From apple picking to Halloween and every festive happening in between, October is one of the best months to cozy up with a new book. While we love the comfort of rereading old favorites this year, be sure to keep an eye out for brand-new titles hitting the shelves to find your next great read.
When is National Book Month?
National Book Month, designed to promote the importance of reading at all ages, is celebrated in October. It doesn't matter if you're an avid reader or someone who picks up a new book every couple of years—anyone can take part in the festivities. Once you've snagged your newest October book release, you can join in on the fun in a variety of ways, from starting a book club to listening to audiobooks to creating a mini-reading challenge for yourself—whatever works best for you!
Genres to Explore with New October Books
With an endless list of book genres to choose from each time you search for a new book, finding one that suits your mood can be a challenge. This month, step out of your comfort zone and try out one of these popular October book genres:
- Mystery
- Thriller
- Fantasy
- Science fiction
- Romance
5 New Books to Look Forward to In October
As we near the middle of the month, it's time to get excited about these October book releases:
1. Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
El-Fassi's debut novel, Best Hex Ever, hit the shelves on October 1st, much to the delight of romcom lovers everywhere. Dina Whitlock, a skilled kitchen witch, owns her own London café where she serves magic-infused treats to her beloved customers. Scott Mason, the new curator of the British Museum, is recovering from a devastating breakup. When they meet at their best friends' wedding, as maid of honor and best man, they quickly find their chemistry impossible to ignore. There's just one small problem—Dina is hexed so that all of her partners are cursed with a string of bad luck. Can she break it before it ruins them both?
For those who found themselves plowing through Emily Henry's books this summer, this witchy standalone is the next best thing. Imbued with fall vibes, charming characters, and witty dialogue, this new October book is (spell)bound to be a hit!
2. The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski
Start the month off right with The Crescent Moon Tearoom, released October 1st. In the aftermath of their parent's untimely death, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley use their clairvoyant powers to read tea leaves for their loyal customers. But the happy-go-lucky vibes of their teashop change for good when the Council of Witches brings news that the city Diviner has lost her powers. Suddenly, the sisters are torn apart by fate: Anne's magic develops past her sisters’ powers, Beatrix's writing attracts a publisher, and Violet finds herself joining the circus and finding love. Can they band together to destroy the looming family curse, or will they lose each other and themselves in the process?
This October, fall in love with this story of sisterhood, self-discovery, and magic. In fact, this new book may be the perfect pick for starting your first book club!
Other Chicklit Books to Read in October
If you love the vibes of this sisterly tale, consider scooping up these previously published favorites:
- Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
- The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
- The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
3. The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
Prepare to get spooked by the highly anticipated supernatural thriller, The Book of Witching, released on October 8. When Clem gets a call from Hell telling her that her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin is unconscious in the hospital after a horrific hiking trip in the Orkneys, she doesn't think it could get any worse. But when Erin finally wakes up and doesn't recognize her mother, insisting she is actually someone named Nyx, Clem sets out to discover the truth at the site of the accident. Little does she know that the answer may lie in the dark history of the Orkneys, where a woman was wrongly accused of and murdered for witchcraft four centuries ago.
Witchy undertones, a mother's fierce love, and a supernatural mystery—what's not to love? If you love getting goosebumps with every page turn, this thrilling new book is an October bookshelf essential.
4. The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
Rekulak's new book is a page-turner perfect for spooky October nights. If you love that pulse-pounding feeling, pick up this "one-of-a-kind thriller" as dubbed by the horror master, Stephen King!
5. Remember You Will Die by Eden Robins
If you're looking for a totally unique, never-before-seen novel, preorder Remember You Will Die, out October 22nd. Peregrine, an AI mother who is dealing with the unexpected death of her human daughter, is our main narrator. Told entirely through pieced-together newspaper obituaries, the reader is invited to experience over sixty dead protagonists weaving together a messy display of the history of humanity and explore the threads that connect us all.
This is the kind of story that spans centuries, planets, continents, and even book genres. As far as October book releases come, Eden Robins' newest book is one to look out for.
What's a Good Children's Book Coming Out in October?
Adult mysteries and romance novels aren't the only new books out this month. If you're searching for a new children's book to bring your kids in October, watch out for Into the Uncut Grass, written by Trevor Noah and illustrated by Sabina Hahn. Infused with Noah's signature wit, voice, and powerful imagination, this fable follows a young child's journey into a magical landscape where he uncovers the secret of connection and finding peace with loved ones. Add it to your collection of books to read aloud to your kid, or gift it to a niece or nephew—everyone will love this October book.
Celebrate the cozy, spooky vibes of fall with a brand-new October book. Remember, these are just a few of the countless titles coming out this month—there's something for everybody!
