Book List

20 Best Books To Read in October

  • FICTION

    OUR MISSING HEARTS

    OCT. 4, 2022

FICTION

OUR MISSING HEARTS

by Celeste Ng

Underscores that the stories we tell about our lives and those of others can change hearts, minds, and history. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    LIBERATION DAY

    OCT. 18, 2022

FICTION

LIBERATION DAY

by George Saunders

A tour de force collection that showcases all of Saunders’ many skills. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE HERO OF THIS BOOK

    OCT. 4, 2022

FICTION

THE HERO OF THIS BOOK

by Elizabeth McCracken

Novel? Memoir? Who cares. It’s a great story, beautifully told. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE PASSENGER

    OCT. 25, 2022

FICTION

THE PASSENGER

by Cormac McCarthy

Enigmatic, elegant, extraordinary: a welcome return after a too-long absence. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    AND THERE WAS LIGHT

    OCT. 18, 2022

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

AND THERE WAS LIGHT

by Jon Meacham

An essential, eminently readable volume for anyone interested in Lincoln and his era. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    THE SONG OF THE CELL

    OCT. 25, 2022

NONFICTION

THE SONG OF THE CELL

by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Another outstanding addition to the author’s oeuvre, which we hope will continue to grow for years to come. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    ZARIFA

    OCT. 11, 2022

NONFICTION

ZARIFA

by Zarifa Ghafari with Hannah Lucinda Smith

A searingly honest, profoundly courageous memoir of one fearless woman’s fight for her homeland. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    UPHILL

    OCT. 25, 2022

  • TEEN

    LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINA

    OCT. 18, 2022

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINA

by S.K. Ali

A contemplative exploration of faith, love, and the human condition. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    BIG LIES

    OCT. 4, 2022

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

BIG LIES

by Mark Kurlansky ; illustrated by Eric Zelz

Impassioned, thorough, and brilliant: describes the struggle for truth that “keeps the world from descending into chaos.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    THE HEARTBEAT OF WOUNDED KNEE (YOUNG READERS ADAPTATION)

    OCT. 18, 2022

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

THE HEARTBEAT OF WOUNDED KNEE (YOUNG READERS ADAPTATION)

by David Treuer ; adapted by Sheila Keenan

Utterly vital in its historical prowess, essential in its portraits of lived experiences. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    HONEY AND ME

    OCT. 18, 2022

  • CHILDREN'S

    NIKHIL OUT LOUD

    OCT. 11, 2022

  • CHILDREN'S

    SEEN AND UNSEEN

    OCT. 25, 2022

CHILDREN'S

SEEN AND UNSEEN

by Elizabeth Partridge ; illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

A bold combination of art, media, and records create a compelling read. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE REAL DADA MOTHER GOOSE

    OCT. 5, 2022

CHILDREN'S

THE REAL DADA MOTHER GOOSE

by Jon Scieszka ; illustrated by Julia Rothman

Stand aside, fractured fairy tales; neoist nursery rhymes are the new name of the game. Creativity incarnate. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    MAMA'S HOME

    OCT. 18, 2022

CHILDREN'S

MAMA'S HOME

by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Lo Harris

Unique and universally resonant, this fascinating tribute is one to share. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    DIGESTION! THE MUSICAL

    OCT. 25, 2022

CHILDREN'S

DIGESTION! THE MUSICAL

by Adam Rex ; illustrated by Laura Park

As “gross and amazing” as its topic, certain to receive thunderous ovations—standing or otherwise. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE TALK

    OCT. 18, 2022

CHILDREN'S

THE TALK

by Alicia D. Williams ; illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

A loving approach to sharing painful realities with children, this book strikes a chord. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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