10 Must-Read Books Releasing in October 2023

Here are our top 10 choices among the books releasing in October 2023. Stock your bookshelves now!

The penultimate month of the year already! October is the month of witches, fairy lights, and the lulling rhythm of autumn setting in. The new books flocking to this month’s bookstores will contain strong contenders, from heartwarming fall romances to feminist retellings and spooky stories that promise to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Here are our top 10 picks from the books releasing in October 2023. So, snuggle in and pick the right book to make October more memorable than ever!

1. Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Genre: Historical fiction, Magic realism, Literary fiction
Pages: 360
Publisher: Scribner (24 October, 2023)

This book promises to be a powerful reimagining of the harrowing history of American slavery, taking you on a journey from the Carolina rice fields to the bustling slave markets of New Orleans and deep into the brutal heart of a Louisiana sugar plantation.

Follows Annis, a courageous woman sold into slavery by the white man who fathered her, as she becomes your guide through a nightmarish landscape. As she endures the grueling miles of forced marches, Annis finds solace in her memories of her mother and the tales of her African warrior grandmother. Along the way, she opens herself to a world beyond the physical, a world full of earth and water, myth and history, benevolent spirits, and malevolent forces. Let Us Descend etches the collective grief and joy of Black Americans onto the very fabric of the land. It vividly paints a portrait of the lush yet unforgiving landscapes of the American South, from its dense forests to its murky swamps and winding rivers, making it an unputdownable read!

2. People to Follow by Olivia Worley

Genre: Young adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Pages: 352
Publisher: Wednesday Books (31 October, 2023)

Hop on a thrilling journey to a secluded Caribbean island for an exciting new reality TV show, “In Real Life,” where ten influential teenagers are going to embrace life without filters and social media screens for three weeks. Some of the participants include Elody, an Instagram sensation; Kira, a former child star turned fitness icon; and Logan,  a disgraced TikTok celebrity harboring a hidden secret, among others. Suddenly, a shocking tragedy strikes: the production team vanishes, and the island transforms into a chilling nightmare in Worley’s latest.

As the group begins receiving ominous messages from an enigmatic Sponsor, threatening to unveil their hush-hush secrets, the participants quickly realize they’ve been entangled in a deadly game. With the body count rising and relentless cameras capturing every move, these creators must race against time to unmask the puppeteer who’s determined to “cancel” them (quite literally!).

3. Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri

Genre: Short stories, Literary fiction, Translation
Pages: 224
Publisher: Knopf (October 10, 2023)

Probably one of the most awaited book releases of the year, with Roman Stories, Jhumpa Lahiri is returning to the short story form that introduced a new star to the world of Indian diasporic English writing. In this anthology, Rome (the Italian capital) will become the protagonist in all the stories. It includes stories such as The Boundary, where a vacationing family is seen through their caretaker’s daughter’s eye and The Steps, where you set about exploring the heart of Rome on a public staircase connecting two neighborhoods.

The anthology is a poignant exploration of what “home” truly means. These captivating stories are not only steeped in the Italian language, which Jhumpa Lahiri has embraced as her own, but they are also elegantly translated by the author herself and Knopf editor Todd Portnowitz. Each narrative resonates with the spirit of Italian literary master Alberto Moravia, and in the final tale, you’ll be guided by the haunting presence of Dante Alighieri. This is your cue to look out for Lahiri’s next possible masterpiece as soon as it hits the stores!

4. Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror 

Genre: Horror, Anthology, Speculative Fiction
Pages: 400
Publisher: Random House (3 October, 2023)

This anthology of Black horror has been carefully curated by the visionary writer and director behind some of the best modern-day horror films like Get Out, Us, and Nope, Jordan Peele. Peele brings together a collection of fresh, spine-tingling stories that delve into the supernatural and the bold-faced realities, including the chilling injustices haunting our nation.

In one tale, a police officer encounters cars with enormous, pulsating eyes instead of headlights, guiding him to unsuspecting targets. In another, two freedom riders embark on a bus journey through Alabama, only to find themselves stranded on a desolate road, surrounded by unsettling forces. Meanwhile, a young girl embarks on a quest into the depths of the Earth, determined to confront the demon responsible for her parents’ demise. These are just glimpses into the worlds waiting to terrify you within the pages of Out There Screaming, Jordan Peele’s anthology of new-age horror tales crafted by Black authors. It already promises to be a master class in horror by redefining the very essence of fear.

Also Read: New Trinity in Horror Cinema – Films of Jordan Peele, Robert Eggers, and Ari Aster Ranked 

5. The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year By Margaret Renkl

Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir, Nature
Pages: 288
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (24 October, 2023)

This enchanting book is a heartfelt tribute to the world around us, both personal and natural. Within its pages, the celebrated New York Times opinion writer and bestselling author Margaret Renkl invites you into her backyard, where you’ll encounter a captivating cast of creatures and plants. From the resourceful crow spotted on New Year’s Day, symbolizing community and resilience, to the December return of the bluebirds to their springtime nest box, each of the 52 chapters in this book paints a vivid picture of the joys and sorrows that come with nature’s ever-shifting rhythms.

