November Reading Goals and October Book Wrap-Up
Reflecting on horror reads and planning upcoming literary challenges for the year-end.
1Year-End Reading Momentum
As 2026 nears its conclusion, readers are evaluating their progress on the annual Read Harder Challenge. With only two months remaining, many are assessing whether they will meet their established literary goals. This period serves as a critical checkpoint for those committed to diversifying their reading habits before the calendar year ends.
2October Horror Highlights
October featured a focus on queer horror, including Rosie Sycamore’s My Violent Muse, a dark thriller exploring obsession and female rage. The month also included a 24-hour readathon, which facilitated the completion of several graphic novels. These selections provided a mix of psychological intensity and thematic exploration throughout the busy autumn season.
3Graphic Novel Adaptations
The graphic novel adaptation of Mister Magic, created by Kiersten White and the Fish team, successfully translated the original narrative into a visual format. The story serves as an extended metaphor for religious experiences, specifically Mormonism, through the lens of a lost children’s television show, evoking strong emotional responses during late-night reading.
4Chuck Tingle's Unique Style
Chuck Tingle’s horror novel Fabulous Bodies continued the author's signature blend of zany humor, gory imagery, and heartfelt storytelling. While not the author's strongest work according to the reviewer, the book maintained a consistent emotional resonance. It highlights the trend of horror literature increasingly incorporating poignant, tear-jerking moments alongside traditional scares.
5Gothic Fiction Evaluation
Avery Curran’s Spoiled Milk was selected to satisfy the gothic novel requirement of the reading challenge. While the book excelled in creating a dense, atmospheric environment and featured a compelling toxic romance, the conclusion failed to meet expectations. This highlights the common difficulty of maintaining narrative quality in contemporary gothic fiction.
6Psychological and Monster Horror
Mathilda Zeller’s It Looks Like You in the Dark, a Native Alaskan horror novel, provided a surprising and off-putting experience for the reader. The work is recommended for those who appreciate a combination of monster-centric tropes and psychological tension, marking it as a standout addition to the October horror reading list.
7November Reading Strategy
November plans are intentionally scaled back due to a busy schedule, focusing on manageable goals like Rebecca Thorne’s cozy sapphic sci-fi novel, Moss’d in Space. This selection is specifically chosen to fulfill the space-themed requirement of the Read Harder Challenge, balancing the need for progress with the reality of limited personal time.
8Graphic Novel Series Focus
The upcoming reading list prioritizes the completion of the How Do We Relationship? manga series by Tamifull, borrowed from the library. Additionally, Yudori’s Raging Clouds is slated for review, noted for its historical queer themes and visual appeal. These graphic novels represent the primary focus for the final months of 2026.
Original article: Book Riot — November Reading Goals and October Book Wrap-Up