The 24 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2025

Bid farewell to your summertime literature and welcome the eagerly anticipated books of the upcoming autumn! The new releases for this season feature Margaret Atwood’s highly anticipated debut memoir, “Too Big to Fail,” Andrew Ross Sorkin’s in-depth exploration into the 1929 Wall Street crash, and Patricia Lockwood’s thought-provoking sequel to her widely acclaimed 2021 novel, “No One Is Talking About This.

From Labor Day through Thanksgiving, popular historical fiction author Philippa Gregory revisits King Henry VIII’s court with a tale centered around Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law. TIME’s editor at large and bestselling author Jeffrey Kluger provides an engaging account of the least celebrated yet revolutionary space program in American history, as told in his latest work. Elizabeth Gilbert releases her first nonfiction book in ten years, a personal narrative about rediscovering oneself following an overwhelming loss. Salman Rushdie’s newest offering – his third since the 2022 onstage attack – is a compilation of stories delving into life’s last moments.

Discover 24 must-read books for this autumn, ranging from a passionate sequel to Bolu Babalola’s acclaimed 2022 novel “Honey and Spice” to an eco-thriller by the talented writer Megha Majumdar, who penned “A Burning.

Mother Mary Comes to Me, Arundhati Roy (Sept. 2)

In her debut memoir titled “Mother Mary Comes to Me”, Arundhati Roy shares her experiences growing up with her mother, Mary – an influential educator, a formidable women’s rights activist, and as described by her daughter, both “terrifying” and “wonderful”. At the age of 18, Roy left her turbulent home due to her mother’s unpredictable behavior. However, the Booker Prize-winning author also notes that she left in order to continue loving her. This memoir offers a raw insight into the significant impact Mary’s charismatic presence had on Roy’s life, career, and memories.

Sweet Heat, Bolu Babalola (Sept. 2)

Kiki Banjo, the lead character in Bolu Babalola’s newest romance novel “Sweet Heat,” runs a well-known podcast giving contemporary relationship advice. However, Kiki herself has had little success in love recently. Years ago, she became smitten with Malakai Korede, a charming filmmaker, but he left her for the allure of Hollywood. Despite dating a successful app developer now, she’s never truly moved on from Malakai, whose career is thriving while hers seems to be stagnating. A difficult challenge for her arises when she encounters Malakai at her best friend’s wedding – not only is she the maid of honor, but he’s the best man as well. In this situation, she must suppress the lingering feelings she has for him. Regrettably, this proves to be more difficult than she anticipated.

Mercy, Joan Silber (Sept. 2)

I find myself delving into Joan Silber’s latest novel set in an East Village apartment in the ’70s. As a cab driver with a reckless streak, Ivan, and his vivacious bartender friend Eddie, indulged in experiments with drugs. Tragically, Eddie overdosed on heroin, leaving me no choice but to rush him to the emergency room. Overwhelmed by fear that I would be held responsible for his demise, I abandoned him without a second thought and haven’t looked back since. The story that unfolds in ‘Mercy’ is an extensive exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the long-lasting impact of one man’s most regrettable choice, spanning over half a century.

All the Way to the River, Elizabeth Gilbert (Sept. 9)

Approximately two decades after publishing “Eat Pray Love,” author Elizabeth Gilbert has penned her fourth memoir. This new work chronicles her spiritual salvation that followed the loss of her beloved partner. In the year 2000, Gilbert encountered Rayya Elias, a lively Syrian hairstylist and musician who became one of her dearest friends. Seventeen years later, when Elias was diagnosed with fatal pancreatic and liver cancer, they deepened their bond by becoming lovers. Their shared struggles included Gilbert’s compulsive love and sexual yearnings, and Elias’ battles with substance abuse. “All the Way to the River” is a heartfelt homage to Elias, an unvarnished exploration of addiction, and an introspective journey through Gilbert’s arduous path towards healing.

Replaceable You, Mary Roach (Sept. 16)

In her eighth nonfiction work, Mary Roach guides readers on an enlightening journey through the captivating realm of regenerative medicine, spanning 288 pages. Delving into the roots of cell repair, tissue engineering, and crafting artificial organs, she sheds light on these topics by talking to scientists, surgeons, pathologists, and even amputees. Through her conversations, she aims to shed light on intricate issues related to the development, use, and success of artificial body parts. Additionally, Roach explores this rapidly evolving medical sector by visiting a burn unit in Boston, spending time in a vintage 1950s iron lung, and stepping into a stem cell research facility in San Diego to witness the advancements happening on the frontlines.

