Books To Read This Fall

After the craziness of summer, I often find myself rebuilding a routine during the season of autumn. Part of that routine is once again picking up books that were forgotten during the sunnier season. I love getting back to reading regularly, whether it’s before bed or during my morning quiet time. I also find it refreshing to add some diversity to my book list by mixing things up with a variety of genres.

Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacque Phillipe

If you feel overwhelmed by the start of a new school year and the tasks that come along with preparing for the various winter holidays, this is the book for you. It’s a short, yet jam-packed spiritual reflection on how to maintain peace in all circumstances. Fr. Jacque writes in an approachable and encouraging manner, making this a must read for anyone struggling with worry.

The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale

This book is a bit of a heavier read, as it dives into the historical and philosophical realities that have led to our current mainstream culture and beliefs around gender and sexuality. If you are someone who has questions about where the gender “confusion” of our society has come from, or if you are wondering about what it means to live a holy and holistic masculinity or femininity, this book is for you. Favale gives a comprehensive guide for Catholics who want to speak with conviction and confidence on all matters regarding gender and sexuality. Take your time and savor this book as it unpacks the truth of our human identity as male and female.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradel

This is a quirky and cozy novel about family, food, and culture. It follows the story of a young woman on her journey to becoming an accomplished chef. This book is perfect for foodies, those of us who love family sagas with a dash of humor, or have interest in the stories of immigrants. It’s an easy one to get through, perfect for a chilly fall evening!

Lit by Mary Karr

Mary Karr is a poet and writer who converted to Catholicism by way of Alcoholics Anonymous. Her memoir is gritty and dramatic, but is an amazing testament to how God encounters us exactly where we are, and uses unlikely circumstances to bring us closer to him.

Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in our Daily Lives by Wayne Mueller

This is an exploration of how to incorporate meaningful rest in our busy lives. The book is broken up into short chapters that outline different traditional Sabbath rituals, followed by a practice or challenge for readers to take into their own lives. This book changed the way that I see Sundays, and is a perfect guide for building regular and meaningful periods of rest. I would recommend this book for any adult who is looking to carve out restful time in their busy life.