What We’re Listening To: Nosha’s October Picks
Hey, I’m Nosha, the Marketing and Social Media Intern at Penguin Random House Audio. For me, fall always feels like the perfect time to hit play. The nights seem to stretch a little longer, the air smells like rain, and that keeps me reaching for listens that feel both comforting and thrilling. From moody audiobooks to albums that are on a constant replay, here’s everything that’s been keeping me company lately.
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
A vampire story set in 1840’s Mexico? That’s an automatic yes from me! The Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas caught my attention right away because who doesn’t love vampires, especially when you mix in history, romance, and a little gothic mystery? The whole vibe is eerie and romantic, with two star crossed lovers trying to survive both war and, well, vampires.
It’s such a perfect fall listen, especially for October when you’re craving something a little chilling but still emotional. The audiobook is a duet narration and both narrators captured the tension and heart of the story perfectly. There’s one scene where the characters get cornered by vampires, and I was sitting in bed completely tense, whispering “please make it out.” I don’t know if I’d particularly recommend listening to this one before bedtime if you are easily unnerved.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
There’s something about dark fantasy (or just fantasy in general) that feels made for fall, and Blood Over Bright Haven completely delivered. I’ll be honest, I’m a little picky when it comes to fantasy because I’ve read so much of it that I can spot similarities in plot and world building instantly. But I knew M.L. Wang, the author of one of my past six star reads The Sword of Kaigen, wouldn’t disappoint.
It starts out slowly, then suddenly pulls you in and refuses to let go. What begins as a dark academia fantasy with an intricate magic system turns into something so much deeper, exploring power, prejudice, and humanity. The main character’s journey made me reflect on my own in surprising ways. The narration, done by Moira Quirk, brings it all to life perfectly, adding the exact intensity and emotion this story deserves.
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan
A book set in a cabin outside Tennessee? That’s instant fall vibes for me. Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan, narrated by Matt Haynes and Adenrele Ojo, was such an unexpectedly fantastic listen.
On the surface, it sounds like a romance (and it is, a spicy one at that) but it’s also very much a second coming-of-age. It’s about healing, identity, and finding yourself again after heartbreak. This story will frustrate you, but in the best way. You’ll want to yell at the main character Eve, then hug her a few chapters later because her growth feels so raw and real. The way Eve navigates her relationship with her parents hits home in a way that felt honest and familiar, like watching pieces of my own experience play out. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emption from start to finish, one that’ll probably make you rage, cry, reflect, and smile all at once.
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
I don’t know about everyone else, but It’s an Olivia Dean Autumn in my world. I first discovered her back in 2023 with the song “Carmen” and I knew right away she’d be an artist to watch. So, when her album The Art of Loving dropped, I hit play immediately. This album feels like a love letter to warmth, honesty, and vulnerability. Songs like “The Man I Need,” “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” “Nice to Each Other,” and “Let Alone the One You love” have been on repeat for me. The whole project has this nostalgic early 2000s rom-com feel which I absolutely ADORE. Olivia’s voice is so refreshing, it’s almost like a warm hug for your ears and there’s this sincerity in her lyrics that just hits you with every listen. I’ve been listening to this album nonstop since it came out, from mornings to quiet nights. It’s real, it’s honest, and it’s the perfect soundtrack for fall.
Stick Season by Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan just is fall to me. His Stick Season album has also been my go-to soundtrack lately, especially songs like “You’re Gonna Go Far,” “The View Between Villages,” “Everywhere, Everything,” and “Northern Attitude” (the Hozier version obviously). The whole album captures that cozy nostalgic feeling of change and the way fall makes you feel both reflective and hopeful all at once. My favorite lyrics are from the song “Everywhere, Everything” in which Kahan says, “…want to love you until we’re food for the worms to eat, until our fingers decompose, keep my hand in yours.” It’s morbidly romantic, a little existential, and beautifully human. I’m a hopeless romantic, so I absolutely devour lyrics like that. I played this album nonstop when I visited London last August, so now every listen takes me back to wandering through bookstores and coffee shops with my sister.
