Tag: bookish

fall

Why Reading Comfort Books Matters

Elizabeth Yuen

Confession time: when I hit a reading slump, I always go back to my comfort books. For me, that means revisiting Twilight, Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards series, or Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR. There’s something about familiar characters and worlds that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket on a cool autumn night.

Why Comfort Reads Work

Comfort reads remind us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. They’re familiar, cozy, and reliable when our reading rhythm falters. They help ease us back into stories without pressure.

Balancing Comfort With New Discoveries

This fall, I’ve been challenging myself to balance comfort reads with new-to-me books using the Autumn Reading List insert. On one hand, my favorites recharge me. On the other, new seasonal picks (like The Society of Irregular Witches or Hour of the Pumpkin Queen) add excitement and discovery.

How It Helps My Writing

As a writer, comfort reads give me reassurance while new reads spark inspiration. Together, they keep my creative well full.

✨ Takeaway: Don’t feel guilty about re-reading your favorites. They’re not a “waste of time”—they’re fuel for your imagination and soul.

👉 What’s your ultimate comfort read when you’re in a slump?

fall

My Cozy Fall TBR Setup

Elizabeth Yuen

Fall is the perfect season for reading. The nights get cooler, candles come out, and suddenly my to-be-read list grows tenfold. But lately, I realized I wasn’t reading as much as I wanted, so I gave myself a reset: setting up my fall TBR using my Daily Grind reading planner and their Autumn Reading List insert.

Why Reading Fuels My Writing

As a writer, reading is part of my creative process. It sparks new ideas, expands my imagination, and makes me a stronger storyteller. That’s why I’m treating my fall TBR like an intentional ritual, not just a random stack of books.

How I’m Setting It Up

Instead of writing directly onto the Autumn Reading List insert, I’m using sticky notes to draft my TBR. That way, I can shuffle books around, swap titles in and out, and adjust for my reading mood. Right now, my September lineup includes:

  • The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (witchy, cozy)
  • Hour of the Pumpkin Queen (perfect for Halloween vibes)

Comfort + New Reads

I’m balancing comfort re-reads (like Twilight or ACOTAR) with new-to-me seasonal reads. This way, I get the cozy familiarity of old favorites but also the excitement of discovering something fresh.

✨ Takeaway: If you’re building your fall TBR, try mixing old comfort reads with one or two new seasonal picks. It’s the perfect way to keep reading regularly.

👉 What’s on your fall TBR this year?

fall

The Cozy Charm of Sally Skellington: My Thoughts on “The Pumpkin Queen” Books

Elizabeth Yuen

I just finished Hour of the Pumpkin Queen, and I loved every page of it! If you haven’t heard of this series, it’s essentially fanfiction in published form—following Sally Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas as she steps into her role as Pumpkin Queen. It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and full of cozy Halloween charm.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Book 1: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen
    Sally is navigating her new life alongside Jack. While he thrives on being the extroverted, larger-than-life Pumpkin King, Sally is deeply introverted and unsure of herself. The story follows her as she balances his big personality with her own need for quiet, while also stepping into a position of leadership she never asked for.
  • Book 2: Hour of the Pumpkin Queen
    Set a year later, Sally is trying to do it all—keeping traditions alive, carrying the weight of expectations, and shouldering responsibilities she doesn’t want to burden Jack with. Of course, it all becomes too much. This story beautifully explores how she learns that she doesn’t have to handle everything on her own, and that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

As an introvert myself, I found Sally’s journey so relatable. Her inner conflict of wanting to do things well while simultaneously longing for peace and quiet felt very true-to-life. Plus, the tender romance between Jack and Sally is woven throughout with such care. There’s no spice here—just pure, comforting love.

And can we talk about the atmosphere? These books ooze cozy Halloween vibes. From pumpkin patches to magical mishaps, they’re the kind of reads you curl up with under a blanket, candle flickering nearby.

If you’re into character-driven stories, gentle romance, or books that feel like seasonal fanfiction in the best way, I can’t recommend this series enough. Now the real question is—will there be a third book? I, for one, am crossing my fingers that Sally’s story continues.

Have you read The Pumpkin Queen books yet?