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran Desai (Sept. 23)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve just stumbled upon “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,” a captivating novel penned by Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai. Clocking in at around 700 pages, it’s an expansive love story that traverses the span of decades and continents.

After completing college in picturesque Vermont, I find myself back with my family in India, feeling as lonely as ever. En route, fate takes a surprising turn when I cross paths with Sunny, a New York-based journalist whom my grandparents once planned to introduce me to. However, life had other plans, and our paths never crossed back then.

But on this overnight train ride, destiny seems to conspire as Sunny and I find ourselves sharing an unlikely connection. We discover that despite our different backgrounds, we’re both yearning for a break from our current lives. This story is not just about love but also about the power of words, the unpredictability of life, and the quest for self-discovery.

In this grand tale, Sunny and I embark on a journey that promises to redefine our lives forever.

Will There Ever Be Another You, Patricia Lockwood (Sept. 23)

The second novel by Patricia Lockwood, titled “Priestdaddy,” explores the story of a woman afflicted with an enigmatic neurological disorder that detaches her from reality. Drawing inspiration from Lockwood’s personal experience with COVID-19 in the pandemic’s early stages, the unnamed protagonist grapples with disorientation, memory loss, and delusions as the world endures a calamitous event. In “Will There Ever Be Another You,” the character embarks on an otherworldly journey to regain her identity, navigating through a surreal descent into the rabbit hole.

Heart the Lover, Lily King (Sept. 30)

Lily King’s latest bestselling novel explores the long-lasting effects of a love triangle. In her final year at college, the lead character in Heart the Lover, a young English major known as Jordan, encounters Sam, an elitist classmate who swiftly becomes her partner. Sam educates her on literature, religion, and esoteric card games; however, his intelligent friend Yash is more significant. When Jordan develops feelings for Yash, they embark on a tumultuous relationship marked by heartache, animosity, and remorse. Years later, when they reconnect unexpectedly, Jordan must confront the choices she made during her college years to achieve closure and move forward with her life.

A Guardian and a Thief, Megha Majumdar (Oct. 14)

In a not-too-distant India besieged by intense heat, scant rainfall, and a catastrophic food crisis, a mother named Ma prepares to escape with her two-year-old daughter and elderly father to the United States. However, a week before their departure, she discovers that her handbag containing all their immigration papers has vanished. Spanning seven days, Megha Majumdar’s gripping second novel chronicles Ma’s determined quest to recover her stolen belongings and the thief who took them, as she navigates through this bleak and challenging landscape.

All That We See or Seem, Ken Liu (Oct. 14)

Ken Liu re-emerges with “All That We See or Seem, the first installment in his upcoming techno-thriller series focusing on Julia Z, a renowned 20-something hacker who retreats to a secluded life in Boston’s suburbs after abandoning her high-stakes cyberpunk lifestyle. However, her peace is shattered when she’s requested to locate an abducted woman – artist Elli, known for creating immersive dream experiences designed to combat loneliness. Stolen by a shadowy crime lord with ties to her artwork, Elli’s rescue requires Julia to unravel a progressively intricate riddle that challenges the very fabric of reality.

Boleyn Traitor, Philippa Gregory (Oct. 14)

Approximately 25 years after penning her blockbuster novel “The Other Boleyn Girl,” author Philippa Gregory returns with a historical drama centering around a less renowned Boleyn family member. Titled “Boleyn’s Accused,” the book delves into the life of Jane Boleyn, the sister-in-law of King Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. Jane was ultimately executed for charges including adultery, incest, and treason against the crown. Some historians suspect that Jane’s supposedly fabricated testimony may have contributed significantly to Anne’s tragic downfall. However, did Jane truly betray her sister-in-law or was she merely trying to endure the tumultuous royal court? This novel promises to shed light on questions of ambition and deceit.

