Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party [1].
Summer [2] is great, but who doesn't love Fall? Is there anything better than curling up beside the fire [3] with a book? OK, yes, taking a long, warm bath [4] with a great read is pretty wonderful, too. Are you sensing a trend here? Everything is better with a book! So after you take that hay ride [5], grab a pumpkin spice latte [6] and get comfortable. I've got the definitive list of what to read this season — and trust me, you're not going to want to miss a single one.
The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White, out Sept. 4
From the writing team that brought you The Forgotten Room [7] comes another must-read collaboration. In 2013, a writer grapples with her next project. Does an old chest that belonged to her great-grandfather, who died when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat, hold the answer? In 1915, a socialite's marriage is in trouble, and a con woman is planning one last heist. How these three stories come together is just part of the fun — beautifully written, masterfully plotted, The Glass Ocean [8] is utterly unputdownable.
The Stylist by Rosie Nixon, out Sept. 4
When 20-year-old Amber Green lands a gig as the assistant to a Hollywood stylist, she finds herself in a whirlwind of movie stars, red carpets, and crazy demands. The Stylist [9] is written by Hello! Magazine Editor in Chief Rosie Nixon, so you can be assured it will have a heavy dose of fun, gossip, and fashion. Perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada [10].
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, out Sept. 4
April 1942. A young Slovakian Jew is forced from his home and taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau. There, he becomes the Tatowierer, the man responsible for marking the bodies of his fellow prisoners. But one day, he tattoos the arm of a woman named Gita and falls instantly in love. Will he ever see her again? Can love endure in such a horrible place? The Tattooist of Auschwitz [11] is the story of hope and survival against incredible odds and the power of love.
Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart, out Sept. 4
Barry Cohen is a hedge fund manager who oversees $2.4 billion in assets. He also is the father to a 3-year-old autistic boy and is being investigated by the SEC. Is it any surprise that he wants to run away from his life? Lake Success [12] follows this insane road trip, as Barry boards a Greyhound to find his old college sweetheart, whom he hasn't spoken to in years. You can always count on Gary Shteyngart for a smart, laugh-out-loud read, and Lake Success is all of those things and more.
The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel That Scandalized the World by Sarah Weinman, out Sept. 11
Part true crime story, part literary mystery, The Real Lolita dives into the connection between the real-life kidnapping of Sally Horner and Vladimir Nabokov's masterpiece, Lolita [13]. Was there no connection between the real-life story and the novel, as Nabokov's wife insisted? Or did this story serve as inspiration, as has been rumoured over the years? Gorgeously written, The Real Lolita [14] reads like a novel and will thrill and captivate readers. I simply couldn't put it down.
The Dinner List by Rebecca Searle, out Sept. 11
You know the game: which five people, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with? For Sabrina, that's an easy one: her best friend, her ex, her estranged father, her favourite college professor, and Audrey Hepburn. On the night of her 30th birthday, Sabrina arrives at her birthday dinner to find each of the people (yes, even Audrey!) on her list at the table. The Dinner List [15] is a deliciously fun novel that explores first love, loss, and how we deal with our pasts.
Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon, out Sept. 18
How much do we love Reese Witherspoon [16]? OK, silly question. We love her so, so much! She does wonders for the book world with her Hello Sunshine Book Club [17], and now she's got a book of her own. In Whiskey in a Teacup [18], Reese shares deeply personal stories about her life in the South and offers up her best advice on entertaining and life in general (yes, there's even a detailed description on how to hot roller your hair, Reese Witherspoon [19] style!). It contains nearly 50 recipes, making it the perfect book to buy for yourself, and also a friend.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry, out Oct. 2
C.S. Lewis: the creator of the wondrous world of Narnia [20]. You may be familiar with his work, but do you know his story? When he begins a correspondence with the poet and writer Joy Davidman, they have no idea where these letters will lead them. Becoming Mrs. Lewis [21] tells the story of their great love story, beautifully written and expertly researched.
