A “Gilmore Girls” Reading List: A Book Roundup Inspired by Some of Rory Gilmore’s Favorites
“I just take a book with me everywhere. It’s just a habit.” – Rory Gilmore
By Diana Tramontano
It’s that time of year again: Gilmore Girls season. For those who aren’t familiar with the iconic TV series Gilmore Girls (where have you been?), the show follows single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter, Rory, living in a small town in Connecticut. As a teen mom, Lorelai moved away from home and began working as a maid in a local hotel. As the show begins, Lorelai is the manager of the hotel, and both she and Rory have embraced their community like family. The two forge unbreakable bonds, find humor in every situation, and, in effect, grow up together.
To embrace the Gilmore Girl season, you must try new coffee shops, have a classic movie night with snacks, go pumpkin or apple picking, journal, and last but not least: read! Like all Gilmore Girls fans, we idolize Rory Gilmore’s reading list. Throughout all seven seasons, Rory reads over 400 different books. Since Rory “read” her last book in the 2006 series finale, we’ve been wondering what she might read now. Check out the list below to see what we think Rory might be reading now based on what she read then!
Then: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Now: Darling Girl by Liz Michalski
After reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, we think Rory might appreciate a new fairytale-like story set in modern time. Darling Girl is a spin off of the classic Peter Pan tale, but focuses on the line of Darling women who were affected by Peter Pan and Neverland.
Then: Emma by Jane Austen
Now: Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding
Everyone who loved the classic Emma by Jane Austen has to read the new take by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding, Emma of 83rd Street. This witty and romantic debut would leave Rory wanting more.
Anne Patchett has written some of the most memorable stories of the last 20 years. Since Rory read Bel Canto and Truth and Beauty, Tom Lake would definitely be an autobuy for her!
Then: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Now: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
After growing up with Harry Potter, Sarah J. Maas’ iconic A Court of Thorns and Roses series has filled its shoes for the magic, mystery, and romance we’ve all been craving since. Rory would be a fan of this series and all of Maas’ books!
Then: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Now: The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
Similarly to Ann Patchett, Mitch Albom would be an autobuy author for Rory. She read both Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven and wouldn’t be able to keep her hands off of Albom’s forthcoming novel, The Little Liar.
Then: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Now: Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
The Joy Luck Club is a tender and powerful multigenerational story following four mothers and four daughters as they navigate loss and unravel secrets. Similarly, Banyan Moon is told from three perspectives—a grandmother, mother, and daughter—as their family faces hardships and uncovers things from the past.
Then: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Now: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
After reading the iconic Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Rory would absolutely cherish Ann Napolitano’s Hello Beautiful, a moving story of a family which pays homage to Little Women.
Then: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Now: Midlife Bites by Jen Mann
Though Rory read I Feel Bad About My Neck when she was younger, it might be an even more relevant re-read as she approaches middle age. Similarly, she would enjoy the comical, honest memoir Midlife Bites by Jen Mann.
Then: The Shining by Stephen King
Now: Holly by Stephen King
Once a Stephen King fan, always a Stephen King fan. Rory would definitely pick up King’s latest horror story, Holly, just in time for spooky season.
In the recent years that Colleen Hoover’s books have blown up, Rory would have to try one of her novels to see what all the buzz is about. After reading Rebecca, Rory would enjoy Verity because of its similar eerie tone, haunted past, and suspenseful plot.
Posted October 4, 2023
