Deep in my cortex, the year is divided into reading seasons. The period from mid-October to Christmas, for instance, is 'ghost story' time, while Jane Austen and P. G. Wodehouse pretty much own April and May.

In this quote, Michael Dirda reflects on how he mentally organizes his reading habits throughout the year, treating certain months as specific "reading seasons". He explains that his brain naturally associates different types of books with certain times of the year. For instance, the period from mid-October to Christmas is designated as "ghost story" time, a season when he gravitates toward reading spooky or eerie literature. This division of the year into thematic reading periods highlights how seasonal rhythms can influence the types of books one feels compelled to read.

Dirda's reference to ghost stories for the fall and winter months suggests a long-standing tradition of associating gothic and supernatural literature with the colder, darker seasons. The Halloween and Christmas periods are often linked with tales of mystery, spooks, and the unsettling, which make them fitting choices for this time. His mention of Jane Austen and P. G. Wodehouse owning the months of April and May shows how he associates certain authors and genres with the more light-hearted, springtime months, perhaps due to their humorous and refined styles, which align with the renewal and optimism of the season.

The concept of reading seasons emphasizes how our reading habits can be influenced by external factors, such as the time of year, weather, and cultural traditions. Dirda’s approach is an intimate, personal way of curating his reading experience, which allows him to create a sense of anticipation and ritual around the types of books he reads. This seasonal division enriches his reading experience, providing a deeper connection between the books he chooses and the time of year in which he reads them.

Ultimately, Michael Dirda's quote offers a playful and thoughtful way to view reading as a cyclical activity, intertwined with the rhythms of the calendar. It reflects a personal method of structuring one's literary tastes around the seasons, enriching the act of reading by aligning it with the natural flow of time and emotional atmosphere.