Cozy fall books of 2025

Well, it’s official. I’ve fallen down what is possibly the most friendly of reading rabbit-holes: cozy non-fiction.

It all started because I was getting a little tired of the predominantly male self-help authors and biographers I had been reading over the summer. Some of them were quite good, but I couldn’t escape the feeling that many seemed to be clenching every muscle in their body when they sat down to write. It’s a helpful vibe for when you want to overcome and push through, but in the end it’s not really me. I wanted something fresh, reflective, and welcoming, and so I started to seek out new storytellers and perspectives. Pretty soon though, what began as a relaxing side-quest became a new passion, and I think it’s fair to say I’m hooked!

Quick reflections on some favorites so far

I began with Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She has a unique perspective and engaging storytelling voice that meant once I got into the book I had trouble putting it down. Braiding Sweetgrass is a mix of cozy self-reflection and discussions around the intersection of science, indigenous wisdom, and how we might work together with each other and our planet to improve our collective futures.

From there I went on to Wintering by Katherine May. This book is a combination memoir and research piece that finds it’s way as it goes. I enjoyed May’s honest and unguarded reflections and the people whose stories she brought in alongside her own made it a colorful and encouraging work. Her book Enchantment was also a great read with similar vibes, perhaps even a little more laid back. In it, May takes a gentle stroll through some important themes around wonder and presence that didn’t get as many pages in Wintering.

Next, really beginning to lean into the coze-factor, I picked up two shorter works, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, and The Cottage Fairy Companion by Paola Merrill. These authors are masters of cozy living from two different cultural backgrounds. In my opinion, their gentle storytelling voices do a great job of bringing the reader in on the experience. I could almost feel the heat of candles in a cozy winter cabin, listening to their stories as steam poured off of a warm mug of tea.

The last two books I want to mention are Soulful Simplicity and Gentle by Courtney Carver. I tried reading Carver’s book Project 333 last year, but it wasn’t really for me. Luckily, I gave her other books a shot this fall and I’m so glad I did! She is a recovered high-achiever and I think that helps me receive her often counter-cultural wisdom with a more open mind. As I write this, I’ve only just started Gentle and so far it’s already shaping up to have the most takeaways of any I’ve read this fall!

Am I missing any good ones?

Do you have any cozy non-fiction favorites I haven’t discovered yet? Send me an email! I’d love to continue to expand my reading list! ♥️