I have seen some lovely images of fully decked out bookshelves which are fully decorated for the season, especially some booktuber’s shelves, but I don’t typically decorate my shelves. I don’t do a whole lot of holiday decorations anyways, mostly because I don’t like switching out a ton of things, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate when people do.

The addition of a couple pumpkins or fall decor items can add splashes of color to shelves, I’ve seen some people go full out with Halloween decorations instead of just fall and even those look great. I tend to be a little more simplistic, which leaves more room for books on my shelves because space is at a premium in my house. Still, I do have a few things that live on my shelves this time of year.

I just brought my succulents inside as the temperatures are starting to lower, so they have taken up residence on my bookshelves. I also have a few of my larger candles displayed, waiting for the time that I decide to burn them. As to other decorations, I have a few Funko pops (such as Velma from Scooby Doo hanging out with my Nancy Drew books) but otherwise keep most of the space for my books themselves.

How do you decorate your shelves? Do you go all out for the holidays, or keep the same decorations year round?

Happy reading!

I know that a lot of people out there have been dying for this time of year to arrive, I have been hearing many a shout of “PUMPKIN SPICE TIME!” all around me. I have a confession to make. I hate pumpkin spice anything. I know I know, how dare I, but that just means more for all of you out there who love it.

Thanks again to Jenniely for creating #bookblogtober, so now let’s get into what my personal favorites are when it comes to drinks I enjoy in the autumn while reading.

Caffeine! My caffeine intake is pretty high, so it’s rare that you see me without some form of it being available to me. One of my old standbys is Diet Coke, so I will typically have some available to me in my house. Another option that I have really been enjoying is flavored sparkling water with some caffeine in it.

Most nights, especially as the temperatures start to fall, you will see me with a cup of coffee. I typically prefer a medium roast coffee and add sugar free Irish cream flavored creamer and some whipped cream, cause you know, gotta be fancy. I also have a weakness for iced chai tea lattes, though I add sugar free vanilla syrup and half and half to lower the carb count.

Now, I am mentioning a lot of caffeinated beverages here so I should add that I will usually always have some water handy. If I have a bottle of soda, then I also have a bottle of water. We all know we can lose track of time when reading, so staying hydrated is very important.

What are your favorite beverages to drink this time of year?

Happy reading!

Oh boy, this one is a hard topic because obviously it’s going to be different for everyone. Obviously you want to make sure that you are comfortable, but it’s also going to depend on the time of year and your environment. If you love to read by the pool, you aren’t going to do that in flannel pajamas.

I do most of my reading inside, so as long as I’m wearing comfy pants and a shirt, I’m happy. Some of my essentials are either being under a blanket or having super fuzzy socks on. I also always have to have my hair out of my face, which usually means pinned up or a ponytail.

If I’m reading while traveling I have either a large stuffed animal or pillow usually hugged against me or acting as a headrest. In all things reading, especially for an extended period of time, comfort is key. I have a number of lounge pants and super soft t-shirts that suit this purpose.

What do you prefer to read in? Does the outfit matter to you, or is where you are more important?

Happy reading!

When trying to think of my favorite Autumn reads I came up with what is probably way too many options. Of course there are going to be the spooky reads that a lot of people like to read around Halloween, but since I’m a mood reader there are often a lot of other I reach for. So, let’s get started.

Spooky reads – I love a good spooky read, especially if they feature ghosts in some way. I don’t need them to be particularly scary or creepy, but spooky in subject matter.

I also gravitate towards books with a Scooby Doo or detective like group/setting. I love the original Nancy Drew and Nancy Drew Files series so anything that reminds me of those if usually enjoyable to me. I also love paranormal romance books with a crime solving aspect that also include ghosts.

I am also really drawn to actual ghost stories. Any time someone I know travels and asks me if there is anything I would like them to get me, I always respond with postcards (I collect them) and books about local ghost stories. I literally have a whole shelf of ghost story books from all over the United States (though I would love some international ones as well).

Fall and winter are also the time of year that I typically find myself reaching for sci-fi books such as Illuminae and some classic horror books. Some of my favorites are those by Shirley Jackson. If you’re looking for a place to start with her I would say check out her short stories because that will tell you pretty quickly if you like her style. I did an AP English study on her in high school and have been hooked on her writing ever since, but I know she’s not for everyone.

What are some of your favorite autumn reads? What genres do you tend to reach for this time of year?

Happy reading!