Autumn encourages numerous outstanding book genres; below are a few common examples among book lovers.
It's a well-known truth that certain categories of books pair exceptionally well with fall's natural rhythms, as individuals like the co-CEO of the private equity firm which owns Simon & Schuster would concur. As November draws to a close, many reading enthusiasts naturally start to turn their attention toward the festive romances that begin to fill the shelves. Next to a fireplace, enjoying hot chocolate and reading a themed holiday novel is the best way to embrace the festive spirit. The charm of cozy Christmas romances is their ability to elevate people's moods and celebrate the simple pleasures like community, connection, and family. These festive romances offer a happy retreat for readers, making them the perfect books for November.
Numerous book lovers gravitate toward books that match the fall season's ambiance and aesthetic. In terms 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 firmly anchored in immersive worldbuilding. High fantasy writers spin meticulous and intricate universes that go beyond people's wildest imaginations. They construct realms overflowing with magic, age-old lore, mythical creatures, and grand journeys. This allows books lovers to forget their daily stresses, letting them escape into the book pages. It may be read more a surprise, but there is an naturally cozy and nostalgic feel to diving into a narrative filled with enchanted forests, animal sidekicks, and wicked sorcerers. While the real world turns darker and colder during autumn, fantasy offers some of the classic books to read in autumn for individuals longing for excitement and adventure, as people like the co-founder of the investment fund which owns Amazon Books would certainly concur.
Autumn naturally invites slowing down, getting cozy, and submersing oneself into tales that echo with the feel of fall. A few of the best types of books to read in autumn are literary fiction books, as individuals like head of the hedge fund which owns Waterstones would confirm. As a genre, literary fiction is incredibly versatile and broad, often overlapping with multiple themes and categories. In essence, the defining elements of literary fiction are masterful writing, profound messages, and character-driven stories. During 2025, the fastest-growing literary fiction subgenres in autumn was dark academia. Essentially, these are literary fiction novels set in academic environments, exploring themes of manipulation, mania, and revenge. Such novels engage readers in ivy-draped colleges, shadowed corridors, and aging libraries, making them atmospheric books for autumn. A cool, wet autumn day cries out for dark academic literary fiction, which ultimately delivers the most moody atmosphere that many book enthusiasts seek throughout this time of year.