Book List

20 Best Books To Read in October

FICTION

OUR MISSING HEARTS

by Celeste Ng

Underscores that the stories we tell about our lives and those of others can change hearts, minds, and history. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LIBERATION DAY

by George Saunders

A tour de force collection that showcases all of Saunders’ many skills. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE HERO OF THIS BOOK

by Elizabeth McCracken

Novel? Memoir? Who cares. It’s a great story, beautifully told. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE PASSENGER

by Cormac McCarthy

Enigmatic, elegant, extraordinary: a welcome return after a too-long absence. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

AND THERE WAS LIGHT

by Jon Meacham

An essential, eminently readable volume for anyone interested in Lincoln and his era. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE SONG OF THE CELL

by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Another outstanding addition to the author’s oeuvre, which we hope will continue to grow for years to come. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ZARIFA

by Zarifa Ghafari with Hannah Lucinda Smith

A searingly honest, profoundly courageous memoir of one fearless woman’s fight for her homeland. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINA

by S.K. Ali

A contemplative exploration of faith, love, and the human condition. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

BIG LIES

by Mark Kurlansky ; illustrated by Eric Zelz

Impassioned, thorough, and brilliant: describes the struggle for truth that “keeps the world from descending into chaos.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

THE HEARTBEAT OF WOUNDED KNEE (YOUNG READERS ADAPTATION)

by David Treuer ; adapted by Sheila Keenan

Utterly vital in its historical prowess, essential in its portraits of lived experiences. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SEEN AND UNSEEN

by Elizabeth Partridge ; illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

A bold combination of art, media, and records create a compelling read. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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