Rory Gilmore Reading Tree

The Best Reading Order for Rory’s Book List

Discovering the Books in the best order on Rory Gilmore's Shelf: The Ultimate Reading List

Have you ever wondered what books Rory Gilmore, the beloved fictional character from the hit TV show "Gilmore Girls," had on her shelf? Have you ever wondered how Rory read all those books? From classics to contemporary literature, Rory's book collection is a bibliophile's dream come true. Her passion for reading not only shaped her character but also inspired countless viewers to dive into the world of literature. Featuring timeless works from authors like Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Virginia Woolf, Rory's bookshelf offers a diverse range of genres and writing styles. From romance to mystery, coming-of-age tales to philosophical introspection, these books are sure to captivate readers of all ages.

Let’s be honest: it’s a bit daunting to take on the over 350 books on the Rory Gilmore Reading List. With that many books to read, where do you even start? Well let me help you!

I’ve broken down the list into several categories based on author, theme, topic, and more and analyzed them to decide which one is best to read first. And how did I decide this?

Considerations for Reading Order

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  • Plot: Some books are part of a series or take place first, therefore it’s best to start at the beginning

  • Ease of Reading: Some books are easier to read than others because of the language or the length. I’ve chosen books that are easier to read to be first, followed by more difficult books. That way you can dip your toe in to adjust to the language or format and work your way up to the remaining books.

  • Subject: There are books that do a fantastic job of setting up and explaining topics that are featured in later books. This way you get a good foundation of the subject before moving on to more complicated renditions of the topic.

  • *Helpful Books: These books are not on the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge Book List, however, I’ve read them as additional research and I think they really help in understanding the author, the writing, and the stories/plot so I strongly recommend reading these as well. After all, it’s what Rory Gilmore would do!



    Ready to get started on the Rory Reading Challenge?

    Get ready to embark on a literary journey through the pages that once inspired Rory Gilmore herself. Just follow the order of the books below and it will make the challenge easier and more enjoyable for you!

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The Russian Authors

*Read First: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Extra Credit: The Anna Karenina Fix by Viv Groskop

Read Next: The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Read Next: War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Read Next: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Anna Karenina book pretty cover by Leo Tolstoy

This book is only $8!


J R.R. Tolkien

Read First: The Hobbit Read Next: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King


The Parisian Expats

Read First: A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Read Next: The Complete Stories and Poems of Dorothy Parker

Read Next: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Read Next: The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway

*Extra Credit: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell Is This?

Read Next: To Have And Have Not by Ernest Hemingway

Read Next: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Read Next: Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald


The French Authors

Read First: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Read Next: The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Read Next: Monsieur Proust by Celeste Albaret

Read Next: Swann’s Way by Marcel Prosust and Candide by Voltaire


The Poets

Read First: Howl by Allen Ginsburg

Read Next: The Odyssey and The Illiad by Homer

Read Next: Beowulf


More reading order recommendations coming soon!


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