October is one of my favorite months of the year. The air starts to cool and the leaves begin to change. Everything is lovely and cozy, with Halloween capping off the month with some mischief and fun. It’s the perfect time to find a favorite pair of tall boots, plug in earphones, and enjoy the crisp fall weather with amazing listens. Here are a few recommendations:
John Green is back. I repeat, John Green is back! The New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars returns with his first novel in six years, Turtles All the Way Down. It tells the story of sixteen-year-old Aza, who has obsessive compulsive disorder, but is on the case to solve the mystery of a billionaire fugitive. A true wordsmith, Green delivers a charming and sweet tale about the complexities of giving and receiving the love of our family and friends. Narrated by Kate Rudd, this heartwarming story is a must listen.
Niall Horan’s debut solo album may not be out yet (available on October 20th), but the three singles he’s released in the last year have built up a ton of anticipation. A member of One Direction, Horan has recently come into his own as a singer-songwriter. When the song This Town came out in the fall of 2016, fans were charmed by the soft melody and melancholy lyrics. While the chart-topping Slow Hands received high praise, it’s his latest single, Too Much to Ask, that really showcases his potential as a solo artist. Too Much to Ask has a maturity that reminds me more of a John Mayer song than a boy band ballad. I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the record!
Wendy Zukerman is back with a new season of Gimlet Media’s Science Vs. A podcast for fans of Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson, this show looks at trends, current events, and socio-political questions from a scientific perspective. Can we achieve 100% renewable energy? Find out with this recent episode. What I love most about this podcast is how passionate Wendy is about her work. Her enthusiasm really comes across in the recordings. Science Vs is informative, fun, and sharp.