The book comes to life with the evolving tapestry of human life as Renkl reflects on grown children returning home during the pandemic; the evocative sounds of birdsong and the transformation of the urban and rural landscapes where she raised her family add rich layers to this narrative. In The Comfort of Crows, you’ll find solace in the midst of uncertainty and remind yourself that in the darkest moments, beauty emerges from the smallest and most unexpected places.

6. Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business By Roxane Gay

Genre: Non-fiction, Politics, LGBTQIA+
Pages: 320
Publisher: Harper (10 October, 2023)

Celebrated for her insightful cultural critiques, in this book, Roxane Gay invites you to explore a captivating collection of essays encompassing culture, politics, and everything in between, including (but not limited to) pressing societal issues such as state-sponsored violence, mass shootings, women’s rights post-Dobbs, online disinformation, and the boundaries of empathy. Simultaneously, she delves into the minutiae of our everyday lives, addressing personal dilemmas like handling a coworker’s triggering perfume or the etiquette of early morning meetings, promising to engage millions of readers with her astute perspectives and sagacious commentary.

Opinions is a curated collection of her most compelling non-fiction pieces spanning the past decade. With a brand-new introduction reflecting on the transformative decade in American history, this thought-provoking anthology promises to captivate loyal Roxane Gay enthusiasts and newcomers alike with her unmatched literary prowess.

7. Julia by Sandra Newman

Genre: Dystopia, Speculative fiction, Retelling
Pages: 400
Publisher: Mariner Books (24 October, 2023)

The story transports us to Airstrip One, a province of Oceana and a dystopian world ruled by the iron-fisted Big Brother in Orwell’s 1984. In a society dominated by the ideologies of IngSoc, we follow Julia –  a seemingly model citizen, fixing novel-writing machines in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth – as she skillfully treads the thin line between breaking rules and collaborating with the oppressive regime adept at surviving in a world of constant surveillance, Thought Police, and Doublethink.

Julia’s world takes a fascinating turn when she becomes intrigued by a colleague named Winston Smith, an Outer Party worker. Their unexpected connection sets off a chain of events that shatters Julia’s carefully constructed facade. As she finds herself losing control and drawn towards a dangerous path, the boundaries of her reality blur. With Julia, Sandra Newman weaves a feminist story that stands boldly alongside the original masterpiece, venturing into the realm of Big Brother with a fresh perspective. For those millions of readers familiar with Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, this companion novel offers a provocative, vital, and deeply satisfying exploration of a world where surveillance, rebellion, and humanity collide.

Related to 1984: Yevgeny Zamyatin’s “We” (Review): The Novel that Inspired Orwell 

8. The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub

Genre: Fantasy, Historical fiction, Retelling
Pages: 400
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (3 October, 2023)

This is a whimsical retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice, where we follow Lydia Bennet’s tale from her own unique perspective. Here, there’s more to the world of the Bennets than meets the eye. For example, Kitty, her cherished sister, is actually a barn cat, Wickham is as sinister as the rumors suggest, and our affable hero, Mr. Darcy, has some stringent opinions about the world of witchcraft. 

Lydia must learn in this world that promises hold an incredible sway in the realm of witches! The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is a tale that marries the irreverent humor, strength, and romance of Pride and Prejudice with an unexpected twist—a chance at redemption for the most audacious Bennet sister. Join Lydia in her magical world and experience Austen’s classic like never before!

9. Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Mystery
Pages: 400
Publisher: Sourcebooks (3 October, 2023)

This is a chilling tale of murder, all-consuming love, and the primal instincts hidden within even the most devout citizens of Bottom Springs, Louisiana. The protagonist, Ruth Cornier, is a librarian who’s always felt like an outsider in her small hometown. Legends abound, like the tale of the Low Man, a vampiric being rumored to enter the bedrooms of sinners and snuff out their lives on moonless nights. When a skull is discovered deep within the swamp, adorned with cryptic symbols, Bottom Springs plunges into chaos. Ruth realizes that she and Everett, an old friend with a mysterious history, are the only ones who can venture into the town’s hidden underbelly to seek out the true malevolence lurking within

Ashley Winstead, known for her dark and compelling narratives, delivers Midnight is the Darkest Hour, a novel that examines our expectations of love, religion, and the redemptive power of stories. It delves into the extraordinary lengths we must go to in order to reclaim control and the arduous journey of being a woman in this unforgiving world.

10. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Genre: Memoir, Non-fiction, Music
Pages: 288
Publisher: Gallery Books (24 October, 2023)

This is Britney Spears’ incredible story, where freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope converge in a mesmerizing narrative that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. The Woman in Me is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression. It picks up from the moment in June 2021 when Spears appeared in court and courageously spoke, only to have her life and identity reshaped.

This memoir shall delve into the unwavering strength of one of pop music’s most iconic performers with candidness and humor. Spears takes us on an unforgettable journey through her life, shining a light on the enduring power of music, the strength of love, and the profound importance of a woman finally sharing her story on her own terms.

Also Read: 10 Must-Read Debut Novels of the Year 2023