Hi Bookworms. I hope you had a nice week. It went by in a flash, didn’t it? I’m trying to get things done out in the yard before the colder weather sets in. And I have a few more golf and tennis outings left. As you can see, some of the trees and bushes have turned color here and others are still green. So things are midway into their turning and it feels like fall. Actually we woke up this morning to our first overnight frost. Brrr. We should have picked our last vegetables from the garden yesterday but hopefully some are salvageable. Summer is officially over now, argh.
Which raises the question: does fall weather make for better reading days? Perhaps so I think … as I might not be as busy when things shut down. We will see. I have posted my Fall TBR list below. It’s not edged in stone or anything— so things can change, but I wanted to make a reading list nonetheless since I enjoy list-making, lol. Are you a list maker?
Anyways you probably saw that the Booker Prize shortlist came out last week. I have read two that made the list: Elizabeth Strout’s novel The Things We Never Say and Douglas Stuart’s novel John of John. Both are good, but I sort of think Marlon James’s novel The Disappearers might be favored to win when the prize is announced on Nov. 9. There’s been much critical fanfare surrounding that book.
Still what about the others? I’ve added Rebecca Perry’s novel May We Feed the King to my TBR. It’s supposed to be good historical fiction — a debut novel that made the shortlist! — about a museum curator who becomes absorbed in the medieval world of a reluctant monarch. I don’t think I will add Luke Kennard’s novel Black Bag or M. John Harrison’s novel The End of Everything for now, but I might change my mind later. I was sad and a bit surprised to see that Emma Cline’s novel Switzy did not make the shortlist. Hmm, what a bummer! But I still plan to read it.
And now it’s time to peruse my Fall TBR list … in which I’ve tentatively chosen to read 10 new releases over the next three months (Oct., Nov. Dec.) to be mixed in with several older backlist books that I want to read. For now, I won’t list or name the backlist books as those might be subject to change. Of the new releases, I have read and liked most of these authors before. What are your thoughts on these (below)?
- Switzy by Emma Cline (out in Sept.) — I liked her previous two novels. This one is said to be quite different – about a man with dementia.
- Solace in Winter by Mary Lawson (out Nov. 10) — from a wonderful Canadian author who now lives in London. This novel is set during a Canadian winter in 1969.
- Stations by Louise Kennedy (out Nov. 3) — from a wonderful Irish author whose first novel Trespasses was a hit.
- May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry (out Sept. 29) — this historical debut novel (!) is on the shortlist for the 2026 Booker Prize.
- Shadow Before the Flame: the Hindenburg Disaster and the Prelude to War by Catherine Grace Katz (Sept.) – her first history The Daughters of Yalta was a knockout.
- Brawler: Stories by Lauren Groff (Feb. 2026) — this was on my summer list and I still haven’t gotten to it yet.
- The Radiance by Ayad Akhtar (out Sept. 29) — there’s much hype surrounding this autofiction book, a followup to his debut Homeland Elegies. I must try this author.
- Partita by Barbara Kingsolver (out Oct. 6) — her first novel since her award-winning Demon Copperhead. I will be hearing Kingsolver speak later in October, woohoo.
- Every Story Is a Story by Imbolo Mbue (out Oct. 6) — Her first novel Behold the Dreamers wowed me but her second not so much. This is her third.
- Dodge City by Patrick deWitt (out Sept. 29) – another Canadian author I can’t skip … a novel about a U.S. man fleeing the Vietnam War draft for Canada in 1967.
Possible subs: Sunrise by Tea Obreht, The Barman of the Ritz by Phillippe Colin, Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus, The Birthing Tree by Amanda Peters, The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon, and Taipei Story by R.F. Kuang.
And lastly a quick review of a book that made its way onto my summer list.
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson / Pam Dorman Books / 347 pages
3.6 stars. This beachy kind of read turned out sort of to miss its mark with me … as I didn’t care too much for this group of friends based in Greenhead, Mass., but I did appreciate that Jenny Jackson adds some zest and funny lines to her characters’ lives who are all going through some changes in their relationships.
Caroline Lash, a young writer, 28, meets eco-scientist Van Whitaker on the train over a jelly donut … who she ends up falling for … but then Van learns his ex-girlfriend Bailey is pregnant which complicates things. Not to mention, Bailey has gone thru her share of guys and sees Van as just a close friend, or is he? There’s also Augusta and her husband Colin (parents of three), whose matters are delved into when Augusta finds some unknown underwear in their couch; and Fran and her husband RJ (parents to two boys) who’ve never bothered to get married but then hit the rocks and reassess their commitment to one another. This group of friends is plenty for one summery beach read …or headache, whichever you might feel more. You’ll need to apply some sunscreen accordingly to get through these tangled relationships.
