Although I am personally of the belief that any day is the perfect day to spend reading, there is really nothing like the crunch of falling leaves and a crisp edge to the air to make me want to bury myself in a new book. If the changing seasons inspire you to a more literary bent as well, the following list may help you in your search for your next great read! Although none of the fiction suggested here is explicitly Catholic, all will be edifying to the moral imagination, and some may provide a bit of a balm to a world-weary heart. The final three books are Catholic non-fiction. Without further ado, the list!

1. Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame

For those with an inclination to stay bundled up at home during the colder months, this delightful tale of friendship, adventure, and, importantly, delicious food enjoyed in the secure coziness of home will be a book to sink into. The emphasis on the importance of the simple things in life, like good food, cozy homes, and true friends, will warm your heart and perhaps inspire you to invite some true friends over to enjoy good food in your own cozy home. 

2. Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery 

Can a list of books to read in autumn be complete without the addition of Anne? I think not. All that needs to be said are Anne’s own words: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!” Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of entering the world of Green Gables, whether it is your first or hundredth visit. 

3. Dracula, by Bram Stoker

Although Bram Stoker was Anglican, not only are the themes of Dracula decidedly Catholic, but the plot of Dracula would not work without belief in the power of the Eucharist. If you are looking for something a little darker, a little more “memento mori,” something to remind you of the great battle ensuing over the fate of your eternal soul, look no further! The original tale of Dracula bears almost no resemblance to the cinematic versions but is a rich and rightly ordered story of the battle between the powers of good and the powers of evil. 

4. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

A little lighter than the more famous trilogy, The Hobbit shares many themes with The Wind in the Willows (in fact, The Wind in the Willows was a great favorite of Tolkien’s!): friendship, feasting, and the importance of having a home to return to. Is there a better place to spend a cold evening than the world of the Shire?

5. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte’s masterpiece, the story of Jane Eyre is a tale of forgiveness, romance, drama, and Jane’s constant quest to follow her conscience, regardless of the cost. Its view of marriage is refreshing in its faithfulness and Jane’s heroic struggle against her passions is inspiring. Being a Gothic novel in genre, with the weather often reflecting the feelings of the character or providing a bit of foreboding, it can be a bit gloomy at times, making it a rewarding choice to curl up with on a grey, cold day!

6. The Princess and the Goblin, by George MacDonald

Many of MacDonald’s books are hard to find in unabridged, but if you can, you will be rewarded! Although the Princess and the Goblin is, ostensibly, a children’s story, it can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. As C.S. Lewis says, “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” It is relatively short, with sweet characters, and a delightful plot. I can’t say that it has any obvious ties to colder weather except the unavoidable coziness you will feel while reading it! 

7. The Brothers Karamazov, by Dostoevsky 

With the advent of longer evenings, less daylight, and more time inside, now is the perfect time to pick up that longer book that intimidates just by its page numbers. If the changing seasons have left you with more time on your hands and a pull towards a deeper read, this might be the time to dive into Dostoevsky. Aptly named, The Brothers Karamazov follows the Karamazov brothers before, during, and after the death of their father. While pursuing the threads leading to the murderer (although I cannot stress how much this is not a crime novel), this book will have you contemplating the meaning of life, God, free will, and morality and how they are all connected. It is a deeply rich book, that, while very, very long, will reward your efforts many times over.  

8. Theology of Home, by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering

Now that we are all spending more time inside our homes and have been inspired by hobbits, moles, water rats, and badgers to increase the coziness of our abodes, why not read something that will give practical tips while encouraging homemakers in their work? If you are able to get a physical copy, the beauty of the pictures alone will inspire you to bring more beauty into your home, even in the barren seasons. 

9. The Little Oratory, by David Clayton and Leila Lawler

Every domestic church should have a dedicated place of prayer and this treasure of a book will give you actionable, practical steps to do just that. If you have been confused by where or how your family should be praying at home or just want a refresher or some encouragement, this might be the perfect choice.

10. The Intellectual Life, Antonin Sertillanges

For many people, college graduation marks the end of learning and, for some, the absolute end of the intellectual life. If the start of a new school year makes you nostalgic for notebooks, pencils, and, most importantly, a new challenge for your mind, this short volume by a Dominican philosopher may answer your longing. In it, the author will make the case for the importance of the intellectual life as a vocation and a privilege to study truth and gain the wisdom that, in any form, will lead us to contemplation of God.