Librarian Newsletter: October 2026
Hello,
This month, find Halloween-appropriate books in our cursed…uh, we mean curated reading list of literary horror novels, created with our coverage of Claire Fuller’s Hunger and Thirst.
You can also check out our read-alike recommendations for those clamoring for Alice Hoffman’s latest, The Witches of Cambridge.
A striking feature of Valeria Luiselli’s Beginning Middle End is its references to the legendary deaths of ancient literary and philosophical figures. See our “beyond the book” article on volcano-related demises along with other bizarre ends.
Plus, discover more books in our Latinx Authors category during Latinx Heritage Month, browse current and upcoming book club discussions, and preview noteworthy October releases!
— The BookBrowse Team
Curated Reading List: Literary Horror Novels
Some books live at the intersection of literary fiction and a specific genre, like Claire Fuller's literary horror novel Hunger and Thirst.
Here are some books that are both undeniably unsettling and advanced in their dedication to craft and character—share them with your patrons this Halloween!
Read-Alikes: The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman
BookBrowse handpicked read-alikes help you recommend books when one a patron requests isn't available, or when they’re looking for a similar title. For someone interested in The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman, we suggest:
Queen Mab by Emily McBride
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Beyond the Book: Dying Literary Deaths
Among the multiple literary references scattered throughout Beginning Middle End by Valeria Luiselli, particularly meaningful are the anecdotes concerning the deaths of the pre-Socratic philosopher Empedocles and Pliny the Elder, author of the Natural History. Not only because Luiselli shows a playfulness towards the idea of death itself, but also because these two ancient authors share something that connects them to the mother and daughter at the center of the journey: all four are, in one way or another, entangled with volcanoes.
Books by Latinx Authors
We share our Latinx Authors category of featured books in conjunction with Latinx Heritage Month, observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15, which coincides with anniversaries of significance to Latin American independence, and commemorates anti-colonial movements and Indigenous resistance.
This is one of 100+ themed categories available to BookBrowse members and subscribing libraries.
Non-members can enjoy a limited version of our category lists.
Book Club Discussions
Find inspiration for your book club(s) among our more than 200 past discussions.
We’re currently talking about San Quentin Exodus by Bill Smoot, among other books. Starting in October, we feature Dear Missing Friend by Susan McGuirk.
New & Notable Books in October
We've carefully selected 100+ of the most noteworthy books publishing in October—check them out!
Individual members and subscribing libraries can see, sort, and download the full list for all months. Non-subscribers can view books up to the current month and a limited selection of future books.
