Books to Fall For

In a world where trends are set with a snap and a scroll, reading is no longer a quiet pastime but a cultural statement — books have stepped out of the library and into the spotlight of lifestyle. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) dives into this vibe, exploring how reading is being redefined today. Kingos, this season is the chance to curate your bookshelf like a playlist, selecting stories that match your unique mood and rhythm.

Lit Is the New Cool

-Text Hip: Reading Goes Chic

The reading landscape in Korea has shifted dramatically over the past decade, losing much of its vitality. According to the 2023 research by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), adult reading rates have plummeted from 72.2% in 2013 to just 43% in 2023. Once a mainstream hobby, reading has now been pushed aside by gaming, fitness, and streaming, becoming a pastime for a shrinking audience. Amid this shift, Generation Z has embraced reading as a rare and stylish act. These digital natives, having grown up on social media such as YouTube and TikTok, are now craving the slower, more immersive experience that books provide. Reading offers a rare pause from constant digital stimulation, and strikingly, the same 2023 MCST research that shows an overall decline in reading reveals that people in their twenties currently boast the highest rate at 74.5%. Hop on the Text Hip trend — while reading fades elsewhere, books have become unexpectedly cool for young adults in their twenties, turning scarcity into style and driving them to read more than ever. Text Hip literally refers to a culture where reading, sharing, and engaging with written words feel inherently trendy and stylish. The phenomenon has taken off on social media, with young readers enthusiastically posting quotes, showcasing bestsellers, and curating their reading experiences online. The attention surrounding Korean author Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature last year sparked a surge of interest in Text Hip within Korea, cementing it as a defining feature of Generation Z’s literary lifestyle and inspiring a new wave of trendy, text-centered expression. In a world dominated by digital media, reading has become a highly curated, aesthetic pursuit, signaling taste, identity, and mood. Even in an era of instant gratification, the pleasure of text remains a powerful, timeless draw.

-Writing Hip: Pages of Personal Archives

The latest trend in reading culture goes beyond turning pages; it is about turning moments into personal archives. Known as Writing Hip, this movement blends traditional journaling with the digital age, encouraging readers to document their thoughts through handwritten notes and even carefully crafted calligraphy. What sets Writing Hip apart is its seamless extension onto social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where personal archives become shareable stories. Each note or diary entry is not just a record of what was read but a reflection of individuality and taste, transforming everyday reading into a creative ritual. In a world dominated by scrolling and instant content, Writing Hip offers a tangible pleasure and a mindful escape, allowing people to slow down, engage deeply with texts, and showcase their unique literary lifestyle. It is where creativity meets the page, turning everyday reading into a playground of ideas.

Mood, Method, Medium

Every reading experience is shaped by more than just the story — mood, method, and medium work together to bring the words to life.

-Paper Books: The Analog Charm

There is something undeniably satisfying about flipping through the pages of a paper book. The texture of the paper, the smell of fresh ink, and the sound of a turning page — these small details make reading a sensory experience. Beyond mere consumption, paper books invite interaction: underlining favorite quotes, jotting down notes in the margins, or filling a notebook with reflections. Each book becomes a personal record, a visual diary of thoughts and moods. Rather than rushing through content, paper books encourage a rhythm of reading that balances the author’s voice with the reader’s own reflections.

-E-books: Reading on Your Schedule

E-books, short for electronic books, redefine convenience in the reading world. Accessible through mobile apps or dedicated e-readers, they allow readers to carry entire libraries in their pocket. Ideal for commuting, waiting in line, or quick coffee breaks, e-books seamlessly fit into the rhythm of modern life. Adjustable fonts tailor the page to the user’s eyes, night modes ease late-hour reading, and instant dictionary lookups keep the flow going — making every session personal and efficient. They also encourage consistent reading habits, turning tiny pockets of downtime into immersive literary moments. “I always have a library in my bag — e-books let me read anytime between classes,” says Ko Chan-yeong (Sophomore, Department of Consumer Science). For those who want the freedom of electronic access without losing the feel of a real book, e-books strike the perfect balance between analog nostalgia and digital practicality.

-Audiobooks: Stories That Can Be Heard

Audiobooks free readers from the page, allowing stories to unfold without the need to look or hold. Whether jogging through a park, commuting on the subway, or cooking dinner, listeners can immerse themselves in stories without pausing daily life. The narrated voice adds another dimension, giving characters tone and personality while enhancing emotional engagement. Personalized recommendations and playback speed options enable readers to tailor the experience, making every moment, however ordinary, an opportunity to fully absorb literature. Audiobooks blend convenience and immersion, turning everyday routines into rich, literary adventures. In a culture obsessed with multitasking, they offer a smart, modern way to stay connected to stories.

Books to Warm Your Fall

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, fall invites a slower pace — a perfect backdrop for stories that comfort, thrill, and inspire. This season’s reading list brings together three very different books, each offering its own way to warm both the heart and mind.

-The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

For those who crave both escape and reflection, The Midnight Library offers a bittersweet fantasy that feels perfect for autumn nights. Between life and death lies a library, and each book inside contains a different version of one’s life. Matt Haig weaves a story that is both whimsical and deeply human, inviting readers to imagine the infinite possibilities of their own choices while curled up under a blanket. “It made me rethink all the choices I have ever made — so addictive!” shares Kim Na-eun (Sophomore, Culture & Technology Convergence Major).

-First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

When the season calls for a surge of adrenaline, First Lie Wins delivers. Selected by Reese’s Book Club, the celebrity reading club founded by American actress Reese Witherspoon, this thriller is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with clever twists. The protagonist’s survival depends entirely on deception, with each chapter peeling back another layer of a dangerous secret. The novel keeps the tension high from the first page to the last. “First Lie Wins had me hooked from the first chapter; the suspense is insane,” says We Elly (Sophomore, Department of English Language and Literature).

-Drop the Rock by Bill Pittman, Sara S., and Todd W.

Autumn often invites introspection, making Drop the Rock a fitting companion. This self-development classic focuses on identifying and letting go of personal character defects through practical guidance rooted in Steps Six and Seven of the well-known Twelve-Step Recovery Process, which guide individuals to acknowledge their flaws and take humble action toward personal growth. Insightful yet approachable, it offers practical tools for self-awareness and growth — well-suited for a season that embodies transformation as naturally as falling leaves.

Books are the new mood, the new statement. This season, your shelf can be a playlist, your diary a reflection of your thoughts, and every page a quiet space for meaning. Beyond swipes and scrolls, reading allows you to pause, think deeply, and find clarity amid the noise of daily life. Whether flipping through paper, jotting down reflections, or listening on the go, the true story lies not in how books are displayed but in how they enrich the way you live and understand the world.