Discover New Books, Music, and Events for October 2025

As students return to campus after the fall break, adjusting back to academic life can be challenging. The transition from social outings in New York and local fall festivals to the demands of homework and exams can be abrupt. To ease this transition, here are some recommendations for viewing, reading, and listening this week.

This October, mystery takes center stage. For those seeking an engaging series, consider “Lazarus,” an original mini-series on Amazon Prime. This show chronicles the journey of a man facing profound personal loss while encountering mysterious and unsettling events. It is an ideal way to ease into the Halloween spirit.

Many of us were introduced to Harper Lee”s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” during our high school years. Whether you appreciated it then or not, her latest posthumous work, “The Land of Sweet Forever,” is a collection of short fiction and nonfiction that deserves attention from both fans and critics alike.

For a lively addition to your playlist, college students should check out the latest album “The BakKery” by cupcakKe. Known for energizing parties, her new release is perfect for both social gatherings and late-night drives with the sunroof open.

Fans of literature and history will be thrilled with an upcoming event as part of The Writing Seminars” Reading Series. Paul Muldoon will present “A History of Ireland in Ten Poems,” capturing significant historical moments in verse from the Viking era to contemporary times. This interdisciplinary evening promises to be enlightening and engaging.

If these suggestions do not align with your interests or schedule, a comprehensive list of recommendations awaits:

What to Watch

  • “Lazarus,” created by Harlan Coben and Daniel Brocklehurst — October 22
  • “The Road,” directed by Sam Wrench — October 19
  • “Hedda,” directed by Nia DaCosta — October 22
  • “Mitski: The Land,” directed by Grant James — October 22
  • “Shelby Oaks,” directed by Chris Stuckmann — October 24

What to Read

  • “The Land of Sweet Forever,” by Harper Lee — October 21
  • “Big Kiss, Bye-Bye,” by Claire-Louise Bennett — October 21
  • “Crawl: Stories,” by Max Delsohn — October 21
  • “The Widow: A Novel,” by John Grisham — October 21

What to Listen To

  • “The BakKery,” by cupcakKe — October 24
  • “Oblivion,” by Alice Phoebe Lou — October 24
  • “It”s Not That Deep,” by Demi Lovato — October 24
  • “Good Story,” by Eliza McLamb — October 24
  • “THOSE WHO ARE AGAINST US ALL THE TIME,” by Internet Girl — October 24

Upcoming Live Events

  • Paul Muldoon: “A History of Ireland in Ten Poems” — October 22 from 6-7 PM in Gilman Hall 50 (free event)
  • Nosferatu at Night — October 22 from 6-8 PM at Evergreen Museum & Library (ticket prices vary; $7 for J-Card holders, registration required)
  • Moira Egan and Allison Wilkins: “The Furies” — October 24 at 6 PM at Bird in Hand (free with registration)

Whether you are seeking a new binge-worthy series, a captivating book, or live events to attend, October offers plenty to explore and enjoy.