150 Most Anticipated Fall Books

by Venita Blackburn

Boldly styled and deeply original. Full review >

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by Myriam J. A. Chancy

A devastating, personal, and vital account. Full review >

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by Dennis Cooper

Spare but powerfully wrought, this is a book that pushes the novel’s capacity to capture grief, love, and truth. Full review >

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by Alexis Daria

A sexy, satisfying romance about people who finally grow into being right for each other. Full review >

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by Anthony Doerr

As the pieces of this magical literary puzzle snap together, a flicker of hope is sparked for our benighted world. Full review >

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by Louise Erdrich

A novel that reckons with ghosts—of both specific people and also the shadows resulting from America’s violent, dark habits. Full review >

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by Jonathan Franzen

Franzen’s intensely absorbing novel is amusing, excruciating, and at times unexpectedly uplifting—in a word, exquisite. Full review >

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by Paul Griffiths

Stylistically rich and thoughtfully conceived historical fiction. Full review >

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by Lauren Groff

Groff’s trademarkworthy sentences bring vivid buoyancy to a magisterial story. Full review >

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by Jo Hamya

Scintillating prose and sly social observation make this novel a tart pleasure. Full review >

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by Anne Mette Hancock ; translated by Tara Chace

Scandinavian noir at its noirest. It’s hard, maybe unthinkable, to imagine how Hancock will follow it up. Full review >

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by Gayl Jones

It is marvelous, in every sense, to have a new Gayl Jones novel to talk about. Full review >

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by Juhea Kim

Gorgeous prose and unforgettable characters combine to make a literary masterpiece. Full review >

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by Eugene Lim

Lim brings together the mundane and the extraordinary to powerful effect. Full review >

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by Jon McGregor

Lyrical and terse, funny and tragic—a marvelous addition to the McGregor canon. Full review >

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by Liane Moriarty

Funny, sad, astute, occasionally creepy, and slyly irresistible. Full review >

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by Ruth Ozeki

Overstuffed, but serious readers will appreciate Ozeki’s passionate engagement with important ideas. Full review >

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by Richard Powers

A touching novel that offers a vital message with uncommon sympathy and intelligence. Full review >

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by Sally Rooney

A novel of capacious intelligence and plenty of page-turning emotional drama. Full review >

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by Gary Shteyngart

The Great American Pandemic Novel only Shteyngart could write, full of hyphenated identities, killer prose, and wild... Full review >

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by Wole Soyinka

Dazzling wordplay and subtle allusion mark this most welcome return to fiction. Full review >

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by Elizabeth Strout

Another skillful, pensive exploration of Strout’s fundamental credo: “We are all mysteries.” Full review >

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by Miriam Toews

Funny and sad and exquisitely tender. Full review >

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by Colm Tóibín

An intriguing view of a writer who well deserves another turn on the literary stage. Full review >

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by Amor Towles

An exhilarating ride through Americana. Full review >

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by Cadwell Turnbull

This is a deeply human story, beautifully and compellingly told. Full review >

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by Colson Whitehead

As one of Whitehead’s characters might say of their creator, When you’re hot, you’re hot. Full review >

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by Joy Williams

An enigmatic, elegant meditation on the end of civilization—if end it truly is. Full review >

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by Hilma Wolitzer

Completing the trajectory of her early triumphs with a pandemic masterpiece, Wolitzer takes our breath away. Full review >

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by Tiphanie Yanique

A rich and honest examination of family histories, cultural disconnection, and the way people fall in love. Full review >

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by William M. Arkin

A maddening, essential study in misinformation, jingoism, bad intelligence, and other hallmarks of the recent American past. Full review >

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by Tarana Burke

An unforgettable page-turner of a life story rendered with endless grace and grit. Full review >

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edited by Kinshasha Holman Conwill & Paul Gardullo

Students of American history and civil rights activists alike will find much of value in this survey. Full review >

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by Patrisse Cullors

A veteran activist’s call to dismantle America’s judicial, law enforcement, and other systems. Full review >

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by Joseph J. Ellis

It’s hard to imagine a better-told brief history of the key years of the American Revolution. Full review >

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by William Evans & Omar Holmon

An exercise in pop-culture criticism that is simultaneously funny, thoughtful, and provocative. Full review >

