The September Gazette: Back to School Like a Gilmore
Chilton, and Yale, and fall books, oh my!
Hi Friday Night Readers,
Welcome to “The Gazette” — a seasonal column inspired by Gilmore Girls (and the Stars Hollow Gazette)!
When I decided to shift my focus from both a broad book blog and a Gilmore Girls-inspired book club to just Gilmore Girls-inspired work, I knew I wanted to find a way to keep seasonal content around. The seasons are practically characters on the show!
This is what I’ve landed on. While the format may change over time, it will blend books, Gilmore Girls episodes, and lifestyle content in a seasonal way.
Let’s Go Back-to-School Like a Gilmore!
On The Gazette’s Radar
Clockwise:
Sweater: When I spotted this Old Navy argyle cardigan in store, I immediately pictured Rory wearing it at Yale.
Hat: A Yale hat is classic, whether you’re tailgating at a Bulldogs game or not.
Candle: Trader Joe’s Honeycrisp Apple candle smells like the juiciest apple you can imagine. I usually go through 2-3 of these each fall!
Notebook: There’s no better month for a new notebook than September, and this Chilton one is totally on theme.
Donut Mix: Treat yourself to an apple cider donut or make your own with this mix. I always get one at our orchard’s fall festival. So Stars Hollow!
Tee: No first day of school shirt was more iconic than Lorelai’s pink tie-dye t-shirt.
Nail Polish: Olive & June’s new blue nail polish color for fall, “Power Suit,” screams both Chilton and Yale. New customers can save 20% off Olive & June systems with code OJJULIANNEB20.
Tote: A Chilton plaid printed tote says back-to-school in a more elevated way than a yellow backpack. I have the mini pouch, and it’s so cute! (Shop their full Gilmore Girls collection to add patches, etc.)
Coffee: McDonald’s Toffee Almond Fall Coffee is so good that I drink it year-round.
Screening at Black, White, and Read This Month
September is a great month to watch these “back-to-school” Gilmore Girls episodes:
Stars Hollow Reading Corner
I will usually keep this section paywalled to offer paid subscribers “first dibs” on library holds, but since this is the first issue of The Gazette, I am unlocking it, so you can see what you’ll get when you upgrade.
I scoured the September 2025 book releases, including one I read early and deem one of my favorites of the year, as well as another that’s rumored to be a celebrity book club pick.
From a few dozen picks, I narrowed it down to the top 4 that I think Gilmore Girls readers like me should add to their “to be read” lists. My goal here is always to provide you with a carefully curated list to focus on, not a catch-all that overwhelms you.
Did you know?: On the library’s Libby app, you can search titles before their release date. If the library already pre-ordered it, then place a hold. If not, then add a tag, and you’ll get notified if/when they do. I try to hop on as soon as I get these notifications to secure my hold!
September 2
Why I'm Anticipating It: It’s the rumored Read With Jenna pick, and she usually reads very *literary* books. I also loved hearing it called Ohio’s Forrest Gump, which I think the Gilmores would love! Early reviews are excellent.
Plot: A moment of passion in post-World War II Bonhomie, Ohio, binds two families together and sets off secrets that ripple across generations. As the town grows and changes, long-buried truths resurface, forcing each family to confront its past and reconsider its future. This sweeping novel explores love, loss, and the bonds that shape ordinary lives.
Recommended for This Gilmore Girls Character: Rory, for the exact reasons I’m anticipating it.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia:
Why I'm Anticipating It: The cover and the plot say it all. It’s going to be huge with romance readers. It already has over 7k GoodReads reviews!
Plot: In this cozy small-town romance set in 1997 Vermont, a woman takes over her late mother’s bed and breakfast to heal after a divorce, only to find herself drawn to her charming next-door neighbor, single dad and baker Cliff. As autumn unfolds, their slow-burn connection grows, complicated by her impending move to Seattle and the fear of opening her heart.
Recommended for This Gilmore Girls Character: It’s giving Sookie on many levels!
September 16
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham:
Why I'm Anticipating It: I love this author’s work and how she’s branching from beach reads into “academia” fiction with her daughter! Expect “rich people behaving badly”— this time, not on Nantucket, but instead at school.
Plot: At a top boarding school, scandal brews. When a new app starts exposing the secrets of students and staff, friendships and reputations are put to the test. Over the school year, bonds are made and broken, and the lives of everyone at Tiffin Academy are forever changed amid this high-stakes drama.
Recommended for This Gilmore Girls Character: Chilton girls like Louise, Madeline, and/or Francie
September 30
Why I'm Anticipating It: I already read it TWICE, and it’s likely my book of the year. It’s immersive, emotional, unputdownable, and loaded with literary references. You can easily read it in one afternoon. (I did.)
Plot: A woman and author reflects on the intense love triangle that defined her college and early adult years. Her friendship with two literature classmates, Sam and Yash, teetered on the line between love and betrayal. Decades later, unexpected news forces her to confront the consequences of their choices, which have shaped their core adult lives. It's about the enduring impact of first love, personal growth, and forgiveness.
Recommended for This Gilmore Girls Character: Rory, for the literary references.
Remember to also read a banned book from the Gilmore Girls reading list as our challenge this month!
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I love this. I’m going to pre order lily kings book now. I can’t believe you read it twice. Did you listen to the interview with Lily on Tim and Elin’s podcast? It made me love her as a writer even more. Xo