October was an interesting reading month, although perhaps not quite as fiction-heavy as usual. I read five nonfiction books (three of which were assigned reading for my doctoral program), eight short stories with seasonal vibes, and two novels that were both perfect for Halloween. Interestingly, although I didn't have any books that I would actively recommend skipping, the majority of my reading ended up in the "Maybe" category. Here's why.
The "Maybe" pile
1. Short stories
I know short stories aren't a format that works for everyone, but I do enjoy them occasionally, especially when they are thematically collected around a particular holiday or season. Seven of the eight stories I read came from Amazon's Magic & Mystery collection, featuring such popular fantasy authors as Travis Baldree, Robert Jackson Bennett, Heather Fawcett, Scott Lynch, and others. If you enjoy these authors, I'd recommend checking out the collection.
I also read The Magician by Rebecca Serle, a short story included in an Amazon collection exploring motherhood. Rebecca Serle is quickly becoming one of my favorite magical realism writers, and although this story wasn't specifically Halloween-themed, it had just the right atmosphere for the season.
2. Books read for school
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer, and Qualitative Literacy by Mario Luis Small and Jessica McCrory Calarco were all assigned readings for my doctoral program.
Of the three, I'd say The Coaching Habit is probably the most accessible and relevant to a general audience, particularly anyone working in a leadership or management role. The other two are more specialized and will likely appeal primarily to readers interested in their respective fields. All three were worthwhile reads in the context of my studies, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend them to everyone—which is why they landed in the "Maybe" category.
3. The Witches of Cambridge
The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman is her newest release, and I was quite excited to pick it up. I've read several of Hoffman's books before and particularly enjoyed the Practical Magic series. This novel has a similar atmosphere and will certainly appeal to readers who enjoy her particular brand of magical storytelling.
That said, I don't think Hoffman is for everyone. Her writing tends to be slow-paced and character-driven rather than plot-driven. If you're looking for an action-packed, fast-moving witchy read for Halloween, this might not be the book for you. I enjoyed revisiting Hoffman's world, but it didn't quite rise to the level of an enthusiastic recommendation.
The books I enthusiastically recommend
1. The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
This is an outstanding novel set against the backdrop of very recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. Written from an Indigenous perspective, it explores generational trauma, cultural appropriation, colonization, and the complexities of contemporary Native American identity. And, of course, there's a ghost!
I found the book fascinating, thought-provoking, and wonderfully layered. Erdrich manages to weave together social commentary, cultural history, humor, and a touch of the supernatural into a truly memorable story. Highly recommended.
2. Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder
What a poignant and necessary book! Kidder follows the work of Dr. Jim O'Connell, a physician who has dedicated his career to caring for Boston's unhoused population. Through a series of individual stories, we get a glimpse into the lives of people who are often overlooked by society and the challenges of providing meaningful care to a population with complex and frequently unmet needs.
Each story is heartbreaking in its own way. And Dr. Jim himself? Truly a modern-day saint. His compassion, dedication, and commitment to people who have very few advocates are extraordinary. I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
3. Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
Finally, Dopamine Nation is another timely and thought-provoking nonfiction read. Dr. Lembke explores our modern-day relationship with pleasure, instant gratification, and addiction, examining how the constant availability of pleasurable experiences can affect our brains and our ability to find balance.
This book really made me think and introduced me to phenomena I hadn't previously considered. I particularly appreciated how it encouraged me to look more critically at some of the everyday habits and indulgences we tend to take for granted. An excellent read for anyone interested in understanding the psychology of pleasure and our increasingly complicated relationship with it.
Overall, October was a satisfying reading month. I enjoyed my seasonal detour into short fiction, made progress on my doctoral reading, and came away with three excellent nonfiction and literary reads that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
