Staff Picks
The Best Upcoming Books To Read and Gift
Our staff’s most anticipated reads of the season, from perfect presents to personal picks
Fall is here, and for those of us who work in publishing, that means one thing: big book releases! We’re readers just like you, so believe us when we say that we’ve got a big to-be-read pile and keep adding more. We’re also already looking forward to giving loved ones something to read for the holidays – it’s never too early to plan your gift list! With that in mind, we asked our staff members for some recommendations. Find out what these bookish people are most excited to read and gift this holiday season!
“I’m excited for Jodi Picoult’s new book, The Book of Two Ways! I love the way Jodi tackles difficult subjects through engaging, unpredictable stories. Her books are always thought-provoking and I’m eager to see what’s next!”
-Abby Mallick
“I read the first book in the series, Well Met, last fall and was surprised by how much I loved it! I’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire before, but a romance set at one was absolutely delightful. The follow up, Well Played, is about a new couple at the faire, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!”
-Sarah Mangiola
“I’m picking Simmer Down by Sarah Smith. 2020 has been a rough year, to say the least, and I’ve enjoyed escaping it by diving into romantic comedies that explore diverse perspectives. Simmer Down features all of my favorite things: food trucks, enemies into lovers, and a gorgeous setting (Hawaii)—can you ask for anything more in a fun book?”
-Christine Hung
“Homegoing was my favorite book of 2016 and I’ve been anxiously waiting to see what Yaa Gyasi does next. Transcendent Kingdom has already received amazing reviews from authors like Roxanne Gay and Ann Patchett and I can’t wait to dive in!”
-Rachel Krupitsky
“Obviously I’m not the only person who loved Bryan Washington’s Lot—it was on President Obama’s list of his 2019 favorites—so I’m sure I’m one of many eagerly awaiting their pre-ordered copy of Memorial. In Lot, a story collection, Washington so fully fleshed out the city of Houston through his characters and I’m excited to see how he approaches it through a novel, which takes place in both Houston again and Osaka, Japan.”
-Lynn Rickert
“Eula Biss is a brilliant writer, and I will happily read anything she does. Her new book is an examination of affluence, capitalism, and class, and how it manifests in her own life. You will feel smarter and be a more observant human after reading it.”
– Richard Wylde
Looking for even more inspiration? There are page-turners coming out this season for every kind of reader. Don’t blame us if you run out of shelf-space!
