EditorialsThe Top 30 Must-Read Books Hitting Shelves in October

The Top 30 Must-Read Books Hitting Shelves in October

Written by Ella Anderson & Likewise Pix | Oct 21, 2024 Dive into October's literary wonders as we explore a diverse collection of novels and stories, each offering a unique narrative journey sure to captivate every book lover's heart.

The Mighty Red

In this stunning novel, Louise Erdrich takes us on a spiritual and emotional journey set against the backdrop of the Red River Valley. The story revolves around a series of interconnected lives amidst the 2008-2009 economic meltdown. Characters wrestle with existential questions, love, and mysterious landscapes. The Mighty Red triumphs as a profound exploration of human connection with nature. Read more.

The Mighty Red
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Nothing Like the Movies

Elizabeth and Wes's romance challenges the complexities of young love as they navigate the realities of being college students. This sequel to Better Than the Movies sees Wes struggling to win Liz back amidst romantic rivalries and youthful misadventures. Readers share in the hope of rekindled romance. Read more.

Nothing Like the Movies
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Society of Lies

Lauren Ling Brown's debut novel is a gripping, thrilling journey into the clandestine worlds of secret societies at Princeton University. When a tragic mystery unfolds at a college reunion, Maya finds herself unravelling hidden truths about her sister's death. Read more.

Society of Lies
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Be Ready When the Luck Happens

Ina Garten opens the doors to her journey from a Washington bureaucrat to becoming the beloved Barefoot Contessa. This memoir shares her path through challenges and joys, encapsulated with her famous advice to be prepared for opportunities. Read more.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens
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Revenge of the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell is back, revisiting the groundbreaking theories from The Tipping Point to explore their darker facets in today's context. He offers a new perspective on social change and the contagious twists that define human behavior. Read more.

Revenge of the Tipping Point
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The Sequel

Jean Hanff Korelitz delivers another captivating thriller that probes the thin veil between reality and fiction in the publishing world. The echoes of a past that threaten to unravel Anna Williams-Bonner's present create a gripping narrative. Read more.

The Sequel
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The Boyfriend

Sydney Shaw's venture into love becomes a nightmare as she suspects her perfect boyfriend, Tom, might be linked to a series of brutal murders. This thriller keeps readers on edge as Sydney seeks the truth to avoid becoming the next victim. Read more.

The Boyfriend
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Promise Me Not

Meagan Brandy's Promise Me Not offers a heartfelt continuation to the Boys of Avix series. Readers embark on an emotional journey as Mason and Payton strive for love amidst loss and seasoned with Brandy's signature storytelling. Read more.

Promise Me Not
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The Dagger and the Flame

Set in a city divided by magical blood feuds, this gripping young adult fantasy presents Seraphine and Ransom—rivals in a deadly game, while fate intertwines their lives. Adventure and power struggles echo in every page. Read more.

The Dagger and the Flame
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Heir (A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick)

Sabaa Tahir weaves a tale of resilience and hope in this new addition to the Ember in the Ashes universe. As power shifts and battles test the characters, it personifies the strength of will. Eagerly anticipated by fans and new readers alike. Read more.

Heir
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The Mistletoe Mystery

Rufus Bhukur's latest novella warms the heart as Molly, a maid, embarks on a festive mystery at the Regency Grand Hotel. Amid the holiday spirit, suspense and heartwarming moments unfold. Molly's keen intuition is put to the test once more. Read more.

The Mistletoe Mystery
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The Wild Huntress

Mary East presents a thrilling standalone fantasy, chronicling a deadly magical hunt involving three unlikely competitors. Rich with folklore and enchanting battles, this story speaks to the courage and resilience amidst chaos. Read more.

The Wild Huntress
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The Last One at the Wedding

Jason Rekulak, known for Hidden Pictures, pens a suspenseful novel about a father's effort to reconnect with his daughter. The tension is palpable as they confront past mistakes and the unpredictable future. Read more.

The Last One at the Wedding
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The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

Set against the colorful tapestry of 1920s Brooklyn, this vibrant narrative ties together Augusta's past as she navigates family and love, with unexpected twists as she seeks redemption in magic. Read more.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern
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What Does It Feel Like?

Sophie Kinsella offers a profound exploration of life, loss, and the beauty of living each moment. It's a poignant read, as it parallels autobiographical notes of facing a life-altering diagnosis, underscored by warmth and humor. Read more.

What Does It Feel Like?
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The Witches of El Paso

Luis Jaramillo captures the tension between familial legacy and individual power through a multi-generational tale set in El Paso. It speaks to the complexity of familial bonds and the magical realms that bind them. Read more.

The Witches of El Paso
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Love Can't Feed You

Masked in the dichotomy of immigrant experiences, this novel navigates the treacherous expanse of belonging. Through Queenie’s journey, readers engage in a conversation about cultural expectations, personal dreams, and familial ties. Read more.

Love Can't Feed You
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This Cursed House

Navigating themes of race and belonging, this Southern gothic reveals the mystery and darkness prowling in a cursed house in 1960s New Orleans. Jemma Barker's quest for identity uncovers family secrets that transcend time. Read more.

This Cursed House
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The Wedding Witch

As Bowen and Tamsyn navigate magical realms sixty years in the past, Rachel Hawkins delivers another spellbinding tale filled with unexpected romance and historical intrigue. Read more.

The Wedding Witch
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Don't Be a Stranger

This novel is a lyrical exploration of the intimacy and turbulence of a mid-life romance. The captivating story of Ivy Cooper and Ansel Fleming questions the power of love and personal transformation in adult life. Read more.

Don't Be a Stranger
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The Puzzle Box

Driven by intellect and intrigue, Danielle Trussoni’s novel challenges Mike Brink with a historic Japanese puzzle and the battle for survival. Old-world charm and high-stakes danger unite in this page-turner. Read more.

The Puzzle Box
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Most Wonderful

Building on family, love, and creativity, Louisa Young’s holiday romance combines the warmth of season’s festivities with the depth of personal discovery, ideal for fans seeking heartfelt narratives. Read more.

Most Wonderful
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Sorcery and Small Magics

In this richly woven fantasy, Maiga Doocy unravels the binds of rivalry through an enchanting trip to a magical forest where two atypical heroes find themselves drawn to a shared destiny. Read more.

Sorcery and Small Magics
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Absolution

Jeff VanderMeer returns with a thoughtfully woven conclusion to the Southern Reach series, delving into the complexities of creation, confrontation, and Area X. Answers and new mysteries blend in his remarkable speculative fiction. Read more.

Absolution
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The Striker

Ana Huang introduces a riveting new series, where sports and love intertwine to portray complicated relationships. Asher and Scarlett’s chemistry transcends their differences, creating a story of passion and heart. Read more.

The Striker
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The Secret War of Julia Child

Julia's wartime experiences in espionage are brought to light, revealing a page-turning adventure set in Asia during WWII, unfolding her incredible transition to the world-renowned chef. Read more.

The Secret War of Julia Child
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The Blue Hour

Paula Hawkins weaves compelling narratives capturing ambition and secrecy set on a remote Scottish island. Her sharp prose and profound insights guarantee a reflective and engaging experience. Read more.

The Blue Hour
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The Grey Wolf

Louise Penny once again delivers a gripping Chief Inspector Gamache novel, dense with mystery and electrifying tension. Her storytelling captures the inherent complexities of good and evil. Read more.

The Grey Wolf
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