Cozy weather is here — which means it’s time to hunker down with a good read.
Author Harlan Coben stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY to share his book recommendations for October. Expect a spooky book (it’s October, after all), a memoir from a beloved actor and a novel for cat lovers, plus two more picks.
The bestselling author also spilled some details about the upcoming thriller he’s writing with none other than Reese Witherspoon.
Best book to screen/best spooky read for Halloween
”Salem’s Lot (Movie Tie-In)’ by Stephen King
Coben calls “Salem’s Lot” the “straight-up scariest book” he’s ever read. He first read the “King classic” and vampire novel in high school. Now, he’s revisiting “Salem’s Lot” to accompany its October movie adaptation release.
“For a long time after I finished, I was afraid to look at my bedroom window at night,” Coben says. “The dread just mounts and mounts. If I have the courage to watch the new adaptation, it will be during the daytime with all the lights on.”
Best cozy read
‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat’ by Syou Ishida
This “adorable, charming little book” by Syou Ishida is about “a secretive medical clinic that prescribes, yep, cats to cure what ails you,” Coben says.
“I was enchanted by Ishida’s quirky stories about five patients who are helped in mysterious ways,” Coben says, saying that the book is the “perfect gift” for the cat – or dog — lover in your life.
Best memoir
‘The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir’ by Kelly Bishop
Kelly Bishop is known to many as Emily Gilmore in the hit series “Gilmore Girls.” Her memoir shares more of her life experiences and six decades in film and TV.
“What a varied and wonderful career – and life –but more than that, Kelly Bishop is an honest, authentic and compelling voice,” said Coben. Coben recommends listening to the audio book of this memoir, which is narrated by Bishop herself.
Best Nonfiction
‘I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine’ by Daniel J. Levitin
Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin explores the “deep connection between healing and music” in this enthralling read, Coben says.
“Using case studies, historical references and cutting-edge science, Levitin investigates the impact music has on our brains, our health and our desire to be creative,” says Coben. “You won’t look at (listen to?) music the same.”
Best read for kids
‘The Bletchley Riddle’ by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
“The Bletchley Riddle” unfolds over the summer of 1940. Our two heroes, 19-year-old Jacob and his 14-year-old sister Lizzie, are “so good at puzzles and riddles that they join the code-breaking team at Bletchley Park to help the allies win World War II,” Coben says.