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Wondering what to read now? Here are all the hot new October 2023 book releases for you.
In case you’re new to Wrote a Book, every month I cover all the hottest new book releases. I try to read as many new book releases as I can to give you an honest perspective on what to read and what to skip.
In this month’s edition of The Most Anticipated October 2023 Book Releases, I’ve curated a list of all the upcoming bestsellers and book club picks that are sure to enchant you. I’ve also included some of the most popular October 2023 book releases from your favorite authors.
I hope you will enjoy this list of October 2023 book releases for your to-read list. ✨
Top October 2023 Book Releases
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
“The Leftover Woman” by Jean Kwok is a compelling family drama and mystery that delves into the powerful bonds of motherhood and the diverse experiences of two women from vastly different backgrounds.
Jasmine Yang, a newcomer to New York City, arrives with no money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband in search of her daughter, who was taken from her due to China’s One Child Policy. As her husband relentlessly pursues her, time is running out, and Jasmine must make increasingly risky choices in her quest to reunite with her child.
In contrast, Rebecca Whitney, a successful publishing executive, appears to have a perfect life: wealth, career, a beautiful home, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores. However, when a scandal threatens her job and marriage, her seemingly flawless world unravels, prompting her to question her role in her family.
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Genre: Family Drama, Mystery
Going Infinite by Michael Lewis
“Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon” by Michael Lewis is a gripping narrative that delves into the spectacular rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, the enigmatic founder of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange. Sam Bankman-Fried, once the world’s youngest billionaire and hailed as crypto’s Gatsby, catapulted onto Forbes’ billionaire list practically overnight. This book explores the intriguing question of who this unconventional figure was.
Michael Lewis takes readers on a fascinating journey into Bankman-Fried’s world, providing insights into high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, philanthropy, bankruptcy, and the justice system. The narrative serves as both a psychological portrait and a financial roller-coaster ride, showcasing Bankman-Fried’s unorthodox approach to business and life. “Going Infinite” is a testament to Michael Lewis’s storytelling prowess, offering a captivating account of a character who operated by his own rules until it all unraveled.
Intriguing and mind-bending, this book offers readers a compelling look into the tumultuous world of high finance and the eccentric individuals who inhabit it.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Non-Fiction, Finance
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
“Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward, a two-time National Book Award winner and MacArthur Fellow, is a haunting and poignant masterpiece that explores the life of an enslaved girl in the years leading up to the Civil War. This powerful novel offers a reimagining of American slavery, beautifully rendered yet heart-wrenching.
The story follows Annis, a girl sold into slavery by the white man who fathered her, as she navigates the brutal realities of slavery, from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans and the heart of a Louisiana sugar plantation. Annis becomes the reader’s guide through this harrowing journey, seeking solace in memories of her mother and stories of her African warrior grandmother.
As Annis endures the grueling hardships of slavery, she opens herself to a world beyond the physical, a world teeming with spirits—spirits of earth, water, myth, and history. Jesmyn Ward leads readers on a descent into this painful yet transformative landscape, ultimately weaving a narrative of rebirth and reclamation.
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction, African American Literature
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror
Jennifer McMahon, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Drowning Kind” and “The Children on the Hill,” returns with a spine-tingling psychological thriller in “My Darling Girl.” The story revolves around Alison, who, despite her aversion to Christmas, finds herself preparing for the holiday with her husband in their cozy Vermont home.
However, her plans are disrupted when she receives a call informing her that her estranged, dying mother, Mavis, has been diagnosed with cancer and wants to spend her final days with Alison and her family.
Alison agrees to take in Mavis, hoping for a chance to heal their fractured relationship. Yet, as Mavis enters their lives, strange and otherworldly events begin to occur. Alison becomes increasingly suspicious of her mother’s true nature, and the holiday festivities take a nightmarish turn. Now, she must confront the unsettling possibility that her family may be haunted by something far more sinister than the past trauma she thought she had left behind.
People to Follow by Olivia Worley
Olivia Worley’s captivating debut novel, “People to Follow,” immerses readers in a gripping story of ten teen influencers who embark on a reality show adventure on a remote Caribbean island. In “In Real Life,” they are challenged to unplug from their highly filtered online lives and go live for three weeks, all under the watchful eyes of their devoted followers. However, the idyllic setting turns sinister when one of the influencers meets a violent end, and their production crew vanishes, leaving them stranded.
The story introduces a diverse cast of rising social media stars, each with their own secrets and vulnerabilities. Elody, an impulsive Instagram model; Kira, a former child star turned fitness influencer; Logan, a disgraced TikTok celebrity with hidden truths; and Max, a YouTuber known for exposing fellow creators, must now grapple with the harsh reality of their situation.
