The Top 6 October Releases I Can’t Wait to Read

Happy October! I’m unreasonably happy that today’s email lands exactly on the 1st so we can all welcome in the month together.

—Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

October is a top-tier month for so many reasons, and the book releases are definitely one of them. September might be the really big month for books, but October is stacked too, often bringing some of the biggest names in literary fiction. Which means you can expect deep characters, big questions, and language that sticks with you like poetry.

So, it’s no surprise that the books I’m excited for this month are all a bit more philosophical. Not one but two books here from literary heavy hitters grapple with the complicated nature of being an artist, while another takes on the equally complicated question of forgiveness. They feel perfect for these longer evenings and cooler days, when we can cozy up in the dark and think about the really big things.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of lighter fun on this list, too, including Freida McFadden’s witchy new thriller and an American Girl novel for grown-ups (!!!!) dedicated to, in my opinion, the coolest of the OGs.

As all my colleagues know by now, my literary guilty pleasure is listening to Freida McFadden audiobooks. What can I say? My perfect weekday night ends with a McAudiobook and too many games of Crossplay. (If you also play and want to share friend codes, reply to this email. I’m serious!) Look, her novels aren’t revolutionary, but I find the fast pacing, formulaic beats, and guarantee of at least one twist you literally could never see coming quite fun and soothing. 

I’ve gotten a little tired of her “love gone wrong” stories, though, which is why The Witch has my attention. Is this the book that proves she can venture beyond her usual territory? It certainly seems like she’s trying. Supernatural elements? Centuries-spanning time jumps? Witch trials?! Okay, Freida, you saw October on the calendar and said, “Let’s get spooky,” and I am more than ready to get spooky with you.

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