Joyride, Susan Orlean (Oct. 14)

Susan Orlean, renowned for her acclaimed literary non-fiction works such as “The Orchid Thief” from 1998, which was the basis for Spike Jonze’s movie Adaptation, is delving into her personal experiences. In her memoir, titled “Joyride,” she shares intimate details of her life, including the dissolution of her first marriage, experiencing love anew, becoming a mother, and bidding farewell to her own family. This book also serves as a valuable guide, providing insights into the journalistic techniques of Orlean’s bygone era, offering glimpses into how she brainstorms story ideas, constructs engaging narratives, adheres to deadlines, and overcomes writer’s block as a long-time New Yorker contributor.

1929, Andrew Ross Sorkin (Oct. 14)

Andrew Ross Sorkin’s new book, titled “1929”, delves into intricate details of the 2008 financial crisis – often referred to as the worst stock market crash in Wall Street history. Using a wealth of historical records and recently discovered documents, letters, diaries, and transcripts, this book provides an intimate perspective on the catastrophic event, seen through the eyes of those who were central to it.

Sorkin invites readers to meet the influential figures of that era – politicians, visionaries, doubters, and charlatans – who played key roles in shaping the defining moment of their time. Moreover, he underscores striking similarities between these powerful 20th-century actors and today’s leading American political figures by drawing parallels between their actions and decisions.

The Unveiling, Quan Barry (Oct. 14)

Quan Barry’s chilling new novel, titled “The Unveiling“, opens aboard a lavish cruise bound for Antarctica. The protagonist, Striker – a scout for film locations – has been employed to assess the region for an upcoming high-budget movie. This production is centered around Ernest Shackleton’s 1915 Antarctic expedition and its tragic end. A bizarre mishap sees Striker, along with her affluent, predominantly white shipmates, cast away on a distant island. Struggling to cope not only with her privileged fellow travelers but also the spirits of past maritime disasters in this spine-tingling tale, Striker grapples with themes of identity, guilt, and survival.

The Third Love, Hiromi Kawakami (Oct. 21)

The Third Love” by Hiromi Kawakami (2020), translated from Japanese by Ted Goossen, is a sprawling historical romance set in Japan. Following the revelation that her husband has been unfaithful, Riko receives a mysterious chance to flee her imperfect world and inhabit her dreams nightly. Each evening offers a fresh opportunity for love, yet there’s a twist: Riko doesn’t materialize as herself within her fantasies. Instead, she transforms into various characters, such as a 17th-century courtesan, a handmaiden, or a medieval princess. This tale that transcends time ponders the essence of marriage, prompting Riko to reevaluate the concept of being a contemporary spouse.

This Is the Only Kingdom, Jaquira Díaz (Oct. 21)

As a devoted reader, I recently immersed myself in Jaquira Díaz’s captivating debut novel, “This Is the Only Kingdom.” In this poignant story, set within the close-knit Puerto Rican community of my hometown, a mother and daughter navigate the tumultuous aftermath of a murder that shatters their world.

In 1975, I find myself as Maricarmen, a diligent house cleaner who crosses paths with Rey el Cantante, an irresistible musician and cunning petty thief revered by the locals. However, my mother, like many others in our community, disapproves of our relationship, and I’m unceremoniously kicked out of our home as a result.

Left to fend for myself at such a tender age, I soon learn that I’m pregnant with Rey’s child. As he flees from the law, it falls upon me to raise my daughter single-handedly, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Fast forward fifteen years, and an unforeseen act of violence rocks my life, leaving me with a difficult decision that puts my already complex relationship with my grown daughter at risk. It’s a heartwrenching tale of love, loss, and resilience – one that I couldn’t put down until the very last page.

Dead and Alive, Zadie Smith (Oct. 28)

In her latest essay collection titled “Dead and Alive“, Zadie Smith illuminates hope amidst contemporary challenges by showcasing her admiration for various artists. Spanning 30 essays, she applauds the work of artist Kara Walker, examines the themes in Cate Blanchett’s 2022 film “Tár“, delves into the concept of being a muse, and honors the legacies left by recently departed authors Joan Didion, Martin Amis, and Hilary Mantel.

The Defender, Ana Huang (Oct. 28)

Titled “The Defender”, Ana Huang’s second installment in the hit “Gods of the Game” series unfolds a tale of star-crossed romance within the realm of the English Premier League soccer. Vincent DuBois, captain of Blackcastle Football Club, is affluent, accomplished, yet plagued by peril after an unknown individual burglarizes his residence. To evade this enigmatic trespasser, he discreetly cohabits with sports nutritionist Brooklyn Armstrong, who coincidentally is the daughter of his coach and a close friend to his sister. Despite their history of disagreements, they discover an unexpected affinity for sharing living quarters that leaves Vincent apprehensive about developing feelings for Brooklyn, fearing it could spell doom for him.

