At the beginning of each season, I like to share a new reading list — not only for compiling my book recommendations, but for the sake of accountability.
But first, have you ordered my book yet? Have you written a review? I’m in the middle of working on my second book, and I’m hoping to have finished the first draft by the end of the year. Fiction is so challenging, but I can’t wait to share it with you all.
I read some amazing books this summer and you can see the whole list here. Here are my favorites:
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
As one of the best books I’ve ever read, I can’t recommend this enough. I’ll admit — It’s hella long and it starts slow. Once you’re in, you won’t be able to put it down.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
This was definitely the most fun book I’ve read this year. The story of 1940s showgirls was irresistibly entertaining.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
It begins with the Irish gay culture of the 1950s and finishes with the AIDS crisis. How can such hard topics be written so cleverly and hilariously?
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed For Men by Caroline Criado Perez
If you’d like many data points for why we should smash the patriarchy, you should read this. The main fact that has stuck with me is that the “female viagra” has been almost entirely tested on men, and that’s why you never hear about it. Like, what????
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kokl
The body truly does hang onto trauma remarkably well… for better and for worse. This has really helped me with my own mental health journey, and I recommend it for anyone to better understand how trauma affects people.
I already knew I would love this. SO GOOD.
Think Great Gatsby circa 2013 in Montauk. It was the perfect LDW read — light-hearted with serious undertones.
Aaaaand now for what I’m reading this fall!
I never buy books, but I bought this book for myself. It’s a collection of essays for supposedly the prime Millennial.
Many book clubs this month are highlighting the late Toni Morrison.
Yup. Which will be better?
Famous People by Justin Kuritzkes
A funny novel about famous people. Bring it.
A heartbreaking novel about normal people. Also bring it.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The book is told by a dog. I have major puppy fever, so I’m here for it.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
My coworker recommended her favorite biographies, and this was one.
And this was another.
Another recommendation from her, but this is low in priority tbh.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A psychological thriller including therapy.
It’s a new movie, and I’m hoping to read the book first.
An author follows three women’s sex lives. Some journalism, huh?
Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
A fun novel to split up all the intense books on this list.
No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien
As someone who has cried at work more than I would care to admit, I’m eager to read this book about embracing your emotions in the workplace.
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
An ~exploration~ of women’s sexuality.
The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker
All about sparking creativity and joy in the little things of life. There’s a good chance this book will just piss me off, but I’m going to try anyway.
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
A book about psychology, history, and scandals.
As my word of the year, a friend recommended it. I feel like I may have already read it, but clearly I could use another read.
What are you reading this fall? Send me your recommendations as always!
