By Brittany Holness, Isabella Whiley and Kelsey Liddell
The changing of the seasons is a time for reflection, change and of course, new books! October is traditionally the month for horror and all things spooky, and this has been reflected in book trends for the most part. While readers continue to enjoy spooky reads in abundance, a noticeable trend has emerged this year – cosy autumnal reads. This shift from the usual "spooky season" craze may be partly due to the annual resurgence of Gilmore Girls on screens, inspiring a desire for the cute, wholesome aesthetic many seek to snuggle up with this autumn. This article will explore the origins of this trend, offer popular book recommendations and discuss other genres that have been inspired by it.
Cosy autumn reads typically fall within the sub-genre of romance, with titles like The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore leading the charge. This charming story, set in a small town, follows the new owner of a local café, perfectly capturing the cosy aesthetic through its themes of community, warmth and love found amidst the autumn leaves. It’s the perfect book for fans of seasonal comfort and has quickly become a favourite among readers looking for a heartwarming escape. Another book capturing attention is The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, which offers a whimsical blend of romance and magic. Once again set in a small town, this time around Halloween, it delivers romance with a side of witchy charm, perfectly balancing the autumnal vibe with light-hearted supernatural fun. Both of these books embody the desire for cosiness this season, offering love stories wrapped in the warmth and magic that autumn brings, which continue to thrive on TikTok.
Social media, of course, has arguably the largest impact on trends and certain "aesthetics" gaining popularity in the modern world. BookTok, a section of TikTok, accounts for many of the trends we see in the literary world at the moment. With a staggering 37 million posts under its hashtag, it’s safe to say it has a major influence on reading habits. The "cosy" genre has been thriving as we head into the darker months and has gained traction within this online community. Aside from recommendations and exciting new publications, social media has sparked this rise through other means, such as media like the popular TV series Gilmore Girls. Various sounds on TikTok, which many will recognize, have contributed to this surge in popularity. This could be due to the character Rory Gilmore’s love of all things books, and the growing appeal of the "bookworm" concept and reading in general. In addition to the app’s content, TikTok further fuels the cosy genre’s rise through deals and bundles on its shop, such as author Laurie Gilmore’s collection being sold in special editions. With cosier weather and online trends working in tandem, it’s clear this genre is currently in its prime.
Various sub-genres within the cosy aesthetic are also trending. Fantasy appears to be popular this autumn, as it gets darker outside; perhaps readers are looking to engage with higher levels of escapism. Being transported to magical realms, meeting mythical creatures and discovering new characters allows readers to completely detach from the reality of everyday life and the looming colder months, and burrow into alternate worlds. Furthermore, cosy crime is also gaining popularity as we head into autumn, with authors such as Richard Osman enjoying significant success. These books provide the intrigue and drama of a crime novel without the more gruesome elements, creating a perfect balance for the current climate.
Though horror remains a popular genre, these listed sub-genres have contributed to the shift towards more comforting, cosy reads, which could be linked to the emotional needs of readers in the post-pandemic world, where lighter, feel-good narratives provide a necessary break from real-world anxieties. Instead of immersing themselves in the chills and thrills of traditional horror, readers are increasingly turning to stories that offer emotional warmth and a sense of community – fitting the autumnal aesthetic perfectly.
From snuggling up in a fluffy blanket to staying home on a rainy day with a comforting mug of hot chocolate or coffee, book lovers have always embraced the idea of being cosy while reading. In a continuation of past trends, readers are now revitalising their spaces to make them more ‘fall-friendly’ and cosy. From autumn decor to spaces designed to keep them comfy and warm while reading, this trend will likely continue to grow as it embraces the ideal reading environment.
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