5 Books To Read For National Book Month!

October is National Book Month! As Fall has made its debut, the temperatures are cooling down, and you’ve probably had 50 PSLs by now (and counting) -- what’s better than snuggling up with a good book? For all the bookworms out there looking for their next novel obsession, check out this list of good reads to celebrate National Book Month!

1. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

From the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and The Favorite Sister, Jessica Knoll is back with her third and newest novel, Bright Young Women! This fictional true-crime thriller is loosely inspired by one of America’s infamous serial killers, Ted Bundy, and his chilling attack on a Florida State University sorority house. The story takes place in the ‘70s and focuses on the perspectives of two young survivors, Pamela and Tina, in the days leading up to the murders and until years after. If you’re thinking about giving this one a read, think no further… reviews have labeled it as a page-turner! “Bright Young Women doesn’t put its focus on the murderer. It’s more interested in his victims – and the survivors who are on a mission to catch him before he kills again.” - TIME

2. Maame by Jessica George

This coming-of-age New York Times bestseller by Jessica George explores a girl named Maddie who’s had a lot on her plate, from caring for her father battling Parkinson’s Disease to working at an unfulfilling job. She’s ready to start her life and experience some important “firsts” as a self-acknowledged late bloomer. In Maddie’s search to establish herself in the world, she faces messy moments of love, a little humor, and issues of race, family, and loss. With incredible editorial reviews from the "Today Show", Elle, People, and Reader’s Digest, to name a few, Maame is a smashing success! “The voice of Maame is singular and interesting – raw and new. On one page, I was crying, yet on another page, I laughed hysterically.” – Jenna Bush Hager, "Today"

3. Happy Place by Emily Henry

In a story about second chances at romance, Happy Place, written by New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry, takes readers on a charming rom-com adventure! After college sweethearts Harriet and Wyn break up, they find themselves having to share a room at their friend group’s annual trip getaway. Rather than breaking the news to their friends, Harriet and Wyn make a pact to pretend to still be together for the weeklong vacay. After being named “the queen of romance novels” by Cosmopolitan, this Emily Henry novel is one you for sure want to get your hands on this month! Happy Place has won several awards, including being named the most anticipated book of 2023 by BuzzFeed, Past Magazine, Elle, Southern Living, SheReads, Culturess, Medium, Her Campus, Readers Digest, Zibby Mag, and more!

4. Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD

For those readers who are into self-help books, this one is for you! Author Dr. Pooja Lakshmin is a board-certified psychiatrist who knows the real actionable strategies for practicing lasting self-care. In her national bestseller featured by The New York Times, Code Switch, Vox, The Guardian, and "Good Morning America", Real Self-Care helps readers set boundaries, treat themselves with compassion, and learn how to get closer to themselves! “This book is for anyone who’s ever removed a 'relaxing' sheet mask to only realize it hasn’t transformed you so much as your trash can.” – Jessica DeFino, The Unpublishable

5. Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang

Ling Ling Huang’s first novel Natural Beauty is a book that has readers struggling to put it down! After an accident, a young pianist named Saje takes a job at an elite, beauty-obsessed company, Holistik, setting aside her passions to support her parents who are Chinese Immigrants. Saje becomes transfixed with the company’s products and procedures but doesn’t realize that her strive for perfection comes at a staggering cost. This dystopian horror visits themes surrounding race, wellness culture, beauty, identity, consumerism, and privilege. Natural Beauty has received several recognitions, including the New York Times Editors’ Choice, a "Good Morning America" Buzz Pick, and the New York Post’s best new books to read – just to name a few! Ling Ling Huang is also a violinist and won a Grammy Award in 2021 with the Experiential Orchestra! She appeared on "The Tonight Show" backing Gunna and Metroboomin in their song “Space Cadet” live!