Book of Lives, Margaret Atwood (Nov. 4)

Margaret Atwood’s eagerly anticipated memoir serves as a journey through her extraordinary life and illustrious career, offering an insightful account of her nomadic childhood and subsequent rise as a writer. In her book Book of Lives, she delves into how growing up in the remote wilderness of Northern Quebec with an entomologist father and dietician mother, often feeling nomadic and lonely, shaped her literary career. She unveils the real-life bully from her past that inspired her 1988 novel, Cat’s Eye, and discusses how living in Berlin during the 1980s impacted the creation of The Handmaid’s Tale. Furthermore, she discusses her advocacy for women’s rights, experiences in Hollywood, and long-term marriage to novelist Graeme Gibson, who passed away in 2019.

Bread of Angels, Patti Smith (Nov. 4)

Following a fifteen-year gap since her National Book Award-winning debut memoir “Just Kids”, Patti Smith has returned with her fourth autobiography. Titled “Bread of Angels”, this book charts Smith’s journey from a creative, working-class child to a renowned figure in the punk rock scene. The narrative encompasses Smith’s challenging upbringing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the creation of her groundbreaking 1975 album “Horses”, and her marriage to MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, who tragically passed away in 1994 at the age of 46.

The Eleventh Hour, Salman Rushdie (Nov. 4)

The most recent work by Salman Rushdie comprises five narratives, spanning India, England, and the United States. These consist of three longer stories and two shorter ones. This compilation explores themes such as life, death, and possible afterlives.

In _The Eleventh Hour_, we encounter a talented musician from Mumbai who is determined to bring down her affluent in-laws, the spirit of a Cambridge scholar seeking vengeance against his lifelong tormentor, and an American author struggling to unravel the mystery behind his mentor’s sudden demise.

Additionally, the collection features a contemporary allegory centered on free speech, as well as a story about two old adversaries grappling with their personal struggles amidst a national catastrophe.

Life on a Little-Known Planet, Elizabeth Kolbert (Nov. 4)

Exploring Wonders and Perils of Nature: A Journey Through Elizabeth Kolbert’s Newest Essay Collection

Elizabeth Kolbert, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, has recently published an essay collection titled Life on a Little-Known Planet. This book showcases the breathtaking beauty of nature alongside the mounting environmental issues that could potentially annihilate it.

Spanning 17 pieces, many of which were originally published in the New Yorker, Kolbert leads readers on a global expedition to diverse destinations such as a carbon-neutral Danish island, a melting Greenland ice sheet, and a Florida community that passed an unprecedented resolution granting rights to its waterways.

Kolbert doesn’t just take us on these fascinating journeys; she also introduces us to individuals who are tirelessly working to preserve our planet. These include the “father of global warming,” a dedicated climatologist, an entomologist racing against time to locate rare caterpillars before they vanish forever, and a visionary biologist leveraging AI to facilitate human-whale communication.

By sharing these stories, Kolbert aims to inspire others to join the fight for our planet’s survival.

Palaver, Bryan Washington (Nov. 4)

In a natural and easy to read language: Bryan Washington’s new book, titled Palaver, is a heartfelt exploration of a young gay man who left his Houston home a decade ago and now resides in Tokyo as an English tutor. Despite forming a tight-knit group of friends, he continues to grapple with the reasons why his Jamaican-born mother favored his homophobic brother over him. When she suddenly appears at his doorstep seeking reconciliation, he is forced to face the wounds of his past and offer her a chance to come to terms with her own actions.

Gemini, Jeffrey Kluger (Nov. 11)

In the turbulent early ’60s, amidst the heated Vietnam War and political pressure to reduce space exploration funding, NASA initiated Project Gemini. Over a span of 20 months, this series of ten manned missions paved the way for the first human moon landing by honing essential tools and methods. In his latest book, TIME’s Jeffrey Kluger recounts the exhilarating tale of this groundbreaking program-marked by Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union, heart-wrenching astronaut losses, and ultimately, America’s victory in the Space Race.

2025-08-29 15:07