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult, out Oct. 2
Jodi Picoult always tackles hot-button issues, and this book is no exception. In A Spark of Light [22], Picoult takes us behind the scenes of an abortion clinic, where a distraught man has opened fire. The hostage negotiator arrives at the scene, only to discover that his very own daughter is inside. Going back in time one hour at a time, Picoult dives into the lives of all of the people inside the clinic — including the gunman — and we learn that things are not always as they appear at first glance. An important and thoughtful read that is perfect for book clubs looking for deep conversations.
The Witch Elm by Tana French, out Oct. 9
When Toby is awoken by burglars, they beat him to within an inch of his life and leave him for dead. Recovery is slow, and with his memory betraying him, Toby takes refuge at his family's ancestral home, Ivy House. When a skull is found in the trunk of a wych elm tree in the backyard, accusations fly and the house is turned into a crime scene. How much does Toby really know about his past? The Witch Elm [23] is a thrilling novel about privilege, family lore, and perception.
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak, out Oct. 9
Fans of the acclaimed novel The Book Thief [24] have been waiting over 10 years for the follow-up to the international bestseller. With Bridge of Clay [25], the wait is now over. Zusak brings readers the epic tale of the five Dunbar brothers and the centre of that family, Clay. Told in the signature style he became famous for in The Book Thief, Bridge of Clay is a story about a boy in search of a miracle.
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand, out Oct. 9
What do you do once you've become queen of the Summer novel [26] and mastered the art of the Christmas novel [27]? You start a new series, of course! This Fall, the incomparable Elin Hilderbrand brings us to St. John for the first novel in her new The Paradise series. In Winter in Paradise [28], Irene Steele is awoken by a late-night phone call, informing her that her husband has died. But what was he doing on St. John Island? And what else will she discover when she travels to the Caribbean to sort everything out? Another compulsively readable hit by Hilderbrand.
My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper, out Oct. 9
You know and love the adorable Ellie Kemper from your favourite shows The Office [29] and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt [30], and now she's written a collection of essays, My Squirrel Days [31]. Recalling stories from different points in her life, from her childhood to moving to Los Angeles, her charm and warmth are on full display. Be prepared to fall even more in love with Kemper.
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, out Oct. 9
"Today is going to be an amazing day and here's why." The blockbuster musical Dear Evan Hansen [32] is now a novel! The creators of the show, Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, got together with Val Emmich, author of The Reminders [33], to create Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel [34]. This young adult coming-of-age novel is for readers of all ages, and fans of the show will be thrilled to see extra scenes inspired by cut scenes from the musical, as well as new depths to the characters you've come to love. You will be moved by the world of Evan Hansen.
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, out Oct. 16
The acclaimed writer of The Poisonwood Bible [35] returns this Fall with another epic novel. In alternating chapters, Unsheltered takes us between two different centuries. In the present timeline, Willa Knox's life is collapsing around her, and so is her home. When she begins to research her house's origins to determine if it might be eligible for a grant due to its historical status, she discovers Thatcher Greenwood and his neighbour Mary Treat, who lived on the property in the 1870s. A must read for book clubs, Unsheltered [36] is bold and political and will leave you thinking about it long after turning the last page.
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott, out Oct. 16
There's nothing like an Anne Lamott book for a source of never-ending inspiration. In Almost Everything, Lamott lays bare her quest for finding hope and along the way offers beautiful bits of advice that you'll want to tattoo on your wrist as a reminder. Almost Everything: Notes on Hope [37] is a balm for the times we're now living in.
One Day in December by Josie Silver, out Oct. 16
When 22-year-old Laurie locks eyes with a man she sees from afar, it's love at first sight. But then the bus she's riding on pulls away, and even though he tries, he doesn't get on it in time. Will they ever see each other again? Told over the course of 10 Christmas seasons, One Day in December [38] is a charming story about love and serendipity for the hopeless romantic in all of us.
