New Fiction and Nonfiction Releases for October 2023

David Byrne’s new book, released on October 6, explores remarkable ideas that have fallen out of fashion only to be rediscovered. He describes them as “sleeping beauties,” borrowing a term from researcher Anthony van Raan. The text spans various subjects including Caravaggio, Moby-Dick, and hand-washing, presenting a unique interdisciplinary compendium.

On the same date, T. Geronimo Johnson's novel introduces George Washington Jonson, who becomes a police officer in a setting reminiscent of Atlanta, Georgia. His life takes a dramatic turn when a shooting occurs, disrupting the stability he has built since the events of his award-winning work, Welcome to Braggsville.

Another October 6 release features the story of Livia, a pianist devoted to Bach, whose life is upended by an unexpected call from her former lover, Sigurd, after 25 years apart. As she deliberates whether to rekindle their relationship, she reflects on their passionate past and her personal tragedies, including her brother’s suicide.

Yiyun Li, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize, publishes her historical fiction on October 13. This novel, set in the Romantic era, follows the lives of two piano prodigies, Adelaide Percheron and John Field, as their ambitions lead them in different directions.

Also on October 13, Helen Walters presents a personal exploration of white paint, examining its pervasive influence on design and its unconscious effects through her work, which has been longlisted for the National Book Award in nonfiction.

On October 27, Chad Harbach returns with a sequel to his best seller, The Art of Fielding, set 15 years later at Westish College. The narrative follows Pella Affenlicht, her fiancé Mike Schwartz, and former baseball star Owen Dunne as they navigate their lives and relationships in a familiar yet transformed environment.

Jane Schoenbrun’s debut novel, set to release on October 27, is a suburban sci-fi tale unfolding over decades, revolving around a mysterious TV channel hidden within static. This work takes inspiration from their film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which debuted this summer.