A late, light edition and books to read this October
Hey, readers!
Today’s newsletter is going to be a short one. I spent the last three days driving across the country which means very little reading and lots of items on my to-do list now that we’re home. October is the final stretch of Aspen Words reading for me, which means I’ll be able to share more about my favorite submissions soon. I have a lot of content planned for my Patreon subscribers around that, including a Q&A and some mini podcast episodes featuring some of my favorite books.
I’m also starting to get very excited about my reading life after the submission reading is over. I have so many books that have been piling, up and I miss sharing more reviews here in the newsletter. I’m still very much enjoying my Aspen Words reading and it’s a lot of fun to be reading so many brand new books, but I’ll be ready to switch to cozy reading come November!
This week in books.
This week I read…
If I Had Two Wings by Randall Kenan*. This collection of short stories is longlisted for the National Book Award and I can see why. The stories are strange and relevant and poetic, and I can’t wait to read what Kenan does next. Amazon | Bookshop
A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet*. Millet’s book is a striking allegory for a generation that refuses to tackle the problems of climate change for their children. I can’t stop thinking about this one and I think it would make an excellent book club pick. Amazon | Bookshop
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn*. A trusted friend told me he loved this book so I was excited to pick it up as an Aspen Words submission. It’s a haunting story about the gods and legends of Hawaii and a family with one very special son. Amazon | Bookshop
Now I’m reading…
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. This is a heartbreaking and beautiful story about a mother and son in Glasgow. If you love a walloping tragedy of a book like A Little Life, you’ll probably love this one. Amazon | Bookshop
The House of Deep Water by Jeni McFarland. I’m really enjoying this story about three women who couldn’t escape the small Michigan town that oppressed them in their childhood. It would be a good one for fans of Little Fires Everywhere, The Color Purple, or Anything is Possible. Amazon | Bookshop
Three mood reads for three October moods.
Oh, how I love October. My reading fluctuates a lot in October, but some of my favorite types of books fall into the October-books category of my mind. Here are a few favorites for some of my most Octobery reading moods:
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. If October means cozy, atmospheric reading for you, I highly encourage reading (or rereading!) Anne of Green Gables. I didn’t read this book until I was an adult, but now I revisit it on audio every couple years or so in October. Amazon | Bookshop
The Familiars by Stacey Hall. My brand of witchy books are typically great works of historical fiction with a nod to witchcraft. I like it when you can’t necessarily determine if something supernatural is going on. The Familiars is a fascinating story (based on real people!) set in a 16th-century England on the verge of a spell of witch trials. Plus the cover is the most October-looking cover I’ve every seen. Amazon | Bookshop
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe. If you love Gothic literature in October, The Mysteries of Udolpho is a must-read. I can’t call this book great literature, but it was one of the most popular Gothic novels of its time and influence literally everything that came after it. Amazon | Bookshop
Bookish reading.
17 New Books to Read this October
Check out the best books the Book Riot team read over the last three months.
I’m going to need these 8 Romance Reads to Lighten Your Mood this month!
I don’t love horror, but if you do, this list is for you.
End notes.
Watching: The new season of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.
Listening: We did a lot of binging You’re Wrong About on our road trip. They started a series on Princess Diana and it is exactly the tone I want all of my royals content to use.
Making: We’re trying this pasta tonight!
Loving: Being home. As much as I already miss our family, isn’t is just the best feeling to return to your own space?
Readers, I hope you’re reveling in whatever fall mood October is bringing you. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. Michelle and I love hearing from you!
And if you enjoyed today’s newsletter, please forward it to a book-loving friend. That’s a great way to spread bookish cheer and support the newsletter!
Happy reading!
Sara
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