September 2025 Reading Picks: Unforgettable Books to Elevate Your Fall Reading Experience

Reading List

10 books for your September reading list

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If this month’s selections could be awarded superlatives, they’d include Longest (for Jill Lepore’s 720-page history), Shortest (for the under-200-pages “Pick a Color”), Most Striking (for Stephen Curry’s gorgeous autobiography) and Most Surprising (for David Gelles’s portrait of Yvon Chouinard). There’s a book for every attention span and every interest out there. Writers, journalists and authors continue to find stories and perspectives that surprise us. It’s your choice whether you want to escape or explore this world. Happy reading!

FICTION

Mercy
By Joan Silber
Counterpoint: 256 pages, $27
(Sept. 2)

Silber’s “Mercy” is not strained, pace Shakespeare, but stretches easily to include “the mercy of untold secrets told.” Secrets abound among the characters whose brief encounter at a New York emergency room sets action across decades in motion: Ivan and Eddie, as well as Cara and Nina, are only tangentially connected. Yet Silber, winner of PEN/Faulkner and National Book Critics Circle awards, helps readers to see that even the most subtle moments can change lives and lead to peace.

The Wilderness
By Angela Flournoy
Mariner Books: 304 pages, $30
(Sept. 16)

Flournoy (“The Turner House”) tells the story of five female friends whose lives from 2008 into the near future rise and fall, with the added impact of their identities as Black Americans on both personal and societal events. As sisters Desiree and Danielle and their friends January, Monique and Nakia navigate adult life, they also confront racism, the global pandemic and their evolving dreams. This novel is a triumph.

Underspin
By E. Y. Zhao
Astra House: 304 pages, $27
(Sept. 23)

Zhao’s debut opens with the memorial service for competitive table-tennis star Ryan Lo, dead at just 24, told from the perspective of his grieving mother, Annie. The first half consists of narratives from Ryan’s training mate Kevin; a referee named Kagin; Ellen, whose skills don’t match her love for the sport; and finally Rahul, who wants to have a life instead of a regimen. But what role did Ryan’s coach Kristian play in pushing his top seed over the edge?

What We Can Know
By Ian McEwan
Knopf: 320 pages, $30
(Sept. 23)

“My ambition in this novel was to let the past, present and future address each other across the barriers of time,” McEwan said earlier this year. It’s up to readers to determine whether he succeeded, but it’s a magnificent attempt nonetheless. In 2119, with Great Britain transformed into an archipelago by rising tides, a humanities professor named Thomas Metcalfe tries to solve the mystery of a lost poem. The real mystery, the author seems to believe, is human memory.

Pick a Color
By Souvantham Thammavongsa
Little, Brown & Co.: 192 pages, $28
(Sept. 30)

Thammavongsa lives in Toronto, the city to which her Lao parents immigrated from a Thai refugee camp when she was a baby. As a Canadian author, she won that nation’s prestigious Giller Prize in 2020 for her short-story collection “How to Pronounce Knife.” Her first novel is set at a North American nail salon run by the pragmatic and witty Ning, who was once a professional boxer. The narrative is less sucker punch than brilliant feints and jabs.

NONFICTION

All the Way to the River
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Riverhead: 400 pages, $35
(Sept. 9)

Gilbert’s journey from “Eat Pray Love” to “All the Way to the River” has been long and winding. Here she focuses on Rayya, whom she met in 2002 and for whom she left her husband in 2016. Both women struggled with addiction, and the narrative is harrowing, especially as Rayya grows sicker and then dies from cancer in 2018. What makes this book worthy is the author’s fierce self-reckoning: There’s no easy triumph, just more hard work.

Dirtbag Billionaire
By David Gelles
Simon & Schuster: 320 pages, $30
(Sept. 9)

Yvon Chouinard was a “dirtbag” — someone committed to an alternative lifestyle — long before founding outdoor giant Patagonia in 1970. His family’s move to California when he was 8 sparked his love for falcon nests and led to his passion for climbing. He built his company intentionally, and in 2022, its value at $3 billion, he sold it to a trust and nonprofit. The 86-year-old iconoclast is now sought after by corporations as a consultant.

Shot Ready
By Stephen Curry
One World: 432 pages, $50
(Sept. 9)

Divided into three sections — rookie, pro and veteran — basketball superstar Curry’s new book is less a memoir than a philosophic take on how to succeed at different stages of life, no matter who you are or what you do. Packed with 100 photographs, the book is “an in-depth look into my approach to the journey, built on preparation, growth, creativity, connection, mindfulness, and finding joy in everything along the way,” the sports icon says.

