An Investigation into the Romanticisation of Autumn Reading

It is easy to picture our own ideal reading scenario in autumn – the crisp temperatures, bundling up or settling by a cosy fireplace with a book in hand (and maybe a sneaky hot chocolate in the other) whilst outside the window trees are a beautiful auburn and a gentle wind blows… And that is just one example! Romanticisation, the process of seeing things through a romantic lens, has become quite the social phenomenon, especially if we think about the focus on reading in the autumn months. During a season where the temperature plummets, the rain seems to enjoy making a daily appearance and the days are getting shorter, not only does that give us a reason to stay inside with a cosy blanket and a cosier book, but it’s also fair to say that romanticising your autumnal reading is a great way to keep away the seasonal blues.

The popularity of this is evident across social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram, where users like to post their own versions of a romanticised, ‘aesthetic’ autumn season and, spoiler alert, books are almost always involved.

Reading lends itself well to Romanticisation

Reading lends itself well to Romanticisation, since both allow us to use our imaginations, with Romanticisation going that one step further in that we don’t have to follow an author’s depiction, rather we can make our own, based on personal preference. Both are forms of escapism and allow us to take the edge off some of the stresses of everyday life, enhancing reading in particular as something to enjoy and look forward to.

But why autumn?

But why autumn? Especially for students, the autumn term is the start of a new academic year, a time for renewing academic interest and engagement – what could compliment this more than a cosy reading sesh? Even the books themselves seem to have a similar agenda, with works such as M.L. Rio’s If We Were Villainsand Donna Tart’s The Secret History being particularly fitting, with their depictions of Dark Academia, an aesthetic matched with a popular romanticised version of autumn. Of course while reading is key, the enjoyment of it is further emphasised through autumnal fashion trends, especially related to Dark Academia. It reminds us that we don’t have to read massive manuscripts or academic essays in order to be well-read and cultured – fiction books work too!

However, your autumnal reading doesn’t have to follow that particular academic line of thought. In fact, one thing that makes the romanticisation of autumn reading so widespread is its versatility. It is a completely personal action, based off what you find enjoyable and how you want to feel when faced with those cold autumnal days, when it’s a little too early to start thinking about the Christmas holidays. Halloween, for example, is a key part of the season, and it helps to see all the pumpkin-spice flavoured treats start appearing in the coffee shops nearby, alongside all of the themed decorations ready for October 31. As much as it may be great to read books like Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons to make you feel just that bit more intelligent and in line with the academically romanticised season, it is just as enjoyable (if not more exciting) to pick up a horror, thriller, or murder mystery book just as it gets dark – see how the darker days become something to look forward to and enjoy? No wonder the romanticisation of reading in autumn is so popular! This social phenomenon yet again proves how it can appeal to the masses, with all sorts of people being catered for. Maybe try reading Stephen King’s Pet Cemetery or Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein if you dare!

Other media can also influence our view of the season, with TV shows such as Gilmore Girls taking the warm autumnal aesthetic and absolutely running with it – which could lead more people to romanticise that version of autumn, where pumpkin pancakes and reading in cosy coffee shops are the norm. Even on the soggiest and greyest of days, reading Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books under a warm blanket could improve your mood, with the dark Forks-esque weather allows for even greater immersion into the book.

So, what makes autumn the season of reading?

So, what makes autumn the season of reading? Well, it can be put down to a few things: not only is it a great way to distract from and even learn to enjoy some of the drearier aspects of the season, but alongside that there is something for everyone – so many types of books or genres can be related to autumn, it depends completely on your own personal perspective and how you want to enjoy the season!

On that note, grab the books that fit your ideal autumn, a nice hot drink, and romanticise away – happy reading!