Gilmore Girls is a fall classic, and if there’s one thing we all know about Rory Gilmore, it’s that she’s always reading something. Books make up her entire personality. Throughout the show, Rory references many authors, with a reading list of over 300 books that has become a pop-culture challenge for fans to tackle. These novels are perfect for readers who are just getting into classic literature, pairing perfectly with cozy blankets and hot chocolate. So with that said, here are my top winter picks from Rory’s bookshelf.
- Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
My rating: ★★★★★
Little Women takes place in 19th-century New England and follows the March sisters as they navigate growing up and facing family struggles. The story’s main themes are sisterhood, girlhood, and independence. Each sister is written so beautifully and vividly that readers can find themselves resonating with one of them. Little Women is filled with many memorable winter scenes, including snowy mornings and Christmas gatherings, making it a perfect, comforting read during the colder seasons.
- Dracula – Bram Stoker
My rating: ★★★★☆
Dracula is a famous gothic classic and incredibly eerie, fitting the dark and quiet nights of winter reading. The story follows a group of people who attempt to uncover the truth behind a dangerous figure from Transylvania. With its shadowy castles, this novel creates a haunting world. Dracula is structured through diaries, letters, and newspapers, creating a sense of intimacy with the reader. This novel is an excellent choice for readers who love mystery, horror, and classical books.
- Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
My rating: ★★★★☆
Even though we were all probably forced to read this in English class, Fahrenheit 451 is a powerful read. In the world created by Bradbury, books are illegal and firemen burn literature. The protagonist, Guy Montag, begins to question everything about his life and the society surrounding him. Major themes of this book include censorship and resistance, which can be meaningful and relatable for readers. Although this novel was written in 1953, it’s still incredibly relevant today. There is something about the cold, empty world that Bradbury created that just feels like winter. The pacing is quick which is perfect if you’re looking for a quick read.
- Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
My rating: ★★★★★
One of my ultimate favorites, The Bell Jar is a powerful winter read. This is definitely heavier than the other books on this list due to its exploration of depression and suicidal thoughts. The novel focuses on a young woman, Esther Greenwood, who struggles with societal standards. What makes The Bell Jar so interesting is that it’s a semi-autobiography of Slylvia Plath’s life. Major themes of this book are identity, mental health, and societal pressures. The writing is deeply poetic and raw. The book has a quiet, heavy mood that fits winter perfectly. It captures the feeling of being stuck inside your own head. However, I would go into this book with some caution because it touches on sensitive topics.
Each of these novels provides a totally different experience, which allows readers of all backgrounds to find something that resonates with them. Rory Gilmore’s reading list showcases that reading is personal. This list is intended to share a wide range of stories because every person experiences this season differently. Happy winter!
