Sweater Weather in July: The Joy of Reading Festive and Spooky Tales in Summer
Hear me out… By the time summer officially hits — when temperatures are scorching and daylight is never ending — I’m ready to move on to the next season. The best season. Fall.
Fall contains the splendor of a wardrobe shift, crunchy leaves, seasonal treats and (arguably) the most anticipated holidays — Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Am I the only one who gets jealous of fictional literary characters who are blissfully living through Fall when I’m stuck in the depths of July? Perhaps — but I have a remedy. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
Live vicariously through those characters via books with worlds and timelines set in Fall or during the holidays.
where to read
The usuals…
At the beach
By the pool
On your porch or patio
On a park bench
Lying in a hammock
To fully embrace the Fall essence
Crank up the AC and get cozy under a blanket (like this Gilmore Girls edition)
what to read
Anything with a dark color scheme, a supernatural main character or sparkling lights & colorful baubles is on the right track. Here are some books I’ve loved — and one on my radar:
Winter Street series by Elin Hilderbrand
One of my nostalgic favorites (that also features a beach!).
Set in a snowy Nantucket during Christmastime, it’s a magical and light summer read.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
YA / fantasy
Series, 3 books
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
Magical realism
Many of the books by this author are a perfect fit for Fall-themed summer reading
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison
Dark comedy / fiction
A Wild Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire
A retelling of a classic tale
Set during Christmas in 1960’s New York
gear
If it is, in fact, still summer — you’re probably going to need appropriate paraphernalia. I’m talking sun protection and cool beverages.
Accessories
Hat to mitigate glare
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Umbrella to provide shade
Towel to dry your hands of pool or ocean water
To fully embrace the Fall essence: Set the scene with a fall-themed scent. Instead of a candle which emits heat, opt for a room spray which can be used insde or outdoors.
Beverages
Cocktails
Mocktails
Iced coffee or tea
Flavored or sparkling water
To fully embrace the Fall essence:
Get decadent with a Harry Potter inspired cold brew
Incorporate a themed glass or paper straw (e.g., this birch-patterned straw is cute and versatile)
Combine Fall & Summer flavors to invigorate your senses
A few recipes courtesy of ChatGPT
There you have it — all the components necessary to cool down your Summer while getting lost in a good story. Let me know if you relate to this approach or if you think it’s unhinged :)
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Disclosure Notice: The recommendations and reviews provided on this blog are based on personal opinions and experiences. We are not compensated by any company or individual for these recommendations unless explicitly stated (e.g., Amazon Associate disclaimer). We do not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the products or services mentioned. Users who choose to purchase or use any product or service recommended on this blog do so at their own risk and we bear no responsibility for any outcomes.
