Read This Next: September 2024

You might've noticed I usually kick things off with my favorite reads front and center. But this month? Ranking them was like trying to choose a favorite child—not gonna happen! I found myself racing through pages, sometimes finishing books in mere days. Who has time to punch in for work when the plot is that good, right?

From laugh-out-loud workplace antics that hit a little too close to home, to spine-tingling thrillers that had me double-checking the locks at night, this month's lineup had me hooked from start to finish. So grab your favorite cozy beverage (pumpkin spice latte, anyone?), settle in, and let's dive into the books that will keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime.

As always, I clarify in my reviews whether I listened to or physically read the book. I also link all of the book cover images to Goodreads so you can click on them to read more reviews if you’re so inclined.

I Hope This Finds You Well
Natalie Sue

Contemporary, 343 pages

Quick summary
Jolene can make it through the workday just fine as long as she keeps her head down and steers clear of her horrible, annoying coworkers. Her petty revenge? She adds aggressive text to the end of every email, changing the font color to white so it's invisible—but it gives her a secret thrill knowing it's there. Except for that one time she forgot to change the color, and it went straight to her archrival, Caitlyn. Now she's enrolled in sensitivity training with the new, goofy HR guy, Cliff. When Cliff installs new restrictions on her computer, a glitch occurs, and suddenly Jolene can see everyone's emails and chats—and they are definitely plotting to get her fired in the upcoming company layoffs. Armed with this insider knowledge, Jolene hatches a plan to exploit her coworkers and secure her job. But the more she peeks into their inner lives, the more she realizes everyone around her is fighting their own invisible battles.

What I thought:
This was an utter rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every minute of it. At the start, the scenes are hilarious, and I loved how the author captured how bleak and depressing corporate cubicle farm culture is. Who among us hasn’t been personally victimized by Karen microwaving fish for lunch? (slowly raises hand) By the end of the book, my heartstrings were in an absolute tug-of-war. It reminded me of the universal truth that all of us are fighting our own invisible battles, even our worst enemies. By the end, I was left contemplating my own relationships and the power of empathy, not unlike how I felt while reading The Measure. Have you ever had a coworker who just drove you up the wall? How did you handle it? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

Who should read it:
Smart, quirky, and deep, this book will resonate with fans of The Measure, A Man Called Ove, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (click the titles for full summaries).

None of this is True
Lisa JEwell

Thriller, 384 pages

Quick summary
Alix Summers, a popular podcaster, meets Josie Fair when they discover they're both celebrating their 45th birthdays on the same day at the same pub—birthday twins! Josie becomes intrigued by Alix and pitches herself as the ideal subject for Alix's next podcast series about ordinary people experiencing major life changes. As they begin recording, Josie's stories take a dark and unsettling turn. Before Alix knows it, she's entangled in a web of secrets and deception, realizing that Josie might not be who she claims to be—and that her own safety could be at risk.

What I thought:
Hands down the most bingeable book I've torn through this year—I more or less finished it in a single day! Jewell masterfully weaves suspense into every page, and I couldn’t get to the end fast enough to diagnose Josie with something deep within the pages of the DSM-V. It's creepy, but not so scary that it'll keep you up at night. Every time I told myself to put it down and tackle some chores, I'd bargain for just one more chapter. Needless to say, the house didn't get cleaned and the laundry stayed unfolded until I turned the final page.

Who should read it:
Fans of The Guest List and First Lie Wins (click the titles for full summaries).

Magic Pill
Johann Hari

Health, 8 hours and 27 minutes

Quick summary
At a crossroads in figuring out effective weight management, Johann Hari begins a round of Ozempic—the diabetes drug making headlines for its significant weight loss effects. As he embarks on this personal journey, Hari explores how we've reached a point where potentially a quarter of the U.S. population might soon be on similar medications. He examines how our environment—not just our biology—has led to soaring obesity rates, from addictive junk food to cities that are anything but pedestrian-friendly. Questioning whether pharmaceutical fixes are truly the solution or just a Band-Aid over deeper societal issues, Hari challenges us to consider if relying on a "magic pill" is the answer or if it's time to tackle the root causes to this problem head-on.

