What's on our Bookshelf? Autumn reads
Welcome to our literary series on the blog “What’s on Our Bookshelf?” where we’re delighted to share our reading recommendations with you. Whatever your genre of choice, we’ve tried to include something for everyone.
The leaves are changing, the light is fading and pumpkins are everywhere! It can only mean one thing; Autumn is finally here. Nothing says cosy quite like Autumn so if you need a book to curl up with, you’re in the right place.
Fiction
First on the list is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. With its dark and moody setting on the Yorkshire moors, it’s a perfect book to have to hand in front of the fire this Autumn. Follow a story of love and revenge with characters Heathcliff and Catherine - who you probably recognise even if you’ve never read the novel! While the newest film adaptation may be turning heads for all the wrong reasons, with Bronte’s die-hard fans complaining about the controversial casting and overt sexualisation, it has still put this classic back into the spotlight.
Heading closer to the end of October, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is a 19th century novel certainly worth reading, and even rereading. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Rebecca, the first wife of Maxim de Winter, and the secrets that linger in the wake of her death. Our unnamed narrator marries Mr de Winter and returns to Manderley where she is haunted by the memory of Rebecca for much of the story, believing that her husband adores and misses her. It is a beautifully written and spellbinding story that will stay with you a long time. There are wonderfully evocative descriptions of Manderley’s house and gardens and lifestyle.
Children’s Fiction
As the light fades and we head into the darker evenings, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson is a perfect picture book for younger children, who aren’t too keen on nighttime themselves! It’s a sweet book about a little owl, who with the encouragement of his mother, explores the reasons why people might like the dark nights and gradually overcomes his fear.
Funnybones is another great one for younger readers, with the story revolving around a family of skeletons who live in a dark, spooky house. Perfect for the end of October! Janet and Allan Ahlberg are well known for their humorous and adventurous children’s stories; this one is no exception.
Anne of Green Gables is a children’s classic and although it spans several seasons, the well known quote from the title character, “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” means it’s hard not to think of this novel when compiling an Autumn reading list! The descriptions by author L. M. Montgomery are vivid and rich and they add so much to the cosy feeling of Green Gables. A lovely novel to read aloud with older children.
Spiritual Reading
October is a month I always associate with St Therese of Lisieux, with her feast day being celebrated on the first of the month. The Way of Trust and Love by Jacques Philippe is a wonderful book that encapsulates the main themes from the life and prayer of St Therese. It was originally written as a series of meditations on a retreat Fr Philippe was preaching, so it is quite conversational in style and easy to digest.
The Catholic Church dedicates the month of October to the Holy Rosary with the 7th of October being the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Although it’s not a book, add this article from the Opus Dei website to your reading list this month. It’s an excellent summary of what the rosary is and why Catholics pray it. Useful reading no matter how many times you’ve prayed this Marian prayer!
Let us know in the comments what you’re adding to your reading list this Autumn.