Fall is upon us, and that means many of the books coming out this month are in the horror genre. All of these look so good, including a couple of New Adult entries , and I cannot wait to read them. Let me know what books you are most excited to read this month, and if you’re an author, feel free to promote your own September 2023 releases in the comments.
Evil Eye
Author: Etaf Rum
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Find the Book: Goodreads | StoryGraph | Bookshop
I’ve put Etaf Rum on this list before, but I still haven’t gotten around to reading any of her books. In Evil Eye, a Palestinian woman thinks she’s finally free of her conservative, toxic family when she moves to the suburbs. Unfortunately, that’s not quite the case and she’s surrounded by racism and fear that her mother might be right after all. This seems like a great addition to the New Adult genre, and I’ve already put it on hold.
Holly
Author: Stephen King
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Genre: Horror
Find the Book: Goodreads | StoryGraph | Bookshop
Stephen King is back with yet another book centered around Holly Gibney. I love King, but I do find it interesting just how many male horror authors write from the perspective of women. Is it easier for men to see women as damaged than it is someone who looks like themselves? In this essay….
No. But in all seriousness, I enjoyed Mr. Mercedes and am excited to hear more about Holly’s life.
The Fraud
Author: Zadie Smith
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
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I recently read a Zadie Smith novel for the first time, and I was struck by just how detailed of a character study it was. This makes her the perfect author for The Fraud, a historical fiction novel where the protagonist is the housekeeper of a famous novelist. The book explores the Tichborne Trial (a real case), the housekeeper Mrs. Touchet’s relationship to the real life Charles Dickens, and a formerly enslaved man who is now the key to the trial.
Rouge
Author: Mona Awad
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Genre: Horror / Gothic
Find the Book: Goodreads | StoryGraph | Bookshop
There’s so many horror books on the list this month; everyone is releasing in time for the fall season and Halloween. The description for this gothic horror novel by Mona Awad centers around a pair of red shoes, skincare, and a cult-like spa. Set after her mother dies, our protagonist Belle must deal with the relationship she had with her mother, beauty, and morality all at once.
Black Sheep
Author: Rachel Harrison
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Genre: Horror / Thriller
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Yet another book that has the word “cult” in the description! A 20-something year old girl named Vesper Wright has left the extraordinarily religious community she grew up in. She assumed she’d never be back, but that’s until a wedding invitation shows up outside her door. Vesper returns home, to terrifying secrets and family reckoning. This one is high up on my list.
Monstrous
Author: Jessica Lewis
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Genre: Horror / Young Adult / LGBTQ
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If you’re looking for a queer, YA horror story about a young girl forced to spend the summer in a strange, tiny town, this is the book for you. Bonus points if you’re in love with a cutie from the local ice cream shop just like our protagonist Latavia is.
It’s On Me: Accept Hard Truths, Discover Your Self, and Change Your Life
Author: Sara Kuburic
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Genre: Self Help
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I’m always skeptical of self-help books, but this one, written by the Instagram-famous “Millennial Therapist” seems interesting, if only because it’s written by somenoe who got their start on Instagram. Kuburic is also a psychotherapist and USA Today columnist, and she’s here to give advice about taking responsibility and living a life filled with self reflection.
All You Have to Do Is Call
Author: Kerri Maher
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
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It seems like everyone is pushing out books about abortion nowadays (no pun intended), but I still think it’s important to read and learn. There’s no easier way to do that than historical fiction. This novel, based on the Jane Collective, follows Jane’s founder, Veronica, as she works to provide illegal and high risk abortions to women in the Chicago area. If you think this sounds good, you’ll also love The Janes on HBO!
Cleat Cute
Author: Meryl Wilsner
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Genre: LGBTQ Romance
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I’m so excited to read this book! Wilsner’s last book, Mistakes Were Made, was incredibly good, and this one promises not to disappoint. Grace Henderson, a USWNT star, is injured replaced on the team by Phoebe Matthews, a younger player with far less experience. That ends up being for the best, though, because the two women fall in love! I assume. This steamy romcom will be perfect for anyone who loves sapphic books or women’s soccer.
Lies and Other Love Languages
Author: Sonali Dev
Release Date: September 26th, 2023
Genre: Romance
Find the Book: Goodreads | StoryGraph | Bookshop
This literary fiction book focuses on the intertwined lives of three women who are dealing with motherhood, life, and their own friendship. As they travel from LA to Mumbai, they experience countless obstacles and realizations along the way.
What books are you looking forward to reading this month?