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by Ada Ferrer

A wonderfully nuanced history of the island nation and its often troubled dealings with its gigantic and voracious neighbor. Full review >

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by Allen C. Guelzo

A fine biography of a flawed American icon. Full review >

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by David Hajdu ; illustrated by John Carey

A sharp account that brings life and light to a period that has gone dark in popular memory. Full review >

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by Joy Harjo

A gorgeous, compassionate memoir from one of America’s greatest living writers. Full review >

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by Kristin Henning

A powerful argument that the legal and social oppression of Black Americans begins at birth. Full review >

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by Toufah Jallow with Kim Pittaway

A fiercely readable, potent memoir of a survivor who refuses to be silenced. Full review >

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by Jackie Kay

Within passionate advocacy such as this, the Empress of the Blues lives on. Full review >

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by Laurence Leamer

Engagingly gossipy, Leamer provides extensive behind-the-scenes peaks into Capote’s tangled social life. Full review >

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by Rick McIntyre

A great choice for anyone who has a fondness for wolves and an appreciation of good natural history. Full review >

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by Maggie Nelson

The subtlety of Nelson's analysis and energy of her prose refresh the mind and spirit. Full review >

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by Susan Orlean

Another winner featuring the author’s trademark blend of meticulous research and scintillating writing. Full review >

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by Ann Patchett

An enviable life shared with candor, emotion, and knockout storytelling power. Full review >

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by Padgett Powell

Memorable reflections on writing and life from an author who pulls no punches. Full review >

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by Sam Quinones

A valuable but overlong overview of an underappreciated drug crisis. Full review >

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by Mary Roach

From the terrifying to the frustrating, a great starting point for understanding the animal world. Full review >

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by Phoebe Robinson

Longtime fans will recognize the hilarity, and newbies will appreciate the frank thoughtfulness. Full review >

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by Alec Ross

A provocative, well-made case for remaking the American way of doing business—and way of life. Full review >

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by Jennifer Rubin

An excellent contribution to the literature of contemporary electoral politics. Full review >

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by Kelefa Sanneh

A pleasure—and an education—for any music fan. Full review >

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by Eli Saslow

An excellent resource full of well-rendered, memorable portraits of ordinary people enduring extraordinary circumstances. Full review >

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by David Sedaris

A rich trove for hardcore Sedaris fans, though no more personally revealing than his well-shaped essays. Full review >

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by Rebecca Solnit

A fine Orwell biography with equally fine diversions into his favorite leisure activity. Full review >

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by Maria Tatar

As Wonder Woman might say, Suffering Sappho! This book is fascinating, fun, and consistently enlightening. Full review >

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by Craig Whitlock

By this authoritative account, the Afghanistan War has been a colossal failure that should have been ended years ago. Full review >

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by Jashar Awan ; illustrated by Jashar Awan

Trying new things can be hard, but it’s worth it (except maybe not furry algae). Full review >

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by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

A powerfully, even divinely told slice of life. Full review >

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by Thu Buu ; illustrated by Bao Luu

A sweet and charming tale that validates different ways of expressing love. Full review >

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by Maxine Beneba Clarke ; illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

An astonishing work of art and a crucial addition to every bookshelf. Full review >

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illustrated by Bryan Collier

This thoughtful work of art comes together with beauty and meaning. Full review >

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by Annie Hunter Eriksen ; illustrated by Lee Gatlin

This high-speed origin story, appropriately enough, is larger than life and almost impossible to believe. Full review >

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by Amanda Gorman ; illustrated by Loren Long

One to keep, to read, and to reread. Full review >

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by Henry Herz ; illustrated by Mercè López

Smoke dissipates quickly, but this poetic text will linger. Full review >

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by Ryan T. Higgins ; illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

A clever, funny prod to do the right thing when changes take root. Full review >

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by Naseem Hrab ; illustrated by Nahid Kazemi

A beautifully poignant celebration of memories of a loved one that live on in those that remain. Full review >

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by Rajani LaRocca ; illustrated by Steven Salerno

A solid introduction to a complex topic. Full review >

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by Kyo Maclear ; illustrated by Gracey Zhang

