Welcome back, bibliophiles! FIRST Book Club (a.k.a. FFW Book Club) is delivering a fresh roundup of must-reads for October 25 to November 7. These books are perfect for curling up by the fire on a crisp autumn night or snuggling up on the sofa with your morning coffee. From compelling historical fiction to enchanting magical realism, fascinating nonfiction about astrology—penned by FIRST‘s own resident astrologer Maressa Brown—and more, we have a wide variety to fit every reader’s taste.
If you’re in the market for a powerful historical fiction, dive into bestselling author Jodi Picoult’s By Any Other Name, which FIRST’s Executive Editor Patty Bontekoe raved about: “This was a sweeping tale of two brave, inspiring women!” Looking for an intriguing family saga that’s also part mystery? Try The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. For a spooky thriller about a murder case, pick up Echo Road by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh which had FIRST’s Assistant Editor Anna Traver “on the edge of her seat at every twist and turn.” For those more in the mood for a feel-good romance, sink into The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. This sweet, warm-hearted story will have you feeling giddy and rooting for the on-page couple every step of the way!
Keep scrolling for all the FFW Book Club must-read book recommendations for October 25 to November 7!
Family saga
‘The Waters’ by Bonnie Jo Campbell
“There are few things I love more than a family saga mixed with a bit of intriguing mystery,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “And this novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell caught my interest from page one.” Set on an island in Michigan’s Great Massasauga Swamp—also known as “The Waters”—this story centers on herbalist Hermine “Herself” Zook, mother of three estranged daughters. The youngest daughter, Rose Thorn, has even left her own daughter, 11-year-old Dorothy “Donkey” Zook, to grow up wild with Herself. Donkey spends her days searching for truths in nature, patiently waiting for her mother to return and longing for a father. When Rose Thorn does come back, family secrets begin to unravel. Will Donkey ever get the family she dreams of or will these secrets tarnish what’s left of their relationships forever? “This book was truly a wild adventure from start to finish,” says Carissa. “Not only was each chapter filled with vivid details and raw human emotion, but it also was told at a nice pace that kept me enthralled the entire time. This is a must-read for mystery lovers.” (W. W. Norton & Company, 2024)
Magical realism
‘The Memo’ by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling
“A friend described the premise of this book to me over brunch and I ran home to download it,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. Jenny Green does not want to attend her college reunion. Once at the top of her class, her life now is not what she expected. Meanwhile, her college friends seem to be excelling at all things. Turns out, she missed the “memo.” When she gets the chance to rewrite her past with a blueprint for success, she’s thrilled. But what will this cost her? “Bittersweet, witty, unique…this tale was a fun ride!” (Harper, 2024)
Thriller
‘Echo Road’ by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh
“During the fall months, I admit I enjoy being spooked by a good thriller,” says Anna Traver, FIRST Assistant Editor. “This one fit the bill.” It follows the story of local sheriff Bree Taggert after she responds to a report of two bodies found inside two suitcases. Then thousands of miles away, a senator’s daughter goes missing. Now, FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is on the case and finds a link between the bodies and the missing girl. To crack the eerie case, they must work together to catch the murderer. “This book had me on the edge of my seat at every twist and turn,” says Anna. (Montlake, 2024)
Astrology
‘Mercury Magic’ by Maressa Brown
“People blame their bad luck on Mercury being retrograde, but I always had a feeling there was more to this,” says Lou Marshall, FIRST Digital Managing Editor. “So I was thrilled to learn that our resident astrologer, Maressa Brown, penned a book all about it!” Mercury may be associated with chaotic retrogrades, but it also fuels your communication, thought processes and how you connect with others. The book includes all you need to know about the misunderstood planet, including how Mercury retrograde works, as well as smart tips and tricks for navigating through it. Cheers Lou: “It’s so empowering that you can actually thrive through Mercury retrograde—it can really bring your biggest dreams and boldest ideas into being!” (Workman, 2024)
Historical fiction
‘By Any Other Name’ by Jodi Picoult
“I’m always first in line to read Jodi Picoult’s new books,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “Her novels are so well-researched, and she creates such compelling female characters.” Melina Green is a playwright in NYC having no luck getting her play about her ancestor Emilia Bassano, the real author of many of Shakespeare’s works, produced. So when Melina’s friend submits her play under a male name, she gains a sense of Emilia’s struggle, creating art without acknowledgment. “This was a sweeping tale of two brave, inspiring women!” (Ballantine, 2024)
Biography
‘Miss May Does Not Exist’ by Carrie Courogen
“Learning about underrated women in Hollywood has always fascinated me, so I was very excited to read this biography of the brilliant Elaine May,” says Abbey Bender, FIRST Digital Staff Writer. May is an actress, comedian, writer and one of the only female directors of the ’70s—and by the ’80s, she was making uncredited screenplay contributions to classics. But after her 1987 film Ishtar notoriously flopped, she struggled to find work…and she hasn’t directed a movie since. Says Abbey: “May’s boldness and humor are inspirational. It’s refreshing to read about a woman who unapologetically made art on her own terms.” (St. Martin’s, 2024)
Romance
‘The Flatshare’ by Beth O’Leary
“This book was recommended in a few online book clubs and it was also made into a TV series on Paramount+ so I was curious to read it,” says Raquel Lekic, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. Tiffy needs a place to live, and when she sees an ad for a flatshare arrangement, she pursues it. The catch? She and her new roommate, Leon, will share the apartment, but their schedules never overlap. Before long, the roommates begin communicating with back-and-forth notes. Raves Raquel: “The sweet banter had me rooting for Tiffy and Leon from the start!” (Quercus, 2019)
Historical suspense
‘Harlem After Midnight’ by Louise Hare
“I love when books take place in New York—and when they also transport you back in time, I’m hooked,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. “This one checked both boxes.” Set in 1936 Harlem, the story features Lena Aldridge as she makes her way to New York from London after the passing of her father. Lena has always longed to make it on Broadway. When she meets Will Goodman, a musician, on her journey, she becomes swept up in his life in Harlem. Soon enough, secrets come to light that paint a target on Lena’s back. “This historical mystery kept me on my toes—I enjoyed playing detective as I read.” (Berkley, 2024)
