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These are the 10 best books of October, according to Amazon's well-read editors

From Ina Garten's intimate memoir to a thrilling family drama, these page-turners are cozy companions on a chilly fall day.

Spending more time indoors? It's high time to unleash your inner bookworm. (Getty)
Spending more time indoors? It's high time to unleash your inner bookworm. (Getty)

Do you remember Amazon's origin story? That's right — it started out as an online bookstore and has since grown into the most popular "everything store" of all time. A few times throughout the year, though, Amazon editors emerge to remind us of the store's roots and rank their favorite books of the moment. Back in August, they released their list of the 10 best books of 2024 (so far), and they've followed that up with the 10 best books of October.

Beloved TV cook Ina Garten's new memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, nabbed the top spot. Other notable titles include New York Times bestseller The Last One at the Wedding, Civil Rights icon John Lewis' gripping biography, the charming Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, and Trevor Noah's illustrated Into the Uncut Grass. Read on ... and get your reading on!

The Barefoot Contessa is peak comfort TV, and the woman behind the show just released a memoir that pulls the curtain open, revealing exclusive details about her life, marriage and career. "What kept me glued to the page is her grit, kindness, humor and optimism," wrote Seira Wilson, Amazon book editor.

"After reading her story, I wish with all my might that I could be her friend," one reader wrote. "She is wise, caring, sincere, talented and humble. Her story is more than events and experiences." (Get in line: We all want to be friends with Ina!)

$21 at Amazon

If you love a good family drama, this book is right up your alley. Sprinkle in some conspiracy and you've got a book that you won't be able to put down. "It's the tightrope walk between comedy and suspense that will hook readers," Amazon book editor Vanessa Cronin said of this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

"Such well-developed characters with a story that doesn't disappoint," one five-star reviewer wrote. "The bad guys are cool, but really bad, and the good guys are great. The twists in this book are perfectly timed and totally unexpected."

$20 at Amazon

Amazon book editor Lindsay Powers said this is the kind of nonfiction book "you could hand to literally anyone and they would disappear for hours with their head buried in its pages." If that doesn't get you excited, we don't know what will! This New York Times bestseller explores how a small number of people or a tiny action can cause an epidemic. Editors say it's one of those reads that will inspire you to take action.

"Another amazing book by Malcolm Gladwell!" one impressed reader wrote. "He presents different cases of tipping points and brilliantly brings it all together in a thought-provoking manner."

$16 at Amazon

Powers gave this book the ultimate compliment, calling it one of those titles that you just want to "read in a single sitting." The New York Times bestseller takes readers on a journey through Africa, South Carolina, Israel and Palestine and touches on fostering real connections in a fractured world.

"Whatever one's political view, this book resonates as a well-crafted piece of journalism that demonstrates the power of witness and broadening our own experiences in the world," one reader wrote.

$20 at Amazon

Louise Erdrich is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author, and her new title takes place at an ill-advised wedding. It's all about Kismet, who married star athlete Gary, despite being in love with Hugo, a homeschooled loner. (Juicy!) This book is filled with quiet humor and explores enduring themes like trauma, grief, love and forgiveness.

"A one-day read!" one reviewer wrote. "Could not put it down. "The people in this book are real. You care about them. They become family, and, like us, they screw up, then smarten up, then screw up through life."

$23 at Amazon

John Lewis, a leader of the Civil Rights movement, lived an impressive and impactful life, and it's immortalized in this beautiful biography. Amazon Editor Al Woodworth said it best: "This is a man who dedicated his intelligence and body to equality in America, and Greenberg's biography is a worthy and viral artifact of Lewis' legacy."

"This is a rare biography that manages to be thoroughly researched and briskly told at the same time," a five-star reviewer wrote. "The pages on the Civil Rights movement are completely gripping — you can feel yourself at the marches and sit-ins with Lewis himself."

$29 at Amazon

This book follows the story of a reluctant retiree who moves into a senior community in Florida, only to run into the man who broke her heart 60 years ago. The charming tale leads us through main character Augusta's teenage years all up to this fateful moment.

"I like Lynda's way with words," one pleased reader wrote. "Fantastic story! Love the senior, retired angle. That's what I am. Touched my heart."

$19 at Amazon

Who doesn't love a juicy story about unearthed secrets and dark pasts? That's what this chilling book is all about, and Amazon's Wilson said this one "kept me bolt upright, mind whirring, all the way to the end."

"Love a character I love to hate!" wrote one honest reader. "What would happen if a psychopathic narcissist just ... tried to clean up loose ends so she could, you know, just live her best life? Loved every page."

$13 at Amazon

Don't be fooled — while this illustrated book by the former Daily Show host is technically a children's story, it's for everyone. With overarching themes of togetherness, kindness and understanding, it follows a boy and his bear and their journey "beyond the boundaries of their garden gate into the great unknown that is the uncut grass." Looking for a read that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside? This is the one.

"Each of its four chapters is a unique gem, filled with golden nuggets of wisdom and insight that resonated deeply," wrote one touched reviewer. "The story is crafted with such elegance and simplicity, offering tiny treasures of inspiration."

$18 at Amazon

If you're a fan of Tahir's hit novel An Ember in the Ashes, this new title is just for you. It's about three characters who are each on quests for vengeance. "I won't spoil anything, but for those of you whose minds were blown in season one of The Witcher when the dual timelines converged, you are in for one hell of a ride," said Amazon book editor Ben Grange.

"This book hurt my feelings and I want more!" wrote one reader. "Sabaa Tahir does not miss! I have yet to read one of her books that doesn't hook me from beginning to end and completely rips my heart out and has me asking for more!"

$18 at Amazon
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.