What I thought:
Overnight, it seemed like everyone and their mom was taking Ozempic. Since I've been on my own health journey over the past couple of years, I wanted to learn more about this drug—is it really a viable solution for the obesity epidemic, or just another dangerous quick fix like fen-phen in the '90s? As a journalist, Hari leans into the philosophical side of the debate, sprinkling in some layman's science along the way, which I found accessible and easy to digest. Yet another book that fully grabbed my attention. What are your thoughts on the rise of medications like Ozempic for weight loss? Do you see them as a helpful tool or a temporary fix?

Who should read it:
People considering medical intervention for weight loss. People who enjoyed Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity and The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (click the titles for full summaries).

Stop People Pleasing: And Find Your Power
Hailey Paige Magee

Self-help, 11 hours

Quick summary
For most of her life, Magee couldn't quite find the correct label for her habit of always putting others first, even strangers, no matter how exhausted or resentful it left her. It was a coping mechanism that once kept her safe but was wreaking havoc on her life now. Blending social science, psychology, and practical exercises, this book is a heartfelt guide to help you reconnect with your own feelings and desires. Magee empowers you to advocate for yourself in all your relationships, soothe yourself through the growing pains, and dive headfirst into a life that's authentically yours.

What I thought:
This book resonated with me on such a profound level that I felt it was written specifically for me. As someone who's been on a journey of self-discovery and doing the work, it served as both a mirror and a roadmap. What I loved most is that almost every chapter includes an exercise to guide you on your journey—from identifying your values to understanding how to live by them in those tricky shades of gray.

It left me feeling angry at all the times I’ve abandoned my needs—saying yes to an acquaintance when I wanted to say no but felt that wasn’t an available option—but also hopeful that I could forge a new path forward. This book didn't just offer advice; it provided actionable steps that I've already started implementing. For the first time, I’m wading through the muddy waters of setting boundaries and prioritizing my own well-being. It’s scary, yet also freeing. This isn't just a book I'll recommend—it's one I'll revisit whenever I need a reminder of my own strength.

Who should read it:
People who found the following helpful: The Gifts of Imperfection, Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (click the titles for full summaries).

The Whisper Man
Alex North

Crime Fiction, 373 pages

Quick summary
After the sudden loss of his wife, Tom Kennedy decides a fresh start is just what he and his young son Jake needs. They move to the quaint town of Featherbank, hoping to heal and rebuild. But Featherbank has a dark past—a serial killer known as The Whisper Man abducted and murdered five young boys there twenty years ago. Although the culprit was caught, when another boy goes missing, old whispers start to resurface. Jake begins acting strangely, talking to imaginary friends, and hearing whispers outside his window, much like the victims in the past. As Tom grapples with his own grief, he realizes that something sinister is lurking, and their new beginning might just become a nightmare.

What I thought:
It's spooky season, baby, so buckle up for a whole lineup of creepy and scary reads in the coming month. While I enjoyed this book, it didn't have an utter chokehold on my attention like some of the other novels I've read recently. It feels wrong to say, but I loathed the son's character. Perhaps it's because I'm not a parent, but his actions and the strained relationship with his father didn't resonate with me and felt more like a plot device than a real relationship. Another issue I had is that there isn't a huge twist (better you know now than to be disappointed); the characters you think are shady are actually shady, and everyone is who they say they are. Here I was, searching for a red herring, but it turned out to be just an ordinary fish.

Who should read it:
Honestly it’s not bad for a straightforward crime drama, if those are your vibes. People who have tender spots for children may have difficulty with this one, though, since there are a lot of small children as victims.

Have you read anything lately that you’ve absolutely loved? Leave a comment with your suggestion—I’m always on the hunt for the next great book, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction!

With spooky season upon us, I've got a stack of creepy, haunted tales on hold at the library, just waiting to send chills down my spine. From ghostly encounters to haunted houses, October's reads promise to keep me—and hopefully you—on the edge of our seats. So, if you're a fan of all things eerie, stay tuned for next month's blog where we'll dive into the books that might just make us sleep with the lights on!

P.S. If you have any must-read spooky recommendations, drop them in the comments—I might just add them to my ever-growing list!

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