As the end of October approaches, you may be looking for something fun and festive to read. This week, I’m recommending Michael Lichens’ Weird Catholic Handbook.

I initially bought this one for Jakob about a year ago because I realized it would make the perfect addition to a Catholic Boo Basket for Halloween. Not to judge a book by its cover, but even a quick glance at this one feels mysterious. It’s black with shiny gold detailing and an intricate Gothic design featuring skulls, monsters, crucifixes, and memento mori imagery.

For every weirdo out there, this collection of legends and fun facts offers something different. There are chapters on saints said to have encountered monsters (like St. George and the dragon), side by side with historical anecdotes and fascinating ancient places to visit. I loved reading about the ossuaries, particularly the bone church in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic, which I once visited as a study abroad student years ago. There are accounts of incorruptible saints and famous relics, including bejeweled remains. There’s a whole section on spiritual warfare that also mentions Fr. Gabriele Amorth (famously known as the Pope’s exorcist), as well as unusual miracles such as the stigmata and the stories of those who’ve experienced it. One example is St. Padre Pio, who was also famous for possessing the ability to be in two places at once.

While heavily Catholic-coded, I wouldn’t limit this book just to Catholics. It’s also fun for people who enjoy weird culture in general, although it could be an interesting way to spark an interest in the faith for a friend who hasn’t come to it yet.

I wish I had this book as a weird teenager because it would’ve given me so much interesting information to explore while navigating my own faith life.

Ultimately, this is one of the coolest books you could pick up for the All Hallows’ Eve Triduum. Whether you’re looking for something mysterious and entertaining for yourself or hunting for the perfect Halloween present for the reader in your life, this book is both fun and informative (with some really cool artwork, if that matters to you, too!).