A must-have celebration of cultural understanding and community—and the joy of family. Full review >

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by Isabelle Marinov ; illustrated by Chris Nixon

Sympathetic and gently insightful. Full review >

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by Yuyi Morales ; illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Utterly beautiful. Full review >

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by Sally Morgan ; illustrated by Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr

Pairing a lilting text and culturally resonant illustrations, this striking work soars. Full review >

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by Julie Morstad ; illustrated by Julie Morstad

This exuberant vehicle will expand the thinking of those just beginning to comprehend clocks and calendars. Full review >

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by Nabela Noor ; illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

A spunky and sincere picture book about body positivity. Full review >

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by Hiroshi Osada ; illustrated by Ryōji Arai ; translated by David Boyd

Wondrous. Full review >

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by Kathryn Otoshi ; illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi

A sensitively told conversation starter for children about abuse, power dynamics, and compassion. Full review >

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by Debora Pearson ; illustrated by Shrija Jain

A frank and optimistic picture book about learning to live in a new language. Full review >

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by Anitra Rowe Schulte ; illustrated by Ziyue Chen

A heartwarming portrayal of a family embracing disability. Full review >

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by Sunshine Tenasco ; illustrated by Chief Lady Bird

One gutsy girl leads the way. Full review >

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by Isabel Thomas ; illustrated by Daniel Egnéus

An adept and impressive handling of a sensitive subject. Full review >

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by Schele Williams ; illustrated by Tonya Engel

A truly powerful perspective shift. Full review >

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by Lee Wind ; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy

The true meaning of the holiday season shines here. Full review >

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by Wai Mei Wong ; illustrated by Tamara Campeau

This tale compassionately guides young readers to face their fears. Full review >

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by Dan Yaccarino ; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Resonant and reassuring. Full review >

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by Kao Kalia Yang ; illustrated by Rachel Wada

A visually striking, compelling recollection. Full review >

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by Yeorim Yoon ; illustrated by Jian Kim ; translated by Chi-Young Kim

Comforting as a cup of flower tea shared with a friend. Full review >

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by Ibi Zoboi ; illustrated by Loveis Wise

Zoboi’s poetic retrospective breathes life into Black history narratives and reverently celebrates Black lives. Full review >

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by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson ; illustrated by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

Nothing will stop readers from devouring this book. Full review >

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by Caroline Adderson

A compelling montage of stories that will leave readers wanting to know more about each character. Full review >

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by Alejandra Algorta ; translated by Aida Salazar ; illustrated by Iván Rickenmann

An unmissable tale about loss and reclamation. Full review >

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by Shane Arbuthnott

Superpowered fun with depth besides. Full review >

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by Schuyler Bailar

Energizing and compassionate. Full review >

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by Tracey Baptiste ; illustrated by Hillary D. Wilson

Game changing. Full review >

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by Natasha Farrant

Inspiring, memorable, and adventurous: classic storytelling. Full review >

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by Rosena Fung ; illustrated by Rosena Fung

Elevates the graphic novel genre with its heartfelt focus on mental health and immigrant experiences. Full review >

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by Joanna Grochowicz ; illustrated by Sarah Lippett

An unusually vivid retelling of the epic survival tale. Full review >

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by Kyoko Hara ; illustrated by Kazue Takahashi ; translated by Alexandrea Mallia

A charming story of everyday life with a hint of magic. Full review >

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by Veera Hiranandani

A powerful blend of important themes and everyday triumphs and sorrows. Full review >

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edited by Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson

Both brilliant and bristling in its purpose. Full review >

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by Varian Johnson

A story about showing great courage and perseverance when life gets shuffled. Full review >

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edited by Dan SaSuWeh Jones ; illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre

Valuable both for its broad range and shivery appeal. Full review >

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by Torben Kuhlmann ; illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann ; translated by David Henry Wilson

Another milestone in human-mouse collaboration, virtuosic of visuals and tongue in cheek of tone. Full review >

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by Sophie Labelle ; translated by Andrea Zanin

A bright and open story. Full review >

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by Hope Larson ; illustrated by Rebecca Mock

Unusual and excellent, containing wonder within. Full review >

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by Lori M. Lee

A classic, satisfying adventure tale packed with magical beings. Full review >

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by Suzanne Meade

Gripping and strengthening. Full review >

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by Christy Mihaly ; illustrated by Mariona Cabassa

