Ten Classic Books to Read for Fall 🧡 📖

I’m a little bit obsessed with fall. It’s true, I won’t try to deny it. I love the season, pretty much everything about it. Especially the pumpkins. And the leaves. And the fall candles with cinnamon and spice. And the pumpkin spice coffee. And the warm throws with fall patterns. And Halloween, definitely Halloween. And….reading creepy, atmospheric, suspenseful books! Maybe that most of all.

There are some books that for some reason or another, obvious or not, evoke the fall season feeling for me. They are spooky, or Gothic novels, some are cozy, or just have an overall fall vibe to them. Some of these books are classics, books that have been around for many years, through many decades of changing seasons, and dozens of fall seasons. Some are newer. And more great fall books are published every year. This season seems to inspire many authors.

For this post I chose classic books, trying to stick with books that were published no later than the 1960s. I would love to do a list of newer books, and I plan to. But for today’s list, I’m going to focus on some of the classic books that make me think of fall. I know there are so many great ones, and that this list doesn’t even reflect a fraction. But it’s fun to try. So here we go.

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1. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

Set against the haunting backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, “Wuthering Heights” is a dark and brooding tale of love, revenge, and the enduring power of nature. Emily Brontë’s vivid descriptions of the desolate landscape and the turbulent relationships between her characters create an atmospheric and gripping reading experience that’s perfect for a chilly autumn evening.

2. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker

What could be more fitting for the Halloween season than the quintessential vampire novel? Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” takes readers on a thrilling journey into the eerie world of Count Dracula as he terrorizes Victorian England. I love this book because it’s fascinating to me to see the way our idea of the vampire has evolved through literature, beginning with this most famous Count.

3. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is another classic that delves into themes of life, death, and the consequences of playing god. The novel’s gloomy and atmospheric settings, including the icy landscapes, make it an ideal choice for fall reading. Explore the dark depths of human ambition and the pursuit of knowledge in this timeless masterpiece.

4. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving

No list of fall classics would be complete without Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This short story introduces readers to the unforgettable character of Ichabod Crane and the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow. The tale of the headless horseman is a must-read for anyone looking to add a touch of spooky charm to their fall reading list. The image of the headless horseman and his pumpkin head is one of my absolute favorite characters for Halloween.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte

“Jane Eyre” is a classic romance with a strong, independent heroine at its center. The novel’s moody and atmospheric descriptions of Thornfield Hall and the wild Yorkshire countryside make it a perfect choice for fall. Follow Jane’s journey as she navigates love, loss, and self-discovery in this Gothic classic.

6. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a dark and philosophical exploration of art, beauty, and the corrupting influence of hedonism. The novel’s decadent and gothic elements make it an intriguing choice for fall reading. Follow Dorian Gray’s descent into moral decay as he remains forever young in a portrait that ages in his stead.

7. “Something Wicked this Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury

“Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury is a haunting masterpiece that captures the eerie essence of the season like no other. Set in a small, sleepy town that becomes the backdrop for a malevolent carnival’s arrival, this novel delves deep into themes of temptation, aging, and the timeless battle between good and evil. As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, Bradbury’s lyrical prose and atmospheric storytelling transport readers into a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. The story’s eerie, autumnal setting and the enigmatic Mr. Dark, the carnival’s sinister leader, make for a perfect backdrop to curl up with on a chilly evening. As Bradbury writes: “Beware the Autumn People”…ahhh, gets me every time.

8. “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson

Set against the eerie backdrop of Victorian London, this novella explores the duality of human nature with an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. Dr. Jekyll’s quest to separate his good and evil sides leads to a chilling transformation into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, making it a tale perfectly suited for the season of transformation and introspection. The fog-draped streets and moral ambiguity of Stevenson’s world mirror the shifting moods of autumn, inviting readers to delve into the depths of their own souls while the world outside undergoes its own metamorphosis.

9. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery is a timeless classic that makes for a perfect reading choice as the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp in the fall. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Prince Edward Island, this enchanting tale follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan, as she finds her way into the hearts of the Cuthbert siblings and the quaint village of Avonlea. Montgomery’s vivid descriptions of the changing seasons mirror the transitions in Anne’s own life, making it a wonderfully atmospheric read for autumn. The novel’s themes of friendship, family, and the beauty of nature align seamlessly with the season’s themes of gratitude and reflection.

10. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson is the perfect literary companion for the crisp and eerie atmosphere of fall. As the leaves change color and the days grow shorter, Jackson’s masterful tale of psychological horror weaves a chilling narrative that will have you questioning what and who is truly haunted. Set against the backdrop of a gloomy, isolated mansion, the story follows four individuals who come together to investigate the supernatural occurrences that haunt Hill House. Jackson’s atmospheric prose and expertly crafted characters draw readers into a world of creeping dread and unexplained phenomena. The dark secrets hidden within the mansion’s walls are mirrored by the hidden secrets of the characters themselves, creating an intricate web of suspense and unease.

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As the days grow shorter and the weather turns cooler, there’s no better time to curl up with a classic book that mirrors the mystery and gripping beauty of the fall season. What are some of your favorite fall reads? What favorite classic books do you return to year after year? Are there some particular qualities you look for in a good fall read? Let me know in the comments! Happy reading!

-Winter