What I Read in October 2025
October’s reads were all about strong women: in art, in ambition, and in reinvention. From the emotionally charged love story of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, to the darkly addictive Everyone Is Lying to You, and finally, Gwyneth: The Biography, which peels back the layers of one of Hollywood’s most polarizing figures. Each book delivered something unique. Drama, depth, and a dose of empowerment made this a standout month of reading.
For more recommendations, don’t forget to check out my Bookshelf page!
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Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
I blew through this book on the plane — it was better than any movie I could have watched (though I did pause to sneak in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning because, priorities). I’ve always been fascinated by the “trad wife” influencer world, and Jo Piazza dives right into that space.
This suspenseful story follows two estranged college best friends, Bex and Lizzie. Lizzie has become a mega “momfluencer” in the trad wife community, and when she invites Bex, now a journalist, to interview her at a major influencer conference, things take a dark turn. Lizzie’s husband is found murdered, Lizzie disappears, and Bex uses her investigative instincts to uncover what’s really going on. It’s smart, fast-paced, and full of twists that feel uncomfortably close to reality. I couldn’t put it down.
Gwyneth the Biography by Amy Odell
There are two camps when it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow — you either love her or you don’t. I fall firmly in the “love her” camp. I’ve followed her for years, and while I don’t always agree with everything she says or does, I find her endlessly fascinating.
Amy Odell’s biography takes us from Gwyneth’s childhood through her GOOP empire, offering a thoughtful look at how she’s shaped her own narrative over the years. This is an unauthorized biography, Odell didn’t have access to Gwyneth or her team, which makes the research and perspective all the more impressive. What stood out to me most is how intentional Gwyneth is about every aspect of her image. It’s a long read, but a fascinating one, and I came away with a newfound appreciation for her drive and business savvy.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
An impulsive marriage between Cleo, a 26-year-old artist, and Frank, a successful 40-something, sets off a chain of events that ripple through their circle of friends over the course of a year. The story becomes a fascinating portrait of relationships, identity, and the messy beauty of being human. Every character is damaged and flawed, but that’s what makes them so compelling and real.
Through Coco Mellors’ sharp, observant writing, we become voyeurs into their lives, witnessing love, loneliness, addiction, and the need of wanting to be understood. It’s equal parts emotional, dramatic, and darkly funny. This is the kind of book that lingers long after you close it. I loved this one and found myself wanting more.