The author Jenny Jackson is vice president and editorial director of fiction at Knopf publishing, so she knows a thing or two about books. Though maybe it might seem a bit surprising that she has written this breezy kind of beach read, a followup to her popular debut Pineapple Street. Some parts of The Shampoo Effect were funny which saved it a bit for me along with Marin Ireland narrating the audiobook, and it does end on endearing notes for the characters, but I might need to air my beach towel for a while before trying her again.
That’s all for now. What about you — do you know any of these books and what do you think? Cheers. Ps. The Virginia creeper plant on the post above turns the reddest color we get in the yard and alerts us that our days of warmth are numbered, lol. Also be careful to those on the East Coast who are in the path of the nor’easter storm. That’s a deluge.
I don’t know any of these books, but then I tend not to read a lot of new stuff till it comes out. But fall, winter and summer seem to be my best reading seasons. My list is endless! Your color is looking beautiful. That Virginia Creeper is a gem!
Thanks Jeanie. The colors are pretty here now. Fall is moving quickly so I must hit the books, lol. The Virginia Creeper plant is all done now and appears ready for winter sigh. Hope you are well and are enjoying the colors there. Cheers!
I like it that you plan to read ten new books over the next few months. I will be curious to see what you think about them. I have already reserved Partita by Barbara Kingsolver from the library. Marlon James is coming to Houston soon for Inprint, and I might read his book then.
Hi Deb. good to know – what you have in the wings – book-wise. I’m curious about Partita. And I have heard much about Marlon James’s novel but it sounds violent and long … so I think I will wait with that. But I haven’t tried his novels yet, so I am interested to see how he writes in the future. I hope you like your Fall reads. Cheers!
Oh thanks a lot, you book enabler! I just added the Mary Lawson, Louise Kennedy and Patrick DeWitt books, lol. I alreadyI have Switzy and Peck and Peck on my short list as well.
Gorgeous fall colors, thats a beautiful tree. I’ve been picking up leaves and pessing them in books when I find colorful ones. I used to do that when I lived near Valley Forge in PA.
Ha ha Tina. More books to add. I think the ones you added will be good and not to miss. So we will see when to squeeze them in.
The fall colors here are good now. You must have had amazing colors in Pennsylvania when you lived there. I remember going to Gettysburg once in the fall and being blown away by all the color. So pretty. Enjoy your days. & will chat soon!
Excited to read Partita–I like the premise, and Kingsolver hasn’t disappointed me yet. Where will you be seeing/hearing her speak? Hope you blog about it 🙂
I never did get to John of John. My bookstore, quite small, was sold out, and then I went on vacation, and now I’m down another rabbit hole.
I loved A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson and have been meaning to read more of her. Solace in Winter sounds like a sequel of sorts.
Hi Jane, yes I’m curious too about Partita … my sister has invited me to San Fran for a visit and to hear Kingsolver talk there in later Oct. I’ll let you know how it goes.
And John of John was whoa kind of atmospheric & dicey … you can get it another time. I need to go back sometime and read Shuggie Bain. My courage is up now, lol.
It is cool Mary Lawson has a new novel coming woohoo. I gather the book is also set in the fictional town of Solace but is not a direct sequel to her last. Still it should be good … and is a draft dodger story I think. Happy fall reading!
Lovely pictures, especially the one below. I have read five books from the Booker longlist and plan to read Switzy, The Disappearers, and John of John as well. Tentative are May We Feed the King and The End of Everything, though I put an order in the library for them to buy them. I also requested Partita but I don’t think I’ll get to it this year. I bought Black Bag a few months back; it’s supposed to be funny, so it’s a maybe, particularly after I finished The Renovation last night. It was very good but an emotional heavyweight. I still have two books from earlier in the year that I want to read before the year is up. My list is more or less ready, so let’s see if I can finish all those, if not, I’ll roll them over to next year. Happy reading!
Hi Carmen, you must have amazing fall colors coming where you are. Did you get much of that nor’easter storm? You have read some good ones. The Rebecca Perry novel looks fairly short … so I hope to get to it. Glad to hear you finished The Renovation — I was surprised it didn’t make the shortlist. People seem upset that the Harrison book End of Everything made the list instead of others. I hope Black Bag is funny — I will wait to hear from you if I should add it. I have a library copy of Brawler and a nonfiction Thirty Below book – so might knock those off … before getting to Switzy? They all seem to be coming in at once. Happy reading to you as well.
We got more wind than rain from the storm, though we got three days of rain. Fall colors are starting to show but not as widespread yet; it’s supposed to be a good year for it because there was a lot of rain. I was surprised The Renovation didn’t advance to the finals; it was very good, as was Helen of Nowhere. The Vivisectors was a bit heavy-handed but still good, though not as the other two. I think I’m being overly optimistic by saying I want to get to all those titles since James’ and Stuart’s are going to take at least a month between the two, if not more. Let’s see how it goes. I have Switzy waiting. I got it on loan since last week but I started David Sedaris’ latest before it; it’s pretty good, though not Calypso level. I’ll be done with it tonight. A solid 4*.
