October Release Love
October book releases: 3 I've read + loved and 9 others I'm excited about
There are a LOT of books coming out this month, like a lot a lot. Narrowing down this list, and trying to read a handful, felt like a feat in itself. But with so many wonderful options, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the world of October new releases. (All of these books can be found at the links below, or in my Bookshop storefront.)
Stay tuned to my Instagram tomorrow – I’ll be sharing a few more books that didn’t make it onto this list. What book (or books, let’s be honest) are you looking forward to this fall?
Happy new release reading!
What I read from the September Release Love newsletter…
The Last First Kiss by Walter Bennett – The romance novels I’ve read tend to feature characters in their 20s and 30s, but this story centers around Ace Sinclair and J’nelle Reade, high school sweethearts who are now in their 70s. During a long weekend in the Outer Banks, J’nelle visits Ace at his beach house where a hurricane is headed their way. Old feelings and distant memories come rushing back, causing them to reflect on their past and reconsider their future. I found myself invested in what would happen between these two and absorbed in their story. At just over 200 pages you can easily read this in an afternoon. For fans of The Royal Holiday and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.
Bookshop | Amazon
Ones I’ve read…
Thank you to Henry Holt, Algonquin, and FSG for providing me with a free review copies. All opinions are my own.
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (releases today, 10/5) – This has been much buzzed about and I was surprised to learn it’s actually a collection of short stories and a novella. At just over 200 pages it’s a quick read but one with tight, visceral writing. Set in Virginia, the stories tell of a dystopian-like world in the not too distant future. The title novella was especially harrowing and felt all too possible given the events that took place in Charlottesville in 2017. (Content warnings for racism, hate crime, death, violence.) For fans of The Historical Corrections and Friday Black.
Bookshop | AmazonFlesh & Blood: Reflections on Infertility, Family, and Creating a Bountiful Life by N. West Moss (releases 10/12) – Another short but powerful read, I listened to this in one day while recuperating from a migraine. A very apt time to listen given that this memoir is partly about living with chronic illness. In brief essays, Moss tells about the years she battled infertility and the diagnosis that came from it, how it impacted her life, what she discovered during that time, and the ways in which she created her own sense of family. It was beautiful, and touching, and raw, and I’m so glad to have read it. (Content warnings for infertility, miscarriage, medical procedures, chronic illness, graphic medical scenes.) For fans of I Am I Am I Am and Ask Me About My Uterus.
Bookshop | AmazonThe Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon (releases 10/19) – I’ll admit, the blurb from Ann Patchett is what got me to pick this up but the characters kept me reading. We visit with Liselle and Selena in alternating perspecitives, who are both going about their days in Obama-era Philadelphia. The two met in college and then lost touch, but they find themselves reflecting on their relationship and how they got to where they are now. For fans of Sula and Terry McMillan.
Bookshop | Amazon
Ones on my shelf…
The Survivors by Alex Schulman (releases today, 10/5) – From the publisher: “Three estranged brothers return to the Swedish lakeside cottage where an unspeakable accident altered their family and changed the course of their lives.” As soon as I heard Annie B. Jones talk about this one during The Bookshelf’s Literary Lunch, I knew I needed to add it to my shelf.
Bookshop | AmazonWe Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride + Jo Piazza (releases today, 10/5) –
From the publisher: “An evocative and riveting novel about the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is altered by a tragic event.” I keep hearing about this one and the premise (plus the beautiful cover) had me rushing to pre-order it (and it should be arriving today!).
Bookshop | AmazonNo One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfeld (releases 10/12) – From the publisher: “A smart, witty, crackling novel of psychological suspense in which a girl from a hardscrabble small town meets a gorgeous Instagram influencer from the big city.” I’m always up for a thriller this time of year, and this one had me at “Instagram influencer.” This could be done well… or very not well, so I’ll let you know what I think.
Bookshop | AmazonCarefree Black Girls by Zeba Blay (releases 10/19) – From the publisher: “An empowering and celebratory portrait of Black women – from Josephine Baker to Aunt Viv to Cardi B.” This one is for fans of Hood Feminism which I read and loved earlier this year so I’m eager to pick this up.
Bookshop | Amazon
Others I’m excited about…
Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbert (releases today, 10/15)
Bookshop | AmazonThe Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (releases 10/12)
Bookshop | AmazonMonster in the Middle by Tiphanie Yanique (releases 10/19)
Bookshop | AmazonI Love You, Call Me Back by Sabrina Benaim (releases 10/19)
Bookshop | AmazonDisability Visibility (Adapted for YA) by Alice Wong (releases 10/19)
Bookshop | Amazon
Other lists to check out…
Fall reading is my favorite, so I created a list in my Bookshop storefront of some books that are perfect for this season.
Looking for additional recommendations? PureWow has a list of 9 October releases they’re excited to read.
I always enjoy The New York Times’ monthly book release roundups.
What books are you excited about this month? Let me know if you add any of these to your TBR!
* This email contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase.*