Oceanic in scope—but clear and refreshing. Full review >

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by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev

A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story. Full review >

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by Sara Pennypacker ; illustrated by Jon Klassen

An impressive sequel. Full review >

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by Elisa Sabatinelli ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ; translated by Christopher Turner

Beautiful, remarkable, amazing, and wonderful in every way. Full review >

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by Michal Skibinski ; illustrated by Ala Bankroft ; translated by Eliza Marciniak

If adults assist with historical context, an artistic and not-too-scary introduction to war’s onset. Full review >

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by Pam Smy ; illustrated by Pam Smy

Atmospherically heartfelt and cathartic. Full review >

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by J. Torres ; illustrated by David Namisato

An emotional, much-needed historical graphic novel. Full review >

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by Anne Ursu

A wonderful and inspiring feminist fantasy. Full review >

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by Padma Venkatraman

A gritty story filled with hope and idealism. Full review >

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by Jeska Verstegen ; translated by Bill Nagelkerke

Multigenerational trauma artfully revealed from a child’s point of view. Full review >

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by Chuck Wendig

Nothing like shared brushes with horrible, agonizing death to draw seemingly incompatible characters together, right? Full review >

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by Mari Ahokoivu ; translated by Silja-Maaria Aronpuro ; illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu

Dark, complex, and gratifying. Full review >

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by Harmony Becker ; illustrated by Harmony Becker

An unforgettable story of personal growth in an exquisitely rendered setting. Full review >

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by Cristin Bishara

A heroic tale that feels both classic and fresh. Full review >

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by Kendare Blake

An insightful look at our morbid curiosity about murderers. Full review >

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by Candace Buford

Sports’ biggest social movement moment of the decade gets a special homage. Full review >

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by A.R. Capetta

This sweet story shows that relationships don’t follow a recipe. Full review >

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by Hannah Capin

A fierce, chilling, winding mystery. Full review >

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by Brandy Colbert

A compelling recounting that invites and encourages readers to grapple with difficult history. Full review >

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by Michelle Coles ; illustrated by Justin Johnson

A dynamic look at how the past informs the future. Full review >

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by Brittney Cooper & Chanel Craft Tanner & Susana Morris

A necessary life companion for readers of all backgrounds. Full review >

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by Heather Demetrios

A remarkable telling of an extraordinary woman. Full review >

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by Cherie Dimaline

A spellbinding sequel. Full review >

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by Kathleen Glasgow

Necessary, important, honest, loving, and true. Full review >

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by Ayana Gray

A dazzling debut. Full review >

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by Carly Heath ; illustrated by Lisa Perrin

A tender tale of queer love, disability, and self-discovery. Full review >

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by Priya Huq ; illustrated by Priya Huq

Remarkable storytelling presents a multilayered struggle around identity and power in an anti-Muslim climate. Full review >

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by Shaun David Hutchinson

A delight. Full review >

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by Kwame Ivery

A timely exploration of the state of American politics. Full review >

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by Tiffany D. Jackson

Begs to be finished in one sitting, though maybe with the lights kept on. Full review >

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by Jodi Kantor & Megan Twohey ; adapted by Ruby Shamir

A timely, critical read about the ways power and privilege work in our society. Full review >

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by Wab Kinew

A thrilling, high-tech page-turner with deep roots. Full review >

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by Darcie Little Badger

A coming-of-age story that beautifully combines tradition and technology for modern audiences. Full review >

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by Tim Lockette

Wry, engrossing, even occasionally funny—right up to a gut-wrenching capper. Full review >

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by Makiia Lucier

A well-balanced and captivating stand-alone fantasy. Full review >

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by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

Utterly compelling. Full review >

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by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Messily human and sincerely insightful. Full review >

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by Breeana Shields

Original, exciting, and magical. Full review >

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by Zack Smedley

Stellar and haunting. Full review >

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by Olivia Stephens ; illustrated by Olivia Stephens

A stirring, eye-catching portrayal of growth. Full review >

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by David Valdes

A great read offering entertainment, encouragement, and plenty to reflect upon. Full review >

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