Books with October Vibes
Books with October Vibes
As an avid mood reader, I love leaning into seasonal vibes when I’m putting together my To Be Read list. Here are some of the books I’ve turned to in Octobers past, as well as a book I’m currently reading and the titles I’d like to make time for this season.
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
This was a fun, slightly dark, book about a 14-year-old wizard and baker named Mona who must rise to the occasion and protect her city from insidious politicians and an army of mercenaries. One of Mona’s weapons is her delightfully anthropomorphized sourdough starter named Bob. Kingfisher has a growing backlist of fantasy and horror novels for fans to explore.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Patricia’s Charleston book club members have been supporting each other for years. When an enigmatic man settles into the neighborhood, and local children start going missing, the book club speculates that he is involved. They are determined to solve this mystery, which challenges them in new ways. This was too gory for me–I can’t unread some of the scenes–but horror and true crime fans might want to try this novel.
The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan
Jacob Marlow is a werewolf who has lived for over 200 years. He’s the last werewolf left, and he is tired. He’s tired of the violence, and of being hunted. Until one day he meets a woman that changes his outlook on life, reinvigorating him. This book is dark and graphic, but it is also life affirming and clever. I really enjoy reading Jacob Marlow’s tale and I’m looking forward to reading books two and three. Duncan also writes a murder mystery series under the pseudonym Saul Black.
Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck
For a cozier read, I love this first book in the Witchlore series. It features a kick-butt female protagonist who knows she can take on the world, and use her skills to organize her small Missouri town. I love that the main character is a planner, and a bookstore owner. She is highly capable, while still having flaws and depth of character. Fantasy and magic come into play, as well as found family, and witches abound. An atmospheric fall read.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
When Annie moves to a small town in upstate New York, she meets Sophie, a charming woman who everyone in town seems to know, and possibly fear. I started this book in the fall, which is really the best time to read it. This novel features witchy vibes and women leaning into their power. I’d also like to read Harrison’s book about a young woman who turns into a werewolf: “Such Sharp Teeth.”
The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace
Cassie Beckett lives on Prince Edward Island. In her midlife, she’s just trying to make it through each day, mothering three children as a single parent while her husband serves overseas with Doctors Without Borders. When her sister’s boyfriend turns into a vampire, she starts to unearth secrets about the magic in her family that she can no longer ignore. I’m currently reading this humorous new release by Wallace.
Devotions by Mary Oliver
There’s no better way to celebrate the changing of seasons than with poetry. Nature is central to Oliver’s poetry. “Devotions” includes selected poems from each of her previously published works. It is a wonderful place to start if you are new to Mary Oliver, or to dive in if you are a longtime fan. Now that it is getting dark earlier each day, try reading “The Lamps” as Oliver tells us that “…the darkness keeps/ Its appointment. Each evening,/ An inscrutable presence, it has the final word.…” Or turn to “October” where Oliver states “Look, I want to love this world/ as though it’s the last chance I’m ever going to get/ to be alive/ and know it.”
Books on my to-read list this season include Josie Silver’s new “Crazy Spooky Love,” Lucy Jane Woods’ “Rewitched” (2024) and “Uncharmed (2025.) The next time you are in the library, please share your anticipated reads with me.
Katelyn Boyer is the Adult Services Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library