How to Curate the Perfect Fall Reading List
Overwhelmed by the stacks and stacks of books available this fall? You're not alone. Here's how to craft a to-be-read list that you can't wait to devour.
With the humidity fading, and the crisp air wafting around us, it seems cozy evenings are right around the corner. This transition from summer to fall is a wonderful time to refresh your reading list. But if you’re like many book lovers, the sheer volume of recommendations can feel overwhelming. Between celebrity book club picks, trending titles on social media, and endless new releases, how do you know which books will truly resonate with you? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how to curate a to-be-read list that truly reflects your unique tastes and guarantees a satisfying reading season.
Know Your Why
I’ve said it before, but I feel the message is worthy of a re-play: know why you read. This seems like a no-brainer, yet I’ve encountered numerous readers who pick up a book for the wrong reason, and then wonder why they’re disappointed when the story isn’t captivating. Here’s the thing. Reading is a subjective experience. So more than likely, one person’s feelings about a book might differ from yours.
For me, the best way to choose books is to identify the reasons why I enjoy reading. I prefer to get lost in a good story for a few minutes (or a few hours). I read to escape. Others want to read to learn more about an issue, a location, or a historical event. Some read mainly for entertainment. Many read for a combination of all three: entertainment, education, escapism. When you keep these three pillars in mind, or you’re able to identify your core pillar, choosing books you want to read becomes easier.
It’s not about reading what everyone else is reading—it’s about curating a TBR list filled with stories that resonate.
Look Back
If you track what you’ve read in the past few months, or the past few years, take a look at the books you rated as 5-star reads. If you aren’t a ‘tracker’, spend a few minutes thinking about books you’ve loved. The characters you’re still thinking about. The scenes that have stayed with you. Is there an author that you consistently gravitate toward? Perhaps you’ve been in a reading slump lately and can’t name even one book you’ve loved. That’s okay. Now is the perfect time to reflect and refresh your bookish expectations.
Name Your Craving
I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year when I look for a domestic thriller or a suspense-filled story that will keep me reading well past my bedtime. What about you? Are you craving heartwarming, small-town romance? A juicy celebrity memoir? Maybe some of both? Mood reading is definitely a vibe, so let your feelings guide your choices as you build your fall reading list.
Proceed with Caution
In my opinion, a healthy amount of skepticism is necessary when it comes to media-related book recommendations. Mainly because there’s no way to know for sure who or what factors influenced a particular book’s hype.
Instead, I have found online book clubs and groups for voracious readers to be excellent resources for gathering book recommendations. Three of my favorites are Modern Mrs. Darcy (Anne Bogel), Friends & Fiction, and The Girlfriend Book Club on Facebook.
Remember, just because Jenna or Reese picked a book, or it’s a New York Times Bestseller doesn’t mean it’s the right book for you. So this brings us full circle to my original point: know why you read and then identify the type of story you’re craving.
Ready to Curate Your Perfect Fall Reading List?
Now that you’ve got the tools to build a reading list you’ll love, why not take it one step further? I’ve created a fun and free quiz to help you identify your booklover type and receive a curated list of 15 book recommendations just for you. Whether you crave heartwarming romances, gripping mysteries, or inspirational stories, this quiz will point you in the right direction. Click here to take the quiz and discover your next favorite read this fall!