There is something intrinsically magical about the autumnal air. It is a perfect blend of the ethereal and melancholy as summer’s easy-going brightness shifts into the deep, thoughtful hues of Autumn — Nature’s Passion. It is a season of change, leaving behind old ways, as we prepare for winter.
We can view this season as a charge: to die to our former ways, and begin anew. What good habits did we cultivate in the summer and what could we have done better?
For me, I always find a challenge to better manage my time so I can fuel myself body and soul through a richer prayer life and reordering my thoughts to God. As it states in the Bible, to “renew the spirit of our minds.”
Ephesians 4:23
And what a better way to enrich our lives than turning to good and powerful books?
Here are our top picks for Fall reading:
books that will not only delight but proffer wisdom and renewal as you cozy up by a fire with a hot chocolate and runny nose.
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
“But I didn’t realize then that the consequence of sin is that you have to trample on other people.”
I read this trilogy through the autumnal-early-winter months last year, and I am half tempted to make that a yearly tradition. Yes, it’s that good. And there is something about the “Kristin” novels that make them perfect for chilly weather and chunky sweaters.
“In her great historical epic Kristin Lavransdatter, set in fourteenth-century Norway, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset tells the life story of one passionate and headstrong woman.
As a young girl, Kristin is deeply devoted to her father, a kind and courageous man. But when as a student in a convent school she meets the charming and impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn, she defies her parents in pursuit of her own desires.
With its captivating heroine and emotional potency, Kristin Lavransdatter is the masterwork of Norway’s most beloved author, one of the twentieth century’s most prodigious and engaged literary minds and a story that continues to enthrall.”
Seriously, this is the kind of book that when you are done, you’ll be passing it off to your mother, sister, husband, and the random guy walking down the street.
Mary was Her Life by Sr. Marie Pierre
This is the breathtakingly beautiful story of Sister Maria Teresa Quevedo.
“For Him alone I have lived.”
My husband and I read this together while I was pregnant, and it is one of my happy pregnancy memories.
If you are looking to deepen your spiritual life and/or grow closer to Our Lady, I cannot more strongly recommend this book. The sweet devotion of Teresita will touch your heart and inspire you to dive deeper into the spiritual life.
The Art of Living by Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand
“The basic attitude of reverence is the presupposition for every true love, above all, the love of neighbor, because it alone opens our eyes to the value of men as spiritual persons, and because, without this awareness, no love is possible.”
This gem of a book is a collection of essays written by Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand. Each essay is intellectually stimulating, providing wisdom on faith and morality. And, as stated, it’s a collection of essays! Perfect for over-coffee morning reading and you’ll have something to reflect upon and discuss as your day unfolds.
This is a book meant to be read and cherished time and time again.
House of Cards by Alice Curtayne
She felt like a child who had built up a house of cards and was afraid to see it fall. She could not afford to see it fall, for that house of cards was all her life.
The story of young Anne Farley, who leaves her home in Ireland in pursuit of a career.
She is eager to get out of teaching and enter into the business world — a world where she is skilled and appreciated. AND female .
Ah yes, she is a female, and everyone seems to believe that marriage is what women were made for — a concept Anne bitterly resents.
And thus, we follow her as she navigates work, romance, and ultimately, the question of womanhood and fulfillment.
Cheers and happy reading!
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P.S. Be sure to let us know your thoughts!
