The 6 best books we read in October 2024, ranked and reviewed
“Society of Lies” by Lauren Ling Brown explores the complexities of truth and deception as its characters navigate a world where appearances can be misleading, ultimately examining the impact of lies on relationships and identity.
Not to mention, this college campus thriller is Reese’s Book Club pick for October. It was juicy, engaging and a *thick* read, perfect for cozying up on the couch.'‘
- Victoria Giardina, journalist for NYPost.com
New York Post
Belonging, Multiracial Identity, and Sisterhood in Dark Academia
“If you were accepted into your dream college and tapped for its most exclusive society, how far would you go to belong?
My debut novel, Society of Lies, asks that question. A dark academia set at Princeton, Society of Lies follows multiracial sisters who get involved in a corrupt secret society. Their story, told in alternating past/present perspectives, is meant to entertain, but also to encourage conversation around difficult topics: the sisters’ relationship, the feeling of being “other,” and the sacrifices they make to belong.”
Novel Suspects
USC Alumni Spotlight
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Q8: You’ve expressed a commitment to creating work that amplifies underrepresented voices and drives social change. In tangible terms, what does this mission mean to you? How do you envision elevating marginalized voices through your literary and visual storytelling?
LLB: One of the main reasons I write is to center stories around women’s experiences — mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, and to highlight narratives about women of color. I want to show the depth and nuance of our experiences and affirm that our stories deserve to be told. In addition to that, I hope to inspire other young women to pursue their own creative journeys. That’s a huge part of why I write and what I feel is important about being a creative. This means helping other women and building community.
Our October Pick: Society of Lies
“This gripping thriller follows Maya as she returns to Princeton for her sister’s graduation…If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read!”
- Reese Witherspoon
Reese’s Book Club
How Writing Pulled Me Out of a Difficult Time and Became My Debut Novel
One night…we were lying in bed, and I was wondering if I was falling in love with him when he asked me about my writing—he was reading one of my old screenplays. I told him it was just for fun. Maybe someday when I’m old I’ll write a novel, I said.
And he said…Why not now?
- Lauren Ling Brown
She Writes
October Thrillers Keeping Us Up At Night
With an assured narrative voice and beautifully evocative prose writing, Lauren Ling Brown’s dark academia debut provides intrigue aplenty while doubling as an astute interrogation of the myth of meritocracy in higher education and the underlying racism and misogyny that shape our culture. Society of Lies achieves a beautiful balancing act: a social thriller teeming with both brains and heart.
- Greg Wands, internationally best-selling co-author with Elizabeth McCullough Keenan