The Winters by Lisa Gabriele, out Oct. 16
A young woman is swept off her feet by an older widower. They return to his grand estate, but the ghost of his first wife looms large over everything. Sound familiar? The Winters [39] is inspired by the classic Daphne du Maurier novel Rebecca [40], but it is thoroughly updated for our times and offers new surprises that you won't see coming.
Melmouth by Sarah Perry, out Oct. 16
An unhappy woman living in Prague. A manuscript containing numerous tales with one thing in common: a mysterious figure called Melmoth the Witness. Is Melmoth [41] the thing of fairy tales? Or something real? It's a dark, gothic novel from the author of The Essex Serpent [42] that will have you questioning the nature of good vs. evil.
Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony, out Oct. 16
Violet Baumgartner believes in order. And doing things the right way. Her way. But when a family secret is revealed at her beloved husband's retirement party, her world threatens to spiral out of control, and Violet does not like losing control. Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners [43] is brimming with charm and humour and is the perfect Fall read.
A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler, out Oct. 16
You know the name Vanderbilt. But do you know the story? Alva's family was left with nothing after the devastation of the Civil War. She married into the Vanderbilt family and had much to learn about society, wealth, and power. But she was so much more than just a Gilded Age socialite, and in Therese Anne Fowler's hands, A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts [44] creates a striking portrait of a woman ahead of her time and a true feminist icon.
The Library Book by Susan Orlean, out Oct. 16
Do you remember the first time you visited a public library? Do you still love them? The Library Book [45] is a love letter to libraries, detailing the 1986 fire of the Los Angeles Public Library and its dramatic aftermath. Susan Orlean's nonfiction always reads like a novel, and The Library Book will leave you enthralled.
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy, out Oct. 23
We all know and love the story of Anne of Green Gables [46], the red-haired little girl who comes to live with a brother-sister pair on Prince Edward Island. But did you ever wonder about Marilla's life before Anne? In Marilla of Green Gables [47], Sarah McCoy vividly imagines Marilla's young life in the 19th century. A must read for fans of Anne and historical fiction alike.
Family Trust by Kathy Wang, out Oct. 30
When the head of the Huang family, Stanley, is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it throws the family into flux. There's son Fred, who, despite his Harvard Business School degree, isn't where he wants to be professionally; daughter Kate, who takes care of everyone — her children, her entrepreneur husband, and her demanding boss; ex-wife Linda, who worked hard all her life and might just be ready to find love; and new wife Mary, who takes care of Stanley night and day, doting on him with massages and home-cooked meals. But who will inherit what Stanley promises to be a substantial estate when he's gone? Family Trust [48] is a smart, thoughtful, and funny read that you won't want to put down.
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory, out Oct. 30
A marriage proposal is every girl's dream, isn't it? But what happens when you don't want to say yes? And what happens when you have to say no in front of 45,000 people? Jasmine Guillory delighted readers with her debut, The Wedding Date [49]. The Proposal [50] delivers another charming romance that is flirty and fun.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty, out Nov. 6
Nine Perfect Strangers [51] come to a health resort for 10 days, looking to be relaxed and pampered. Will these guests find everything they are looking for? Or something else entirely? Nicole Kidman [52] has already snapped up the film rights to Nine Perfect Strangers [53], making it this Fall's must-read book!
Becoming by Michelle Obama, out Nov. 13
A memoir by beloved former First Lady Michelle Obama [54]? Sign us up! In Becoming [55], Obama relates deeply personal stories from her life, from her childhood to becoming a mother to her time at the White House. Get ready to be inspired.
Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny, out Nov. 27
Louise Penny returns with another entry in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels: Kingdom of the Blind. When Armand Gamache is invited to an abandoned farmhouse, he's intrigued. After all, he's on suspension, so he's curious to find out what's inside. He learns that he's been named executor to the will of a woman he's never met. Was she mad? Or perfectly sane? Kingdom of the Blind [56] is another intricately plotted escapist mystery from Louise Penny.