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As if I don’t already dedicate enough time to Book of the Month here on readwithallison.com!
I decided to start the Box Breakdown series so you can find the synopsis and ratings for each of the 5-7 books that Book of the Month picks each month.
In case you didn’t know, Book of the Month (BOTM) is my favorite monthly book subscription box. I love the anticipation of finally seeing the monthly picks and always have fun trying to guess what may show up on the app on the first of every month.
If you aren’t familiar with BOTM, you can check out my full review of this subscription service. The basic idea is BOTM chooses 5-7 books from different genres every month and members can choose their pick when the books go live. You can also add on up to two more books for only $10.99 each.
If you don’t like any of the picks, you can choose to skip and save your credit for the next month, which is honestly the best part of this service to me. I don’t like subscription boxes that only offer one book selection that you don’t know ahead of time. If you are interested in trying BOTM, you can use my link to get your first book for only $5!
October Book of the Month Picks
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
Release Date: October 25, 2022
Debut author
A darkly humorous, surprisingly poignant, and utterly gripping debut novel about a guy who works in Hell (literally) and is on the cusp of a big promotion if only he can get one more member of the wealthy Harrison family to sell their soul.
I ended up adding this to my box very last minute because so many people were excited for this one. Early reviews have said it is a great mix of family drama, mystery/thriller elements, and humor. The 400+ page icon deterred me at first, but it seems like books are getting longer this year, so I may as well learn to get on board!
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
Release date: September 13, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.23
In the tradition of modern fairy tales like Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver comes an immersive fantasy saga, a debut novel about estranged siblings who are reunited after receiving a mysterious inheritance.
This is not my thing, but I do think this was a perfect pick for October!
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
Release date: October 18, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.13
A rich, eccentric family. A time-honored tradition. Or a lethal game of survival? One woman finds out what it really takes to join the 1% in this riveting psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act.
This was immediately my October pick! I love a thriller with family drama and games. The brief bit of synopsis I read is giving me Ready Or Not and Knives Out vibes!
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
Release Date: September 27, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.42
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.26
A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England’s witchcraft trials.
Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah
Release Date: September 27, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.26
From the bestselling author of The Lost Vintage, a rare and dazzling portrait of Jacqueline Bouvier’s college year abroad in postwar Paris, an intimate and electrifying story of love and betrayal, and the coming-of-age of an American icon – before the world knew her as Jackie.
This was actually on my September Book of the Month Predictions list, and I’m not really sure I love that so many of the October books were released in September. I guess if it means more than five books to choose from, then it’s not a bad thing.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
Release Date: September 13, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating:
A love letter to Syria and its people, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a speculative novel set amid the Syrian Revolution, burning with the fires of hope, love, and possibility. Perfect for fans of The Book Thief and Salt to the Sea.
Add Ons
The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
Release date: September 20, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.26
This follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.
Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young
Release date: September 27, 2022
Current Goodreads Rating: 4.23
From New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young comes a deeply atmospheric story about ancestral magic, an unsolved murder, and a second chance at true love.
I ended up adding this book as well (after saying I only wanted one book in October!). Many reviews say the pacing is a little slow and it reads more YA than adult, but the atmosphere sounds perfect for fall reading.
What book(s) did you end up picking in October? Let me know in the comments!
I chose Sign Here as my October choice and The Ex Hex after reading descriptions of the book and excerpts.
I hope Sign Here is good! I’m worried about the length, but I feel like books in general are getting longer than the standard 300-350 pages lately.