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October New Releases We're Excited For!

October has some spookily good new releases coming and we're very excited for everything to come, but there are a few that stand out from the rest! Our book buyers, Llalan and Jordan, breakdown the new releases we're most excited for!

Here are our Fiction and Nonfiction New Releases! 

Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe by Carl Safina 

I have a bookseller's predictable affinity for owls, so already this book drew me in, but it's not just about a bird. In the process of raising an injured owl, Safina gains insight on humanity's relationship to nature, and he relates it across history and cultures. I'm a sucker for good nature writing and want to read this out under a tree.

Out October 3rd!

The Feminist Killjoy Handbook: The Radical Potential of Getting in the Way by Sara Ahmed 

Have you ever been accused of ruining the fun when you point out that something is offensive? I HAVE! Welcome to the Killjoy Club. Ahmed continues what she started in her eponymous blog by creating a book that is both a call to action and a support group for people who know what’s right and aren’t afraid to say it. 

Out October 3rd!

The History of Sketch Comedy by Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key

Ever since the Key & Peele sketch comedy series, I’ve kept my eyes on the creators. Now here comes Keegan-Michael Key with what promises to be both an informative and entertaining read. Anything that educates me while also making me giggle is a winner in my book. 

Out October 3rd!

Family Meal by Bryan Washington

Oh, how much do I want to sit down and eat with Bryan Washington! His stories and novels, always very evocative of place and tastes, are among my favorites. Very much looking forward to this new novel about living through loss and the preciousness and precariousness of good friendships. 

Out October 10th!

The Mysteries by Bill Watterson and John Kascht 

Yes, that Bill Watterson--of Calvin & Hobbes fame. Watterson worked closely with Kascht, a famous caricature artist, to create a work of art unlike anything either of them had done before. I don’t really know what this illustrated fable is about, but you can bet I’m going to get it regardless. 

Out October 10th!

Tremor by Teju Cole 

Cole’s first novel since Open City a decade ago, Tremor promises to give you just that: the feeling that something--history, promise, a story, even--has moved you. Cole’s main character collects stories and the author weaves them with literature, music, race to explore history’s brutality and the possibility of joy.  

Out October 17th!

The Best American Short Stories 2023 edited by Min Jin Lee 

You all know how much I love short stories, so it should come as no surprise that I always look forward to the Best Of collection. This year it’s edited by the author of Pachinko, and I’m eager to find out what she has picked as representative of our country’s best writing.  

Out October 17th!

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward 

Ward is a writer of incredible talent; one whose writing I know I’ll enjoy, no matter what. This novel presents a difficult subject--a young enslaved girl--and brings her terror, grief, and unexpected moments of joy to life. Although you may approach this with trepidation, rest assured that this book will move you.

Out October 24th!

The Night Parade: A Speculative Memoir by Jami Nakamura Lin 

In this genre-bending book, Lin talks about grief, mental illness, and remembrance in such a way that shifts the traditional cultural narrative. Weaving in Japanese, Taiwanese, and Okinawan legends, Lin pays homage to her heritage and also explores the idea of recovery. For fans of In the Dream House.

Out October 24th!

Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler 

There are SO many celebrity memoirs and biographies coming out this month: Madonna, Jada, Stamos, Arnold, Romney, Britney, Tupac…and Barbra next month! How do you choose? Personally, I’m going with the happiest seeming among them, and the one with hands-down the smiliest cover. “Aaaay!”

Out October 31st!

Here are our Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Children's New Releases!

The Forest Demands Its Due by Kosoko Jackson

The cover, the premise--everything about this is exactly what I want in a good book! 

Out October 3rd!

Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas by Penguin Young Readers License 

Bluey and Christmas are two of my favorite things!

Out October 3rd!

Tokyo Night Parade by J. P. Takahashi

The art in this book looks absolutely stunning and I am a sucker for good art. 

Out October 10th!

Willow and Bunny by Anitra Rowe Schulte

Any picture book that involves a bunny, I will definitely be reading.

Out October 10th!

The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah Hopkinson

I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, but this one just sounds so interesting!

Out October 17th!

All These Sunken Souls: A Black Horror Anthology edited by Circe Moskowitz

I have already read this book and it was one of my favorite books of the year. Each story is creepy and feels complete.

Out October 17th!

All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters

It is spooky season, so I must include a spooky book!

Out October 17th!

A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart #3) by Stephanie Garber

I am a big fan of hers and this is the next one in an ongoing series. 

Out October 24th!

The Cruel Prince: Collector's Edition by Holly Black 

I am a lover of collector's editions and this one is so pretty!

Out October 24th!

Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer

Christmas is my favorite holiday so this one definitely interests me! I can't wait to check it out!

Out October 31st!

ABOUT THE BOOKSELLERS

Despite spending decades on the East Coast, Llalan--our book buyer--remains a stalwart Midwesterner. And although she has an MA in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College in Boston, she prefers the life of a Bookstore Lady. Llalan loves literary fiction, nature writing, and craft beer.

Jordan, our YA, middle grade, and children's book buyer, has a fraternal twin sister. She has never been on an airplane--the farthest she has ever traveled was New Jersey by train. She is an avid K-Pop Collector and owns over 500 K-Pop albums!

Interested in buying? Check out the list here!