Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge

“I live in two worlds. One is a world of books. I’ve been a resident of Faulkner’s Yoknapatowpha County, hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod, fought alongside Napoleon, sailed a raft with Huck and Jim, committed absurdities with Ignatius J. Reilly, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina, and strolled down Swann’s Way.” —Rory Gilmore

Years ago I binge-watched all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls after a friend described it to me as “being wrapped in a warm blanket.” By then, I identified more with Lorelai than with Rory. I was bored of her teenage love triangle and rooting for Luke and Lorelai to wise up and smash their faces together. Maybe I had come to it too late. Do I even like this show? I wondered as I sipped a hot coffee and ordered Chinese food. And yet, here I am, back in Stars Hollow every fall. It really is like a warm blanket.

I related more to Rory’s taste in literature. The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge is a popular internet challenge to read every book ever mentioned on Gilmore Girls (including books Rory was seen reading throughout the series). Like Rory, I tend toward the classics, so I thought it would help me knock out some of the books I’ve been meaning to read. Consider this my way of admitting I like the show.

Join the reading challenge! Read the books on the list, share your thoughts on social media, and tag @eatingb00ks to join the conversation.