Fall reading challenge 2026

Autumn always brings strong associations of back-to-school classes, the bustle of routine, and a slow settling into ordinary life. The feasts of All Saints and All Souls, as well as the celebration of Thanksgiving, make the season a beautiful time to reflect on the legacy of all of those who came before us.

For our fall reading challenge, we made a list reflecting on themes of ordinary life as well as family and cultural heritage. We also chose books that correspond to some of the feast days in fall. Let us know which works you’re planning on reading in the comments.

Literature

The Odyssey, Homer

Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster hit has sparked lots of conversations about this ancient Greek text, one of the founding literary works of Western civilization. It’s a delightful read, full of adventure and romance, and it immerses the reader in the ancient Greek’s mindset toward honor, marriage, and hospitality. It’s often assigned to both high school and college freshman for their first semester, so if you have an older child enrolled in a classical high school or liberal arts college, you might be reading it alongside them! I recommend Richard Lattimore’s or Robert Fitzgerald’s translation.

Hannah Coulter, Wendell Berry

This gentle, contemplative book about the seasons of a mother’s life is perfect for fall. The protagonist, Hannah Coulter, lives on a farm in a fictional town in Kentucky, and through her patience and love for her husband, children, and grandchildren, she brings peace across three generations. 

Dracula, Bram Stoker

Perfectly spooky for All Souls Day and Halloween, Dracula is a classic vampire novel full of reflections on mortality and good and evil. You might be surprised by the powerful Catholic themes and symbolism! Bram Stoker’s novel also makes for a fun read-aloud for older tweens and teens, though it’s too intense for little ones. 

Spiritual writing

The Way, St. Josemaria Escriva

As families return to their everyday routines of work and school, St. Josemaria’s book of pithy advice and aspirations is perfect to help you stay motivated to work well for the greater glory of God. The book is divided into chapters touching on everything from prayer to mortification to lukewarmness, and each “point” is only about one paragraph long. You can start your morning with one of these points and meditate on it throughout the day.

Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux

The Little Flower’s classic autobiography focuses on themes of spiritual childhood, holiness in the ordinary, and union with Christ. The simple writing style paired with vivid descriptions of both home life and the Carmelite monastery make the book as engaging as it is edifying, perfect to read with a cup of tea before bed.

Nonfiction

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization, Anthony Esolen

If you’re missing your school days, or have kids in school that you want to keep up with, this book is for you. Equal parts humorous and enlightening, Catholic academic Anthony Esolen breaks down some of the most common myths about Western history, and draws attention to our beautiful heritage, going all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome. I read it in high school after attending public school for a few years, and it sparked my own journey toward homeschooling and classical education.

Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, Archduke Eduard Habsburg

Drawing on the rich cultural inheritance of the Habsburg family, Archduke Eduard Habsburg of Austria, former diplomat to the Holy See and a father of six, writes how parents can build strong, Catholic families even as the world goes mad. He often invokes the example of Blessed Karl of Austria, one of his ancestors, whose feast day is celebrated October 21.