BOOKS

Fall is the perfect season to cozy up with a book, a cup of your fave tea, coffee or matcha and your emotional support blanket. Hmmm...but what to read?

While there are tons of types of books out there (and we love 'em all!), we're totally feeling the classics lately. Here's why: There are compelling storylines, robust and unique characters, beautiful imagery and a significant sense of time and place. There's a reason these books have been on people's bookshelves for, well, ever. And it's time you add 'em to yours, too. 

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Amazon, $10

If stories about sisterly bonds or unrequited love are your *thing,* then reach for Little Women. This novel follows the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—as they come of age in Massachusetts during the American Civil War. You'll def identify with at least one of the sisters, especially as they navigate poverty, first loves, heartbreak, loss and all the usual pangs of growing up. The crisp New England setting will also be sure to put you in an autumnal and cozy mood. 

2. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Amazon, $13

Ever hear the phrase "Stay gold, Ponyboy"? It comes from The Outsiders, a novel following 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, a member of a gang called the Greasers. The Greasers are always at odds with a rival gang, the Socs, and the constant tension leads to Ponyboy grappling with what's right and what's wrong—all against the backdrop of 1960s America. 

If you're into coming-of-age stories about the undying power of friendship and battle against societal inequality, then The Outsiders is definitely the pick for you. 

3. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Amazon, $17

In the mood for something gothic and mysterious? Say hello to Northanger Abbey'. This classic from Jane Austen follows 17-year-old Catherine Morland, who is not only a lover of Gothic novels (think Frankenstein), but soon becomes convinced she is actually living in one. With its foggy English backdrop, shadowy castles and a mysterious family secret just waiting to be revealed, Northanger Abbey is the classic for every mystery loving reader.  

4. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

Amazon, $10

11-year-old orphan, Anne Shirley, is sent to a farm outside the small Canadian town of Avonlea. She's been adopted by a pair of elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla, but there's only one problem: they thought they'd be adopting a boy, and certainly not this spunky redheaded girl! However, Anne's bubbly personality wins the Cuthberts over and a tale of found family, friendship and growing up unfolds. If you're a fan of Anne with an E, then Anne of Green Gables is perf for you. 

5. Emma by Jane Austen

Amazon, $14

Emma  (yes,  another Jane Austen pick because, why not?) follows the misadventures of the precocious matchmaker Emma Woodhouse as she attempts to makeover and match up her new friend, Harriet Smith. What follows in this story of love and friendship is the kind of rom-com level drama that would inspire plenty of Taylor Swift lyrics. Witty, comedic, heartfelt, and filled with *tons* of cute couples to root for, Emma is a must read for any romance book lover.

P.S. It's also the inspiration behind one of our fave `90s flicks of all time, Clueless!

Looking for more reading recs? Check out @glbestiebookclub on Insta!

Slider and top image: @wutheringwines

by Felicia Bono | 9/29/2024