October Book Chat

Hi everyone,

We so enjoyed our recent discussion about books and reading recommendations that we’re going to make it a regular feature here on the Community Café. Welcome to your Community Book Chat.

Every month, we’ll add a new post sharing some recommendations and asking you what you’re reading, or what’s on your TBR pile (that’s To Be Read pile, for those who haven’t seen that acronym before!) We hope it will become a go-to space for book lovers to chat with like-minded members and perhaps discover a new favourite read.

As a lifelong bookworm and former publishing professional, reading is without question one of my most important self-care rituals. Whether I’m reading to relax, find some escapism or learn something new about the world, I’m never happier than when I’m lost between the pages. It’s a hobby that’s accessible, portable and allows you to step into other places and other people’s shoes without leaving the comfort of your own space.

To get us started, I thought I’d share some recommendations for October reading:

• Autumn always feels like a good time to start a new series. You could dive into the shadowy world of down-and-out spies with Mick Herron’s Slough House series – there are eight books so far, plus a brilliant TV adaptation (Slow Horses, on Apple). Or try some witty, cosy crime with The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman.
• In the mood for a classic? The brooding, blustery Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is perfect for October, as is anything by Agatha Christie.
• For those brave enough to embrace spooky season, you could try The Shining by Stephen King or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson – just keep all the lights on…
• For the romantics, You Are Here by David Nicholls is a beautiful love story set during an epic walk through the English countryside.

So, over to you! What are you enjoying at the moment, or what would you recommend for this time of year?

We hope you’ll enjoy this little literary corner here on your Online Community. See you in the chat, and we’ll be back in November for another post.

Lana

Love this LanaBeckwith - one of my "me-time" things to do is sit and read, mainly in our conservatory and often early mornings - although it's getting a bit chilly in there of late as we head deeper into Autumn!
I've just finished reading The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles which was excellent and read very much like a modern classic.


.. and having finished that one I'm now getting started with Dan Brown's Origin, another in the Robert Langdon series, which I love and need to get through before I start on the latest in the series.

I've just finished "Wilderness Tips" by Margaret Attwood, it was quite different from my usual reading tastes but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is a series of short stories and I typical Attwood style, non are predictable. The main protagonists are female with wildly varying lives and relationships. An interesting and a little disturbing read.

This October, I’ve been reading quite a lot, which tends to be the case when the colder nights, shorter days, and steady rain create the perfect reading conditions!
I just finished The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown, and I loved it! I honestly couldn’t put it down, which translated into me going to bed really late because that's the only time I can read.
I am a big fan of Robert and his Mickey Mouse watch. What I enjoy most about Brown is how he takes you on a journey: this one’s set in Prague, and you can tell he really knows the city (or researched it thoroughly). One of my closest friends is Czech, and I feel like I know a bit more about her culture after reading this book. If you like conspiracy theories and learn about history and architecture in one go, this one is for you!

I also read "Lies and weddings" by Kevin Kwan. I've loved his writing since I read the "Crazy Rich Asians" series a couple of years ago (perfect romantic comedy, plus you get to learn about Singapore's history, food and language). This one was entertaining but the characters didn't win me over. They're either extremely unlikable or way too bland for my taste: the main heroine is too perfect, while the "villain" is simply insane. No nuances, no greys! The plot also felt quite similar to his earlier work, so I didn’t get that feeling of reading something fresh or surprising.

When in French by Lauren Collins isn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but for some reason, I keep coming back to it from time to time. I bought my copy while working at Waterstones a millennium ago, and I always seem to reach for it when I’m bored and looking for something light to read.
If you’re into learning languages (like I am!), you’ll probably find this one interesting. It’s basically a long (but fun and warm) essay about how speaking different languages can change the way you see the world, and how cultural differences can make a couple’s life both challenging and absolutely delightful.

Well, these are my October "picks". LanaBeckwith thanks for the initiative! NickEmmett can't wait to discuss "The Secret of Secrets" with you. And WendyG41 , after reading The Handmaid’s Tale, I always think twice before picking up another one of Margaret Atwood’s book, they just hit a little too close to reality, and like you mentioned, are quite disrtubing, but now you’ve given me the bug again.
Hoping to see more recommendations here!