“Breathe in, folks. Smells like Fall.” – Taylor Doose (Gilmore Girls, S03E07)

September 1. In my opinion, it is the perfect date to welcome autumn! Even though summer is still in full swing I get into a spooky and autumny mood, at least regarding movies, series or books. So, today I would like to introduce you to my personal autumn to-do list. The first thing I do every single year for the past 10 years is rewatch the American Drama series Gilmore Girls (dir. Amy Sherman-Palladino, 2000-2007). The series follows the mother-daughter duo Lorelei and Rory Gilmore in the small town of Stars Hollow in Connecticut and portrays their lives in such a tight-knit community, the struggle of family relations, education, love and friendship. While the series is not primarily about autumn or themes related to it it still became a comfort show for these specific months as it has become somewhat of a TikTok trend to have annual rewatches during this time due to the show’s aesthetics and vibes.

Did you know that a total of 408 books, poems or other texts are referenced throughout both the original series and its 2016 revival? Over the years it has become a trend amongst fans to see these references as a challenge- The Gilmore Girls Challenge based on Rory Gilmore’s Reading List. Have a look at it, maybe you can already cross off some of the works. https://www.epicreads.com/blog/rory-gilmore-reading-list/ 

Next to Gilmore Girls I also enjoy movies such as Dead Poets Society (dir. Peter Weir, 1989), Little Women (dir. Greta Gerwig, 2019) and Matilda (dir. Danny DeVito, 1996).

My Favourite Gilmore Girl Quotes:

• “I…am an autumn” (S01E06)
• “Nothing excites me before 11:00” (S04E09)
• “My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith. As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don’t know if she ever realised that the person I most wanted to be was her. Thank you Mom, you are my guidepost for everything” (S03E22)
• “My books look sad. Can books look sad?” (S06E14)
• “Who cares if I’m pretty if I fail my exams” (S03E21)
• “Oh, do you see the books? Feel it. Feels good, right? Now smell it. Nothing, nothing smells like that” (S05E10)
• “You’re a book tease” (S03E14)
• “Oy, with the poodles already” (S02E22)
• “Everything in my life has to do with coffee. I believe in a former life, I was coffee” (A Year in the Life Episode 4)
• “I’m fine. I’m just being dramatic. It’s what I do” (S02E15)
• “I’m not cut out to deal with people. I was made to be in a lab or an operating room or a bunker somewhere with a well-behaved monkey by my side” (S06E17)
• “I hate when I’m an idiot and don’t know it. I like being aware of my idiocy” (S01E04)

Yet, while watching something is fun and a good way to get into an autumn vibe I prefer to bake cinnamon rolls, grab a tea and sit down with a good book. Every year I create an Autumn Reading List and I try to read as many books on my list as possible. However, I cannot read all day for two whole months and I am a mood reader, therefore, I approach my list as an option, a loose guide for myself to make this period special. If I do not get to read some books on my list, they either make it onto next year’s list or get a space on my to-be-read cart to read them later. It’s also important to note that not all books fit the autumn image; they are just works I want to read. Nevertheless, I also include books about witches, mystery, love, and suspense set in autumn! My most anticipated read this autumn is The Hedge Witch of Foxhall by Anna Bright. You can find this book on my reading list!

The Hedge Witch of Foxhall by Anna Bright

A rebellious witch, Ffion, in medieval Wales, seeks to restore magic while two princes compete for her affection. Ffion, the last hedgewitch of Foxhall, practices sustainable magic, unlike the powerful covens who sacrifice nature’s resources. As magic fades, Prince Taliesin, on command from his father the king to him and his brother, seeks to destroy the barrier causing its disappearance. Whoever succeeds is promised the throne. In desperation, Taliesin asks for the coven’s aid, who rejects him, causing Tal to meet Ffion and seek her help. The race for the throne intensifies as alliances shift and hearts are tested in a battle for power and love.

I started reading the book last night and could barely put it down. The story is fast-paced and a comforting read that fits the atmosphere of autumn. I am about halfway through and as much as I love the book until now it is a bit difficult to read at times. As the story is set in medieval Wales the written language is not the typical English you find in contemporary literature but a lot of old Welsh terms are used. Since I am not familiar with the Welsh language or its history, I had to look up quite a few words or pronunciations of names which eventually disrupted my reading flow. Nevertheless, the story and also the book’s writing are definitely worth it and I will finish reading the book. Until now, I can recommend this book and I think it is a shame that it has not gained more attention on social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. While the language made it slightly difficult to establish my normal reading flow it was a great reading experience and it made me realise just how England or Standard English focused my usual literature is.

What is your favourite season? Do you have certain habits then as well? Have you ever seen Gilmore Girls or heard of its reading challenge? How many books have you read from that list? Have you ever created your own reading list? What are your preferred Autumn reads?

Enjoy the rest of the summer and maybe, just like me, you will welcome autumn a bit early this year!

Lisa A.