Today in Bookish and Literary History, October 10

1967 Borstal Boy by Brendan Behan

The world he entered was brutal and coldly indifferent. Conditions were primitive, and violence simmered just below the surface. Yet Brendan Behan found something more positive than hate in Borstal: friendship, solidarity and healing flashes of kindness. Extraordinarily vivid, fluent, and moving, this is a superb and unforgettable piece of writing.

2018 The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden

After years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. That is, until her personal assistant Monica makes a generous offer that will make all of Abby's dreams come true.

2023 Blackouts by Justin Torres

Out in the desert in a place called the Palace, a young man tends to a dying soul, someone he once knew briefly but who has haunted the edges of his life: Juan Gay.

• Winner of the National Book Award
• Winner of the California Book Award
• Winner of Tournament of Books

2024 There's a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem

The name Dessaintes is one to reckon with. A bombastic, violent and increasingly dangerous clan, little do they know that their downfall is being chronicled by one of their own.

2025 Take Six by Tanya Farrelly

Take Six: Six Irish Women Writers features work by six award-winning Irish writers: Mary O’ Donnell, Mary Morrissy, Geraldine Mills, Nuala O’ Connor, Rosemary Jenkinson and Tanya Farrelly.