Book List

The 16 Best Books To Read in November

FICTION

NIGHTS WHEN NOTHING HAPPENED

by Simon Han

An astutely realized portrait of the collateral damage wrought by the pursuit of the American dream. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

COLLECTED STORIES

by Shirley Hazzard

Sharply intelligent, nuanced, precise, and subtly hilarious. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE ORCHARD

by David Hopen

A captivating Jewish twist on the classic American campus novel. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

SOMEWHERE IN THE UNKNOWN WORLD

by Kao Kalia Yang

A potent lesson in empathy that is all the more powerful for never presenting itself as a lesson. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

DOLLY PARTON, SONGTELLER

by Dolly Parton with Robert K. Oermann

A splashy, entertaining guide to the lyrics of one of the most popular musicians of our time. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

WE KEEP THE DEAD CLOSE

by Becky Cooper

An intricately crafted and suspenseful book sure to please any fan of true crime—and plenty of readers beyond. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

THE WAY BACK

by Gavriel Savit

Steeped in the rich traditions of ghost stories and Jewish folklore, this remarkable feat of storytelling is sure to delight. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

SUPER FAKE LOVE SONG

by David Yoon

A clever, hilarious, and empathetic look at diverse teens exploring authenticity, identities, and code-switching. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SERENA SAYS

by Tanita S. Davis

A delightful multicultural narrative that spotlights friendship and self-awareness. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

CAVE PAINTINGS

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

Celebrated collaborators deliver another thoughtful delight, revealing how “making marks” links us across time and space. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 287 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children's, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best Indie books of the year; interviews with some of our favorite Indie authors; and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview