September Books We’re Excited About
By: Stephanie Elliot
Tags: Diverse Books, Books, Nonfiction, The Reading Lists, Fiction

This summer seems to be dragging on and on and on and…well, you get the picture, right? Although every day feels like Groundhog’s Day, we’re looking ahead by anticipating these diverse fiction and nonfiction releases coming up in September. You’ll likely recognize some of these authors and might even discover a writer who is new to you! Here’s our list of September TBRs:

A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett, September 8, 2020; Crown

When law student Brittany K. Barnett discovered the case of Sharanda Jones, who was serving a life sentence for a first-time drug offense, she knew she had to do something to make a change. Brittany saw glimmers of herself in Sharanda — she was the daughter of an incarcerated mother, and had also been in a relationship with an abusive drug dealer. She dove into Sharanda’s case, working pro bono at night to help clients whose legal battles were hopeless. Her story is one of perseverance and hope, and will help readers understand racial injustice in the system today.

VERDICT: Hopeful and inspiring, this memoir is an important and necessary read for all in today’s climate.

The Roommate by Rosie Danan, September 15, 2020; Berkley

Clara Wheaton thinks she’s moving cross-country to live with her childhood crush, but when she arrives, she realizes she’s been duped. She ends up sharing a lease with Josh, a handsome, perceptive and charming stranger, which would have been fine, except that Clara discovers some interesting things about him on the internet, which could cause quite a stir within the elite Wheaton family.

VERDICT: A romantic feminist read with that slow burn that will have you swooning for more!

Interference by Brad Parks, September 1, 2020; Thomas & Mercer

When physicist Matt Bronik begins to experience violent seizures, medical professionals are stumped. It seems that he’s being affected by the mysteries of his research, which could harm not only him, but all of humanity. When another seizure causes Matt to disappear, foul play is suspected and the list of who might be an accomplice is long. His wife Brigid knows he’s in danger and goes on the search to find him. But will Matt survive this strange phenomenon and can he find a way to implement the physics he’s been studying all along to save his life?

VERDICT: The mix of science and heart-pounding thrills will have you on the edge of your seat.

60 Stories about 30 Seconds by Bruce Van Dusen, September 15; Post Hill Press

Commercial directors have a tough job to do. They’ve got to tell a compelling story in just 30 seconds in the hopes that viewers will connect to what they’re trying to sell. While Bruce Van Dusen didn’t set out to be one of the greatest commercial directors, it turns out he is. With a talent for sharing these short and emotional stories, he jumped into the world of commercial directing and never looked back. And now, he’s telling his very own story, which is weird, and funny, and oh so very relatable.

VERDICT: This memoir will appeal to anyone who’s ever sung a TV jingle, purchased a product, or watched a commercial ever. So, you. Yes you! need to read this entertaining memoir.

The Last Agent by Robert Dugoni, September 22; Thomas & Mercer

Robert Dugoni is back with another thriller in this sequel to The Eighth Sister. Former spy Charles Jenkins has retired and is glad to be out of the undercover game. But when he discovers that Paulina Ponomayova, the agent who saved his life, might not have been killed as he was told, he makes it his mission to return to Russia and save Paulina. But there is no proof that this mysterious woman is Paulina or that she is still even alive. Charles is about to embark on a journey to find out — where he will once again put his life on the line.

VERDICT: If you love international intrigue and spy thrillers, this heart-stopper is a must-read!

Bestiary by K-Ming Chang, September 8; One World

Bestiary is a poetic and mystical tale about three generations of Taiwanese American women. Tigers who are hungry for children’s toes, magical letters that appear from holes in the backyard, and an aunt who arrives with snakes in her belly, this story will capture your imagination. The main character, simply known as ‘Daughter’ falls in love with another girl and they attempt to translate the mysterious backyard letters. Family secrets, a queer romance, a story about migration and girlhood, Bestiary is a unique and engaging read written by a promising young debut author.

VERDICT: Spellbinding and explosive, you won’t soon forget the story or the characters in Bestiary.

A World Between by Emily Hashimoto, September 15; The Feminist Press at CUNY

When Asian Americans Eleanor and Lenah meet in an elevator in college, they fall into a heavy romance. Years later, they run into each other on the street and even though they have moved on and are with other people, they are once again drawn to each other. A story of growing up, growing apart, and then growing closer, A World Between captures the intimacy of female friendship and love in this sparkling debut.

VERDICT: If you’re in the mood for a poignant, smart and honest queer romance, put A World Between on your reading list!

Just Like You by Nick Hornby, September 29; Riverhead Books

Lucy did everything by the book — met a guy, got married, had kids. Twenty years later, she’s questioning everything. When she searches for a babysitter for her two young sons, she never expects to fall in love with Joseph, who happens to be the worst possible option, but the best possible person. He’s 22 to her 41 years, and of a different class, culture and generation, but what’s one to do when you fall head over heels in love for the wrong person who makes you the happiest?

VERDICT: An unconventional romance that hits all the right spots.

Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie, September 1; Dutton

Eight-year-old Noriko is abandoned by her mother with these instructions: Do not question. Do not fight. Do not resist. She is left with her abusive grandparents who keep her locked in the attic and give her chemical baths to make her skin lighter. When her older half-brother arrives for his inheritance, he just might be the change that Nori needs in order to finally live the life she is meant to live.

VERDICT: A hopeful story with an unforgettable main character, Fifty Words for Rain is an epic coming-of-age novel.

And Now She’s Gone by Rachel Howzell; September 22; Forge Books

A twisty plotted story about a woman who goes missing and the private investigator intent on finding her, And Now She’s Gone is a thrill ride of a novel. When Isabel Lincoln goes missing, P.I. Grayson Sykes goes on a cat-and-mouse chase to discover where she went, and what she is hiding — or who is she hiding from? Who would leave everything they had, and why? And will both women survive this chase?

VERDICT: Fast-paced and intense with twists and turns along the way, this is a rollercoaster ride of a thriller.