Recommended Reads for October

We cannot believe we’re into October, which means we’re onto our tenth reading challenge theme! We’ve loved some of the themes so far this year, which have included banned books, books under 200 pages long and children’s classics. Sharing our reading with you has helped us to keep in touch during these strange and worrying times, and we love to hear what you’ve been reading recently.

This month’s challenge theme is:

If you’re stuck for inspiration, why not try one of our recommended reads, suggested by local library staff?

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: “absolute rollercoaster of a read”
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig: “everyone should have the chance to read this!”
Vox or Q by Christine Dalcher: “both very Handmaid’s Tale vibes”
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: “it’s what I wanted Catcher in the Rye to be”
Toffee or Moonrise by Sarah Crossan: “two excellent teen reads”
The Babes in the Wood by Graham Bartlett and Peter James: “a must-read for crime readers”
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes: “a charming, cosy and gripping read”
Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth: “very easy to read and hard to put down!”
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare: “Clare is rightly praised for creating three dimensional LGBTQ+ characters”
Anything by Sarah J. Maas: “she writes compelling fiction where female characters are as strong as the men”
The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett: “glorious and sweeping early Medieval chronicle”
The Teacher by Katerina Diamond: “I discovered a new crime author this year who I have really enjoyed!”
Anything by Graham Masterton: “an author who used to write horror novels and has turned to crime”

Can you recommend a book to someone this October? We love to read your book reviews and post as many as we can on our challenge blog – submit yours online here. Or alternatively, let us know what you’re reading on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #MidSussexReadingChallenge.

Our libraries have reopened for browsing, but if you’re not sure what you’d like to read next, you can still use our Staff Select service and our staff will pick out some books for you for free. Reservations are also currently free using your library card and PIN number through the West Sussex Library Catalogue. If you’re not sure what your PIN number is, get in touch with your local library and we’ll be able to help!