October Booksellers’ Picks

We're more than just Booksellers; we're your guides to the wondrous world of literature! Our passion for books goes beyond the pages, and we're thrilled to share that enthusiasm with you. Dive into this month's handpicked selection, curated with love by our team, and discover your next favorite read among our Booksellers' top picks.

Rose--Bookseller, Rocky Mount, NC

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

A wonderful read for fans of historical fiction, epistolary novels, and spooky season. A fresh and academic take on the legend of Dracula and other bloodsuckers through the view of a modern scholar on the hunt for family legacy.

Shelli-Jo--Bookseller, South Portland, ME

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

A beautiful story with lyrical text that will bring to mind some of the classical children's writers like E.B. White and Tolkien. Katherine Rundell has a poetic tone to her writing that makes her instantly recognizable. Join our two heroes, Christopher and Mal, as they journey to a hidden series of islands where the mythical creatures around the world now live in secret. Warning: You'll laugh and cry while reading this deep and meaningful children's book.

Connor--Bookseller, Clarksville, IN

My Summer Of You Vol. 1 by Nagisa Furuya

I'm a big fan of Nagisa Furuya's work, and of course, I couldn't help but to pick up this series. My Summer Of You is about two friends, Saeki and Wataru, who bond over movies and spend their summers appreciating the art form while also traveling to famous locations featured in these flicks. Feelings more than friendship begin to bloom, and this story traverses their relationship while also giving the nostalgic feeling of summertime. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a fun but sweet slow burn friends-to-lovers story.

Darrell --Bookseller, Nashville, TN

Confronting the Presidents by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard 9781250346414

O'Reilly and Dugard have teamed together again with an "Impossible to Put Down" title that will be of interest to everyone!  Surely, most everyone is familiar at least by name of the past presidents of the United States, and the characteristics of some are more familiar than others.  But probably few people know which president used to "skinny dip" in the Potomac River regularly or which president had a virtual "zoo" of animals residing with him in the White House.  These and other little-known facts are available for all to enjoy.  Don't miss this one!

Rebecca, Bookseller, South Portland, ME

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

You'll devour this delicious memoir! Garten recounts her difficult childhood, intriguing career path(s), rise to celebrity, and remarkable marriage through deft storytelling and deep self-reflection. Her attention to detail and inclusion of the many small moments which tipped the hand of her Fate make this read irresistible. You'll appreciate even more her amiable style and classic good taste, evident both in her writing and her cooking. As Ina would say, "How great is that?"

Keri--Bookseller, Grapevine, TX

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna Van Veen

This is probably one of the best books that I have read this year and just in time for Spooky Season.  It's a ghost story like no other and a murder mystery. It is set in the Netherlands in the 1950's,and has a very dark setting where a young girl is made to take part in her mother's séance "scam" until she somehow becomes bound to Ruth, a ghost. The ghosts in this story have a very different existence, that to explain, would give the story away.  I highly recommend this book; it did not disappoint.

Cayden—Bookseller, Columbia, MD

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

This book contains entries from an advice column, Dear Sugar, and regardless of if you can personally relate to the individual asking for help/advice there is always something to take away from Sugars' responses. She response to each person with compassion, and empathy regardless of the person’s situation. Despite her pen name, Sugar doesn't sugar coat anything. She will tell you how it is whether you want to hear it or not. The whole book is incredibly refreshing.

Tiffany--Bookseller, Cuyahoga Fall, OH      

Critical Role: Bells Hells What Doesn't Break by Cassandra Khaw

What Doesn't Break is the newest entry in the Critical Role novel adaptations. Taking place before the start of Campaign 3, What Doesn't Break covers the backstory of Laudna, an undead warlock with a tragic past. While some of this has been covered in the weekly live show campaign, this novel contains the full, no-cuts backstory.

Perfect for both Critical Role fans and readers who are looking for a spooky read this Halloween season, Bells Hells: What Doesn't Break is the perfect balance of horror, comedy, and angst that any book by Cassandra Khaw is known for!

Adriana--Bookseller, Bradenton, FL

Hera by Jennifer Saint

This is a beautifully written story about a character many have grown to dislike. Jennifer Saint did a wonderful job of giving context to Hera and why she is the bitter, scorned, and vengeful Goddess, without taking away that she was the villain in many stories. I love a villain that is unapologetic, and Hera remains so in this novel; but, by the end of it, the reader understands why she is.

Jacob--Bookseller, Clarksville, TN

Mister Magic by Kierstin White

This story is a great touch on the lost media fandom, bringing together a cast of characters that were all co-stars on a children's TV show as they reunite to try and figure out exactly why the show was canceled abruptly, and seemingly wiped from existence. The story keeps you guessing until the very end and is a page turner if I've ever seen one.

You can head to your local Books-A-Million to chat with your friendly, neighborhood Booksellers.  We’re sure they’ve got the perfect book recommendation, just for you.

‍