Autumn Reads

Best “Old Money” Books

Fall is here — the season of wool sweaters, quiet evenings, and books that feel rich, atmospheric, and full of history. This month’s theme: Old Money Reads — stories about family legacies, privilege, secrets, and the quiet drama behind polished manners.

Here are some great books to settle in with this autumn:

Top Picks

1. The Great Gatsby — F. Scott Fitzgerald
A tragic and dazzling look at wealth, love, and illusion. Short, poetic, and perfect for a chilly night.

2. Brideshead Revisited — Evelyn Waugh
A nostalgic tale of friendship, faith, and the fall of an aristocratic English family. Elegant and emotional.

3. The Age of Innocence — Edith Wharton
Set in Old New York, this story explores strict social rules and forbidden love. Quietly powerful.

4. The Secret History — Donna Tartt
A dark academic classic. Privileged students, hidden sins, and a creeping sense of doom. Ideal for autumn.

5. Old Money — Kelsey Miller
A new novel about inheritance, identity, and complicated family truths. Modern take, classic themes.

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray — Oscar Wilde
A haunting story about beauty, vanity, and moral decay. Gothic and timeless.

7. Crazy Rich Asians — Kevin Kwan
Entertaining and sharp. A look inside old vs. new wealth in high society Asia.

8. We Were Liars — E. Lockhart
A short, suspenseful story about a wealthy family, a private island, and a truth that unravels slowly.

Cozy Reading Tips

  • Light a candle or read by soft lamp light

  • Brew tea or hot cider

  • Take your time — these stories are best savored slowly

  • Optional playlist: light piano or classical music in the background