By Hannah Gebhardt
As Summer passes into Fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to light a candle, grab a blanket, and snuggle up with a good read. Below we have compiled a list of various classics, no matter your style, to enjoy as you take in the changing leaves and nostalgic feels of the season.
Frankenstein
By Mary Shelley
“It’s alive!” with monsters, murder, and regret. This sci-fi thriller digs deep into the notations of human nature as viewed from Romanticist, Mary Shelley.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Ready to take on the horrors of man’s consciousness? Explore the duality of human nature as both good and evil fight for survival in Robert Louis Stevenson’s original Gothic Horror of the 1800’s.
To Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
Does the name Boo Radley ring a bell? Discover the secrets of small town Alabama through the eyes of Scout Finch in this classic coming of age story that takes on justice and morality.
Lord of the Flies
By William Golding
Are children innocent? Can they care for themselves? Or will innate desires take over? William Goulding gives his answer to these questions and more in this classic tale of adventure and survival.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
By Oscar Wilde
Beauty is fleeting, but a painting may last forever? Oscar Wilde’s work explores one man’s vanity through his obsession with living forever. An artistic approach to Gothic fiction, this classic will certainly not disappoint.
Wuthering Heights
By Emily Bronte
Love, revenge, and obsession mark this novel as a classic romance and the perfect opportunity to read your way into the spooky season.
Harry Potter: The 7 Book Collection
By J.K. Rowling
From a small coffee house in Scotland, JK Rowling penned an imaginary world around Harry Potter, orchestrating one of the largest literary franchises in history. These novels don’t just bring back childhood memories, or simply ring in Autumn. Within them lies several messages to be gleaned for the literary buff and society at large. Explore the Wizarding World of Great Britain and beyond this Fall.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Not just an author but a lover of language, J.R.R. Tolkien writes a riveting tale of adventure and courage, embedded with Christian parallels. Travel through Middle Earth to Mount Doom in this classic tale of honor, friendship, and great courage.
The Hobbit
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Classic in its quest narrative structure that mimics those of Homeric epics, J.R.R. Tolkien highlights the unlikely hero in this 1930’s children’s novel. From homebody to brave hero, follow Bilbo Baggins and his unlikely crew as they face all kinds of creatures and challenges in this tale of good vs. evil.
The Chronicles of Narnia
By C.S. Lewis
Take a hand and step through the wardrobe into the fantastical world of witches, princes, and talking creatures. C.S. Lewis bridges the gap between our world and the fictional world of Narnia in this Christian allegory of faith and bravery.
How to Read the Classics Without Breaking the Bank
These books would rack up a pretty penny in your cart brand new, but here are some key tricks to reading our entire fall bookshelf within every budget!
Amazon Signet Classics
Did you know the tech giant started as a book retailer? It’s true! And Amazon continues to offer good deals on classic literature through their mass market paperback selection.
Thrift Stores
Visiting your local thrift store or used bookstore is a great way to support local businesses and find some classics on the cheap. Thrift stores do tend to be hit or miss, so you might also choose to check out online used bookstores such as thriftbooks.com or betterworldbooks.com.
Visit Your Local Library
Yes, they do still exist! Don’t feel like spending any money, or maybe your strapped for cash? It’s time to dust off that old library card and go reserve check out these books for free. Some cities, like our local public library, have buy-by-the-bag clean out book sales. These are also a great way to build your personal collection for cheap.
Libby App
If you like the library, but prefer audiobooks, then this is the option for you! The Libby App is a free way for anyone with a public library card to listen to audiobooks for free. But be sure to not procrastinate, as many popular books require putting your name on a waiting list.
No matter your style, these classic novels offer something for everyone. So drop the best seller list and take a plunge into the past this Fall. Oh, and happy reading!
Hannah Gebhardt is founder of The Edifier, a writer for Lifeway Christian Ministries, and a columnist at the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University. She can be found on Instagram @hannah.gebhardt.