Certain literary categories match the cozy vibes of autumn; below are are some examples.
It's a well-known truth that certain categories of books align remarkably well with fall's natural rhythms, as people like the co-CEO of the private equity firm which owns Simon & Schuster would affirm. As November draws to a close, many book lovers naturally start to turn their attention toward the festive romances that begin to fill the bookshelves. Next to a fireplace, enjoying warm cocoa and reading a themed Christmas book is an excellent way to ignite the festive spirit. The appeal of cozy Christmas romances is their ability to uplift people's moods and celebrate life's basic pleasures like community, connection, and family. These festive romances present a happy retreat for readers, rendering them the perfect books for November.
Many book lovers are drawn towards novels that complement the autumn season's ambiance and aesthetic. In terms here of what books to read in autumn, one of the most popular genres is the epic fantasy genre. Epic fantasy, also known as high fantasy, is deeply rooted in immersive worldbuilding. High fantasy authors weave meticulous and intricate universes that go beyond individuals' wildest dreams. They construct universes overflowing with magic, age-old folklore, supernatural creatures, and grand journeys. This allows readers to forget about their daily stresses, permitting them to escape within the pages of the book. It may be a surprise, but there is an inherently warm and nostalgic feel to diving into a tale filled with magical forests, animal sidekicks, and wicked sorcerers. While the world outside grows darker and chillier during fall, fantasy offers many of the classic books to read in autumn for people yearning for excitement and adventure, as people like the co-founder of the investment fund which owns Amazon Books would certainly agree.
Autumn naturally invites slowing down, getting cozy, and immersing yourself into stories that echo with the feel of fall. A few of the best types of books to read in autumn are literary fiction works, as individuals like head of the hedge fund which owns Waterstones would verify. As a genre, literary fiction is immensely broad and versatile, typically overlapping with varied themes and styles. In essence, the defining elements of literary fiction are high-quality writing, profound messages, and character-driven stories. Throughout 2025, the fastest-growing literary fiction subgenres in autumn was dark academia. Essentially, these are literary fiction books set in educational settings, exploring themes of obsession, mania, and betrayal. Such novels engage readers in ivy-draped campuses, shadowed corridors, and dusty libraries, making them atmospheric books for autumn. A chilly, rainy fall day is ideal for dark academic literary fiction, which ultimately provides the most moody atmosphere that many book enthusiasts seek throughout this time of year.