans of the show have created huge Rory Gilmore reading challenges, including every book Rory is seen reading or talked about on screen. These lists are truly massive, with upwards of 500 books, and I personally don’t have time with a busy college schedule to get through all of them, as much as I wish I could. Instead, I’ve pulled just five books from Rory’s world that would definitely make the top of my list as well, especially during this time of year.
The Bell Jar
Coming in at number one is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Rory has also read The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, and there’s nothing that depicts the trials and tribulations of girlhood more than that. I finished The Bell Jar in a day when I read it for the first time and I can guarantee it will make you feel just as studious, well-read, and feminist as Rory Gilmore.
The Catcher in the Rye
Fans of the show remember when Rory shoots a dig at Jess, calling him Holden Caulfield. Honestly, Catcher was one of the few books I was required to read in high school that I actually enjoyed. I think rereading it while closer to adulthood would be a truly enlightening experience.
Frankenstein
Frankenstein is the perfect read for October if you’re looking for a read for your post-Halloweekend relaxation. It’s also a classic, which gives it an automatic thumbs up from Rory, and is often credited with creating the horror genre, making it the epitome of autumn required reading. You might remember Jess referencing it as well to poke fun at Dean’s scowl.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Rory has read all of Harry Potter and it is by far my favorite addition to the list. If you are looking to heal your inner child with a cozy read that can be followed by an intense movie marathon, then this is the one for you. Even if you never read the series as a child, I bet you would still enjoy a little extra magic in your life.
Little Women
Little Women is the best way to end this snapshot of Rory’s reading list. It’s the perfect novel to pick up while you’re cozy by a candle in the fall or winter, especially if you’re missing your family a little extra this semester. The Gilmore Girls remind of the Little Women in more ways than one, so I’m sure if you’re a die-hard Gilmore fanatic, you’ll enjoy this book about sisterhood and growing up.
If you’re looking to lean into the dark academia-esque aesthetics and aspirations of Rory Gilmore this fall, to start reading some classic literature, or to revisit favorites from childhood/young adulthood, these books are a great place to start. Happy reading!