As they receive menacing messages from a mysterious Sponsor, their darkest secrets threatened with exposure, the influencers realize they are caught in a deadly game where someone among them might be pulling the strings.
Release Date: October 31, 2023
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
The Exchange: After The Firm by John Grisham
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Genre: Legal Thriller, Suspense
John Grisham, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, returns with “The Exchange,” a high-flying international legal thriller that brings back Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero from “The Firm.” In this long-awaited sequel, readers delve into the lives of Mitch and Abby McDeere, fifteen years after their explosive expose of the crimes committed by the Memphis law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke.
Now residing in Manhattan, Mitch has become a partner at the world’s largest law firm. However, when a mentor in Rome requests a favor that sends Mitch far from home, he finds himself entangled in a sinister global conspiracy with far-reaching implications. Once again, Mitch’s colleagues, friends, and family are put in danger as he races to outmaneuver his adversaries.
As a master of staying one step ahead of those who seek to harm him, Mitch must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue and deceit with nowhere to hide. “The Exchange” promises to deliver the kind of gripping legal suspense and high-stakes drama that readers have come to expect from John Grisham, making it a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone eager to see the return of Mitch McDeere.
What We Kept to Ourselves by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
In “What We Kept to Ourselves” by Nancy Jooyoun Kim, the Kim family struggles with the mysterious disappearance of their mother, Sunny, in 1999. Their lives take another unexpected turn when they find a stranger’s body in their backyard, holding a letter addressed to Sunny.
As they dig into the stranger’s past, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of their mother and put their lives at risk. The narrative also takes readers back to 1977 when Sunny, pregnant and newly arrived in Los Angeles from Korea, encounters a stranger at a bus stop, changing the course of her life.
This poignant family drama explores the consequences of hidden secrets and the pursuit of dreams in America.
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Genre: Family Drama, Mystery
Judgment Prey by John Sandford
In “Judgment Prey” by John Sandford, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers join forces to solve a chilling crime. Federal judge Alex Sand and his two young sons are brutally shot in their home. As the community reels from the shocking murders, suspicions fall on Alex’s widow, Margaret Cooper, especially with a substantial donation to a local charity at stake.
With local law enforcement and the FBI facing dead ends, Davenport and Flowers are called in to uncover the truth. Despite encountering obstacles, they pursue every lead to crack the unsolvable case, even as unexpected forces try to thwart their efforts.
This crime thriller promises suspense and intrigue, with Davenport and Flowers racing against time to solve the mystery.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Crime Thriller
Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger
In “Christmas Presents” by Lisa Unger, Madeline Martin, the owner of The Next Chapter Bookshop, crosses paths with Harley Granger, a true crime podcaster, in the days leading up to Christmas.
Harley’s intent on reopening a cold case that haunts Madeline’s past: the murder of her best friend Steph and the disappearance of two other friends, suspected to be the work of Evan Handy. Madeline’s father, Sheriff James Martin, had been obsessed with this case until a stroke took his abilities.
Harley, known for spotting what others miss, delves into a case many believe to be closed. He’s full of questions about the night of the murder and disappearances, especially as more women have gone missing in the same area since Evan Handy’s conviction.
As Christmas and a blizzard approach, Madeline and her childhood friend Badger return to their past, seeking answers and uncovering a chilling truth that hits much closer to home than they ever imagined.
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Thriller
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
In “Hidden Potential,” bestselling author Adam Grant redefines success by challenging the obsession with innate talent. He provides a fresh perspective on achieving personal growth and exceeding expectations. Grant’s insights are drawn from various fields, offering evidence that progress is less about hard work and more about effective learning. He emphasizes the importance of character development and motivational structures in realizing one’s potential.
This book empowers readers to aspire to greater heights, offering guidance on character building and creating opportunities for those who may have been overlooked. “Hidden Potential” inspires individuals to measure success not by their starting point but by the progress they make on their journey to reaching their full potential.
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Self-Help, Personal Growth
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
In “A Winter in New York” by Josie Silver, Iris decides to start fresh by moving to New York, only to realize the vastness of the city. Her best friend Bobby encourages her to step out of her shell, leading her to a charming gelateria in Little Italy that may hold the key to her mother’s past.
As she gets to know Gio, who’s struggling to keep the family gelato shop open, Iris discovers a shared secret recipe that could change their lives. However, unveiling this secret and her growing feelings for Gio come with unexpected challenges as family secrets and old memories resurface.
