This October, Pan Macmillan India brings a diverse and compelling collection of reads that span genres, cultures, and conversations. From darkly seductive fiction and heartwarming tales of memory and food, to groundbreaking investigations and thought-provoking insights into money, technology, and identity — these books promise to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. Whether you’re looking for emotional YA romance, gripping non-fiction, cozy mysteries, or radical rethinks of modern life, the October List has something for every kind of reader.

Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake

In Girl Dinner, bestselling author Olivie Blake serves up a darkly delicious tale of ambition, feminine rage, and sinister sisterhood. The story follows Nina Kaur, a sophomore desperate for a fresh start, and Dr. Sloane Hartley, a struggling new mother and adjunct professor, as they both become entangled with The House — the most elite sorority on campus. Behind its glossy perfection lies a seductive and brutal wellness trend that feeds on the desire for power, protection, and belonging. As both women are drawn deeper into The House’s disturbing rituals, they must confront how much they’re willing to sacrifice — or consume — to get a seat at the table. A biting exploration of womanhood, status, and the cost of success, Girl Dinner is a dark feminist feast you won’t forget.

Every Screen on the Planet by Emily Baker-White:

Every Screen on the Planet is a gripping investigative account of TikTok’s meteoric rise and the hidden forces behind its global dominance. Journalist and former lawyer Emily Baker-White traces how ByteDance CEO Zhang Yiming turned TikTok into the world’s most addictive app, powered by a revolutionary recommendation algorithm. But beneath the surface lies a darker story — one of surveillance, censorship, and international power struggles. Drawing on leaked documents, insider testimony, and her own experience being tracked by the company, Baker-White reveals how TikTok became a battleground between China and the West, and how your attention became the world’s most valuable — and vulnerable — commodity.

The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel:

In The Art of Spending Money, bestselling author Morgan Housel explores how to use money not just to build wealth, but to live a more meaningful and happier life. Blending psychology with personal finance, Housel dives into why we often make irrational spending decisions and how emotions, expectations, and social pressures shape our financial behavior. With clear insights and practical wisdom, he guides readers to spend more intentionally — not on what looks good, but on what truly brings joy and lasting satisfaction. A thoughtful, human-centered take on money, happiness, and living well.

The Emergent Mind by Gaurav Suri and Jay McClelland:

The Emergent Mind explores how intelligence — both human and artificial — arises from the interactions of simple elements, a concept known as emergence. Cognitive scientists Gaurav Suri and Jay McClelland delve into how thoughts, emotions, and decision-making emerge from neural networks in the brain, and how similar processes underpin modern AI. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and AI research, the book offers a compelling look at what it means to have a mind, how context and experience shape cognition, and where the lines between human and machine intelligence begin to blur. Clear, thought-provoking, and essential reading in the age of AI.

The Menu of Happiness by Hisashi Kashiwai:

In The Menu of Happiness, the third installment of Hisashi Kashiwai’s heartwarming Kamogawa Diner series, a father-daughter duo in Kyoto solve emotional mysteries through food. As “food detectives,” they recreate dishes from their customers’ pasts, unlocking lost memories, healing old wounds, and rekindling forgotten love. From yakisoba tied to a pianist’s lost romance to gyoza evoking long-buried regrets, each meal serves as a gateway to nostalgia and redemption. Blending gentle mystery, culinary delight, and emotional resonance, this cozy Japanese tale is a comforting exploration of memory, forgiveness, and the power of food to nourish the soul.

It’s Not About the Money by Carl Richards:

It’s Not About the Money is a bold, insightful, and visually engaging book that challenges everything you think you know about personal finance. Through 101 simple sketches and sharp essays, Carl Richards — renowned financial planner and New York Times columnist — shifts the focus from numbers to human behavior. With humor and clarity, he explores the emotional and psychological side of money: our fears, habits, comparisons, and flawed expectations. This isn’t a guide to getting rich — it’s an invitation to get honest. Honest about what money really means to you, and how it can serve a more intentional, fulfilling life.

You’ve Found Oliver by Dustin Thao:

In You’ve Found Oliver, Dustin Thao delivers another poignant and magical YA romance that explores grief, healing, and unexpected connection. A year after his best friend Sam’s death, Oliver continues texting Sam’s old number — never expecting a reply. But when he accidentally calls it, someone picks up. That someone is Ben, a college student who’s unknowingly been receiving Oliver’s heartfelt messages for months. As their lives collide and a deep bond forms, a magical twist threatens their growing relationship. Tender, emotional, and filled with quiet hope, this companion to You’ve Reached Sam is a story of love after loss — and the beauty of second chances.