Fall is usually a good time for books – that’s when the big guys and gals come out to play. This fall is no exception with new books from literary big shots (and book reviewer faves) like Zadie Smith, Michael Chabon, and Junot Diaz. Of course, fan favorites aren’t left out: J.K. Rowling’s venture into “adult” novels, Amanda Hocking’s mainstreaming experiment continues, and the usual from the likes of James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, and Ken Follett. I’ve glanced over a few lists, read a little of BEA’s Book Buzz (filled with excerpts!), chatted with book lovers, and swooned over advanced copies as they’ve made their way through our office. And what am I excited about? Well, folks, there are A LOT of good books out this fall (and a few late summer) so be prepared for a lengthy list.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Semple – At first, I was completely turned off by the Franzen blurb. I’m not a fan of his. BUT I am a fan of epistolary novels and I love the cover. Aug 2012.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller – Post-apocalyptic tale about a pilot. Had me at apocalypse. Aug 2012.
Every Day by David Levithan – I’ve read this one and LOVED IT…can’t resist reminding everyone of how great this book is one more time. Aug 2012
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian – I’ve heard good things from Galley Chatters so I’m very excited about this one even though it’s the first in a series (DOWN WITH SERIES!) and not something I’d usually want to read (it looks very Pretty Little Liars to me). Sept 2012.
The Diviners by Libba Bray – The Twenties, New York, Occult, and LIBBA BRAY! Very exciting, but again…a series. Sept 2012.
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling – Is there ANYONE that’s ever read a book NOT interested in this one? Sept 2012.
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon – It just sounds good and I really like the cover. Sept 2012.
Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures by Emma Straub – The Twenties are really IN this year. After reading Straub’s stories AND loving the glimpse of the ‘20s in The Chaperone, I’m really looking forward to this one. Sept 2012.
Winter of the World by Ken Follett – I’ve loved all of Follett’s historical fiction so I’m especially excited to dive into this one. While the first in the Century Trilogy focused on WWI, this one looks at events occurring through the dropping of the first atomic bombs. Sept 2012.
Vagina: A New Biography by Naomi Wolf – Lady parts are fascinating. Women give life so the more we learn about our special parts, the better, you know? Sept 2012.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan – It’s about a guy in a bookstore and full of geeky goodness (so I’ve heard). Oct 2012.
American Decameron by Mark Dunn – Reason #1: I loved Ella Minnow Pea. Reason #2: I’m really digging short stories lately. Reason #3: It’s 100 stories taking place in a different year of the 20th century and that is COOL. Oct 2012.
Astray by Emma Donoghue – I really enjoyed Room, but I want to read this one because I’m a fan of connected short stories (like You Know When the Men are Gone and A Visit from the Goon Squad). Oct 2012
The Twelve by Justin Cronin – While I’m still a little peeved there’s more story here, I’m really looking forward to where Cronin takes this. Oct 2012
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe – A reading memoir with a side of sad. Shwalbe and his mother start a book club for two after she is diagnosed with cancer. Oct 2012.
Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: A New English Version by Phillip Pullman – I’m a big fan of fairy tales and I LOVE remixes and retellings. I’ve never read Pullman before, but I’m stoked for this. Nov 2012.
Honorable Mentions:
- The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann
- The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo
- Butter by Erin Jade Lange
- The Elephant Keepers’ Children by Peter Hoeg
- Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
- The Woman Who Died A Lot by Jasper Fforde
- The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
- Panorama City by Antoine Wilson
More lists:
- The Flavorpill Fall 2012 Books Forecast via Flavorwire
- Best Books: Fall 2012’s Must-Reads via Huffington Post
- The Best Books of Fall 2012 via Publishers Weekly
- BEA Buzz Books: Excerpts from Over 30 Top Fall 2012 Titles via Publishers Lunch
- Popular Authors Debut New Series This Fall via Yalsa’s THE HUB
If I hear of any other AWESOME fall releases, I’ll be sure to share. What Fall reads are you looking forward to?
There are so many books I want to read from this list! Mostly, The Casual Vacancy and Penumbra.
I have been reading your post via email for quite some time. It occurred to me that I should comment to say that I appreciate all of the suggestions about what to read. I used your blog as a guide to which books are great and popular right now. Thank you.
I have to say that there’s not really very much I’m super jazzed to read this fall. I do have ‘Every Day’ on hold and will also try the Zadie Smith, but there is nothing that is giving me fits of impatience to read. BTW, thanks for your advice about My Fitness Pal – I’ve downloaded it on my phone and will give it a try!