This heartwarming novel explores love, family, and the power of a secret recipe to bring people together during a winter in New York.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Family Meal by Bryan Washington
In “Family Meal” by Bryan Washington, Cam is living in Los Angeles, struggling to cope with the loss of the love of his life. To make matters more complicated, the ghost of Kai, his deceased love, continues to haunt him in wild and tender ways.
Cam’s return to his hometown of Houston brings him back into the orbit of his former best friend, TJ, and TJ’s family bakery. Their friendship has been strained, and they must navigate the complexities of their past to save each other and, perhaps, find a way to be okay again.
Set in Los Angeles, Houston, and Osaka, “Family Meal” explores the impact of secrets and wounds that can consume us from within. It’s a story about the enduring power of friendship, the scars left by those who know us best, and the potential for healing. Bryan Washington’s novel offers a heartfelt portrayal of human connection, love, and resilience against the backdrop of diverse cities and cultures.
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Genre: Fiction, LGBTQ+
Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
In “Sword Catcher” by Cassandra Clare, the city-state of Castellane is a place where nobles and criminals alike constantly seek wealth, power, and indulgence. Kel, an orphan, has been raised as the Sword Catcher, a body double for Prince Conor Aurelian. While Kel and Conor share a brotherly bond, Kel knows his fate is to die for the prince. There seems to be no other path for him.
Lin Caster is a member of the Ashkar, a community with magical abilities. However, they are restricted to living behind city walls. Lin, a physician, breaks these boundaries to care for the sick of Castellane. When a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they become entangled with the Ragpicker King, the enigmatic ruler of the city’s underworld.
He offers them what they desire most, but as they delve deeper into his world of intrigue and shadows, they uncover a web of corruption that spans from the city’s gutters to its palaces. Secrets unravel, and they must grapple with questions of knowledge, betrayal, forbidden love, and the potential for war and chaos in their world.
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Genre: Fantasy
Making It So by Patrick Stewart
In “Making It So,” Sir Patrick Stewart, an iconic and beloved actor known for his stage performances and legendary roles in franchises like Star Trek and X-Men, shares the long-awaited story of his life.
From his humble origins in Yorkshire, England, to his rise to stardom in Hollywood, Stewart’s memoir offers a revealing portrait of an artist whose remarkable journey has spanned multiple generations and left an indelible mark on both stage and screen.
This memoir promises to be an exuberant, definitive, and enduring account of his life and career.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Memoir
Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Be Useful” by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a motivating self-help book that reveals seven essential life tools to help you discover your true purpose. In this book, Arnold shares his personal journey from bodybuilder to movie star to political leader, emphasizing that his remarkable success didn’t happen by accident. Through straightforward and compelling storytelling, he explains how principles like hard work, clear vision, and giving back guided his path to success.
Arnold’s message is clear: you have the power to shape your destiny, and in “Be Useful,” he provides practical insights and life lessons to help you unlock your full potential and live a more meaningful life. Whether you’re seeking personal or professional growth, this book offers valuable guidance and motivation to help you chart your own course toward success.
Genre: Self-Help, Motivation
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
In “Sisters Under the Rising Sun” by Heather Morris, set during World War II, Norah Chambers faces a heart-wrenching choice: sending her daughter to safety as the Japanese army advances, while she stays behind to care for her family.
Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, joins the journey of survival after Singapore falls. They endure a shipwreck, capture by the Japanese, and imprisonment in brutal POW camps. Together, they form an unbreakable bond, showcasing courage and friendship amid the chaos of war.
This powerful novel captures the essence of sisterhood and resilience in the darkest of times, echoing Morris’s previous bestsellers.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
“Starling House” by Alix E. Harrow is a captivating modern gothic fantasy novel that introduces us to Opal, an orphaned high school dropout determined to secure a better life for her younger brother, Jasper. In the town of Eden, Kentucky, known for its ill fortune and the mysterious disappearance of E. Starling, a 19th-century author, Opal becomes obsessed with Starling’s work, “The Underland.”
When she seizes the opportunity to enter Starling House and earn money for her brother’s escape fund, she steps into a world filled with dark secrets and eccentricities. Sinister forces within the mansion and Arthur, the reclusive heir, threaten to unravel the mysteries of Starling House.
As Eden itself seems haunted by its past, Opal realizes she might have found a reason to stay. This modern gothic tale blurs the line between dreams and reality, offering a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers enthralled until the very end. Welcome to Starling House, but be prepared to confront the unknown.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Gothic Fiction
Popular October 2023 Upcoming Releases
What October 2023 Book Releases are You Most Excited to Read?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on this month? Did I miss any October 2023 book releases that you are anticipating? As always, let me know in the comments! Happy reading! ❤️