Library Reads October 2026
When I am in a reading slump, I often shake myself out of it by learning what other people are excited about. Below are the top ten adult books chosen monthly by America’s library along with a blurb from one of the people who voted for that book. Hopefully, you’ll find something to read as we move further into spooky season!
The Memory of Borrowed Books
Meg Anderson
(Sourcebooks Landmark)
An ode to how much libraries mean to those who need them. Hometown librarian Claire’s beloved library is in danger, as the board has deemed it irrelevant, and developers are waving money around. Anxious about the library's fate, Claire discovers a door that leads her to books containing patrons’ forgotten memories. As she pieces together a mystery of a broken friendship, she will also rediscover her own memories that the library has kept safe. With a whimsical yet compassionate storyline, this will appeal to library lovers as well as readers of deeply emotional stories.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Dive Bar at the End of the Road
Kelley Armstrong
(St. Martin's Press)
After an unavoidable accident, five strangers gather in a nearby bar to nurse their injuries and wait out the storm until morning. Soon they realize that the bar and surrounding woods are not as they seem, and they must work together to survive. An edge-of-your-seat horror tale by a beloved multi-genre author, this is a supernatural story not to be missed.
—Bree Dumont, Cleveland County Library System, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Midnight Knock by John Fram
Monstera
Delilah S. Dawson
(Titan Books)
When Lucy, a somewhat naïve young woman, moves into her dream apartment in Savannah, she is excited to be away from the iron rule of her grandfather and start a new life. What she does not expect is to become intrigued by her weightlifting, plant-loving neighbor, Saskia, a woman with a secret. Part horror, part romance, all intrigue, this is a sweet and sinister read.
—Terri Smith, Cornelia Library, GA
NoveList read-alike: On Sundays She Picked Flowers by Yah Yah Scholfield
Peck & Peck
Bonnie Garmus
(Scribner)
Landing a job at a prestigious poetry quarterly seems like a dream come true for Batter Gray, a recent graduate with an ear for poetry, until he becomes privy to the secrets of the Peck brothers and their editors. A gorgeous, empathetic novel following a character seeking his place in the world.
—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ
NoveList read-alike: Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
Once, Again, Always
Amanda Gayle
(Avon)
Molly's having a bad day. She wakes up in the hospital and discovers she's forgotten six years of her life. And she's married to her high school nemesis. Molly's horrified by this but her friends convince her to try. The couple grows closer again, but Molly may never regain her memory. Can they build a new life?
—Maddelyn Vanicell, Chicago Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Thank You for Remembering by Emily Harding
Queen of Lombard Street
Lisa Kleypas
(Avon)
With the help of a powerful British banker, Rena is determined to build a women-only bank where women can have control of their money. A novel, interesting plot make it worth a read, but it’s the nuanced and intriguing characters, based on real-life women, who really help this book shine. You will want to do more reading about these historic figures
—Judy G Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Solace House
Will Maclean
(Grove Atlantic)
A group of university students spending a summer fixing up an abandoned asylum are tasked with cleaning up an imposing house nearby. After they find the journals of the eccentric and reclusive previous owner, odd things begin to happen. An intricate story that reflects the concept of time existing all at once
—Grace Kranz, Blue Earth County Library, MN
NoveList read-alike: Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
Life Out of Order
Audrey Niffenegger
(Hanover Square Press)
Alba’s life is definitely out of order as she journeys into the future. She is the daughter of Henry of The Time Traveler’s Wife fame, but this book does not rely on your reading of the previous book.The premise has the same internal logic as before and will send your mind spinning. Pro tip: Keep an eye on the dates and ages!
—Clare Etheridge, Brentwood Public Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Bad Words
Rioghnach Robinson
(St. Martin's Press)
A feud between an author and the literary critic who wrote devastating pans of his novels goes viral, but their animosity and banter starts to take on a flirtatious tone. This bookish tale takes a nuanced look at criticism, online culture, and intention versus impact, all grounded in rich, real emotions. A swoony, enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance set amid a snowy NYC
—Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Public Access Afterworld
Jane Schoenbrun
(Hogarth)
A relentlessly strange but totally compelling journey into "Public Access Afterworld," the source of peculiar TV broadcasts that foster dangerous obsessions in all who see them. Readers who like their horror with a SF twist will devour this one.
—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Mister Magic by Kiersten White
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As always, your local librarians at Commerce Twp Community Library are ready and able to assist you with requesting materials and helping connect you with the right book.
See you at the library, and happy reading.