This Is for Everyone
By Tim Berners-Lee
Farrar, Straus & Giroux: 400 pages, $30
(Sept. 9)

While Al Gore did not invent the internet, Tim Berners-Lee undeniably invented the World Wide Web, beginning his work in the 1980s at Geneva’s CERN laboratories. Given the satisfied tone of this memoir-cum-history, he’s unlikely to let anyone forget it. Nevertheless, his account of how he realized that layering hyperlinks could “connect everyone” and why he chose to keep his source code open to the public is truly fascinating.

We the People
By Jill Lepore
Liveright: 720 pages, $40
(Sept. 16)

Historian Jill Lepore (“These Truths,” e.g.) emphasizes Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines how the document can be amended. In Lepore’s view, the Constitution should be frequently changed, both because she believes that was the Founding Fathers’ intent and because it makes sense for a growing, changing nation to have a “living” code of governance. “We the People” is a timely and essential read.

What cognitive benefits can reading psychological thrillers like “The Silent Patient” provide?

Cozy Mysteries for Crisp Autumn Days

As the leaves turn and the air gets cooler, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a captivating mystery. These selections offer intriguing plots and atmospheric settings perfect for fall.

“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides: Still a popular choice, this psychological thriller continues to resonate with readers. Explore themes of trauma, silence, and the complexities of the human mind.keywords: psychological thriller, mystery books, fall reading, best mysteries.

“Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz: A clever and intricate mystery within a mystery.This book is a treat for fans of classic whodunits and offers a satisfyingly complex puzzle. Keywords: mystery novel, whodunit, book recommendations, September reads.

“The Alex Reed List” by Lucy Fokley: Set on a remote island during a wedding, this locked-room mystery is full of suspense and unexpected twists. Keywords: suspense novels, thriller books, fall book list, new releases.

Literary Fiction to Stir the Soul

For those seeking more profound narratives, these literary fiction picks offer rich character development and thought-provoking themes.

“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver: (Released October 2022, but enduring popularity) A modern retelling of David Copperfield, set in the Appalachian region. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tackles issues of poverty, addiction, and resilience. Keywords: literary fiction, book club picks, contemporary novels, Appalachian literature.

“Birnam Wood” by Eleanor Catton: A gripping eco-thriller that explores themes of environmentalism, capitalism, and the clash between idealism and pragmatism. Keywords: eco-thriller, literary thriller, environmental fiction, September book releases.

“Hello Stunning” by Ann Napolitano: Inspired by Little Women, this novel explores the complexities of family, love, and loss. Keywords: family saga, women’s fiction, book recommendations 2025, fall reads.

Non-Fiction to Expand Your horizons

September is a great time to dive into non-fiction and learn something new.

“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari: A sweeping and insightful exploration of the history of our species.Keywords: non-fiction books, history books, intellectual reads, September reading list.

“Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” by Patrick Radden Keefe: A deeply researched and disturbing account of the opioid crisis and the role of the Sackler family. Keywords: investigative journalism, true crime, opioid crisis, non-fiction recommendations.

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: Understand how habits work and how to change them. A practical guide to improving your life. Keywords: self-help books, habit formation, productivity, personal development.

Enhancing Your Reading Experience: Practical tips

Beyond simply choosing a book, consider these tips to maximize your enjoyment:

1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Designate a comfortable space with good lighting and minimal distractions. Think blankets, pillows, and a warm beverage.
2. Join a Book Club: Discussing books with others can deepen your understanding and introduce you to new perspectives. Keywords: book club, reading community, literary discussion.
3. Utilize Audiobooks: Perfect for commutes, chores, or simply relaxing your eyes. Keywords: audiobooks, listening to books, audiobook recommendations.
4. Practice Active Reading: Highlight passages, take notes, and reflect on what you’re reading. This improves comprehension and retention. Keywords: reading comprehension, active reading techniques, improve reading skills.

The Benefits of Fall Reading

Engaging with literature during the fall season offers unique benefits:

Reduced Stress: Reading is a proven stress reliever.

Improved Cognitive Function: Keeps your mind sharp and engaged.

Enhanced empathy: Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters broadens your viewpoint.

Increased Vocabulary: Exposure to new words and writing styles expands your language skills. Keywords: benefits of reading,reading for mental health,cognitive benefits.

Resources for Finding Your Next Read

Need more inspiration? Here are some helpful resources:

Goodreads: A social cataloging website where you can track your reading,discover new books,and connect with other readers. https://www.goodreads.com/

Book Riot: A website dedicated to all things books, with reviews, recommendations, and literary news. https://bookriot.com/

New York Times Book Review: A trusted source for book reviews and literary criticism. https://www.nytimes.com/section/books/review

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