Fall reading.

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Fall puts me in the mood for reading. Maybe it's the crisp air that makes me want to cuddle up with a cup of tea and a good story. In part, I think it's because I'm not in school this semester and missing it just a tiny bit.

So I thought I would share three of my very favorite books of all time. These three are some of the only books I've ever read more than once... I tend to be curious to see what else is out there! I don't typically pick up spiritual how-to books or self help books, but I can't resist a well written novel.

So without further ado, I share these in hopes you might tell me some of your favorites too?

1. A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. This is the one book I recommend across the board as my very favorite. It's a true story of a couple who meets C.S. Lewis at Oxford and develops a friendship with him. The book contains a series of letters between Sheldon, Davy, and C.S. Lewis that ultimately leads Sheldon and Davy to faith in Christ. It is an exquisitely written, tragic story that will undoubtedly bring you to tears, but will also (hopefully) encourage your faith as it did mine. I can't recommend it highly enough. I even feel a sort of special connection with people who know and love this book like I do. Are any of you out there? :)

2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. This story is set in the French Revolution and reminds me, in some ways, of Les Misérables. (If you like that story, you'll like this one.) The intricacies of how the characters are woven together in the plotline is masterful, and it ends with such a clear picture of the Gospel. I'm so glad this classic was assigned reading in high school... I've read it a couple times since, and love it more every time.

3. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. Don't let the title scare you off like it almost did me. It sounds like a super cheesy romance novel, but it's far from it. Krauss's writing is stunning, and I think she could make just about any story come to life. This one, though, weaves together two very unlikely characters that you fall in love with from the get-go. I'm not sure how to summarize the story without giving things away, so just trust me... and read it.