Book List

16 Best Books To Read in September

THRILLER & SUSPENSE

HARLEM SHUFFLE

by Colson Whitehead

As one of Whitehead’s characters might say of their creator, When you’re hot, you’re hot. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

PALMARES

by Gayl Jones

It is marvelous, in every sense, to have a new Gayl Jones novel to talk about. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU

by Sally Rooney

A novel of capacious intelligence and plenty of page-turning emotional drama. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

CLOUD CUCKOO LAND

by Anthony Doerr

As the pieces of this magical literary puzzle snap together, a flicker of hope is sparked for our benighted world. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

WILDLAND

by Evan Osnos

An elegant survey of the causes and effects of polarization in America. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE AMUR RIVER

by Colin Thubron

A captivating portrait of a remote region of the world that many readers may know nothing about. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

UNBOUND

by Tarana Burke

An unforgettable page-turner of a life story rendered with endless grace and grit. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY

by Qian Julie Wang

A potent testament to the love, curiosity, grit, and hope of a courageous and resourceful immigrant child. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

WHITE SMOKE

by Tiffany D. Jackson

Begs to be finished in one sitting, though maybe with the lights kept on. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

INTO THE DYING LIGHT

by Katy Rose Pool

A successful ending to a brilliant trilogy about human hope and connection. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

CUBA IN MY POCKET

by Adrianna Cuevas

A compassionate, emotionally astute portrait of a young Cuban in exile. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

KALEIDOSCOPE

by Brian Selznick ; illustrated by Brian Selznick

While Selznick trusts readers to draw their own conclusions about what is true, he offers rich companionship on the voyage. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 350 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this special issue: the best books of the 21st century (so far), as chosen by our editors

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