Wow, you’ve had lots of rain this year. The colors should be spectacular.
Glad to hear your takes on the longlist books. I might add The Renovation to my TBR. I’ve heard others talk of it. Luckily Stuart’s novel is not a dense read and moves … but James’ book would take a while. I also have Switzy waiting … all the books came in at once at the library, crazy!! But reading another at the moment. Good luck with your stack!
Mary Lawson has a new novel?? A Town Called Solace was a favorite in 2022 and this is the first I’ve heard of Solace in Winter. On to the tbr it goes! Partita is on my list, as well as the new Imbolo Mbue. Fingers crossed it’s more like Behold the Dreamers than How Beautiful We Were. Stations looks good, too, even though I haven’t read Trespasses yet.
As for the Booker, Elizabeth Strout is the only one I’ve read, but I’m planning to read John of John by the end of the year, undecided about Switzy and will likely skip the others.
Now that I’ve finally wrapped up summer (thanks for the nudge) it’s time to put together a fall reading list!
Hi JoAnn… I almost fell out of my chair when I saw there was a new Mary Lawson novel. I was so surprised. But heck yeah! We have various titles that overlap on our fall lists, so hopefully we’ll get to some.
See what you think of John of John … it’s a bit atmospheric and dicey … Switzy I’ll likely be on pins and needles about … due to the subject matter.
I look forward to seeing your fall list! And you must be getting some fall colors there about now right? Though not sure if you’re still in the City. Happy reading!
Beautiful trees in that first photo, and very nice red Virgina Creeper towards the end.
The books on the Booker Short list that we are interested in are: May We Feed the King (Glen) and The Things We Never Say and Black Bag (me). I was also bummed by Switzy not making the list and I really want to buy a copy right now, even though it is expensive. But I am biding my time.
Your fall list looks good. Some I am not familiar with; I will see what you think of them. I am especially interested in Brawler and Dodge City.
Hi Tracy, thanks, I’m trying to get some more fall photos here before things lose their leaves. I hear it’s still been hot in Calif. sigh.
Glad to hear which ones you might get to on the Booker shortlist. I wonder if Black Bag will be funny. It’s supposed to be. I think the May We Feed the King novel might be short … so I hope to get to it. And Switzy should have made the shortlist (from what I hear)! A travesty, sigh.
I might get to Brawler this month — as I finally got a copy. Short stories aren’t my specialty for reads … but I think it might be good. I’ll let you know. Cheers!
I think the Disappears will probably win. I’ve been hearing huge chatter about it.
Hi Helen, I think you likely will be right …. there’s huge chatter about Marlon James’ book. And I have yet to try any of his books over the years … but I plan to someday. He writes long but I’m sure well. Happy reading.
Hi Susan, love the beautiful colors on those fall trees. Fall and winter are reading months I always feel are perfect for mysteries, gothic novels, Victorian lit and those are my favorite genres.
Mary Lawson wrote I believe A Town Called Solace? Always meant go check her out. Also Dodge City sounds good
Hi Kathy, yes I agree … I think the fall & winter reading might be even better than summer days which are too busy, lol. I look forward to seeing which ones you get to. I like how you read a wide variety of books … from various genres.
Yes Mary Lawson wrote A Town Called Solace … you should check it out. Her new novel is also set in the fictional town of Solace but I hear is not a sequel. But like Dodge City … it involves a draft dodger of the War, which is interesting. Much to read this fall. Cheers!
I feel like the entire month of September has gone by in a flash. Fun to see your fall reading list. I hadn’t heard of any of them. Hope you enjoy them all. 😀
Hi Lark, I agree September shot by in a blink, which is a bit sad since it is one of my favorites … but we’re now onto Oct. And thanks, I’m hoping these books will good. And maybe cooler weather will entice more time to read. We will see. Enjoy your days in SLC! Happy reading.
I haven’t read any of these but have heard of a few. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Happy Reading.
Thanks Hena. I will give you the lowdown on these titles — hopefully I’ll get to them. Some of the busy summer season is starting to wind down now. Your tree colors must be underway & amazing where you are. Enjoy!
I’m a list maker too, although my lists change as often as the weather! I think autumn definitely makes for better reading days. Sorry about the frost and your last vegetables.
Hi Diana, thanks for stopping by here. Making lists is good right? Even if for the thoughts that come from it. And I agree – I think autumn might be better for reading. Summer is way too busy, lol. I’ll check out your blog … and see what’s up. Happy fall to you.
You always have the best stuff lined up. I know what I am reading about two books ahead but sometimes I pivot on mood.
Our trees changed color for once last month but then they got green again so we are all messed up and humid. That’s so rare for us but it’s been like that for awhile now. Very tropical.
I like the idea of reading during any season but fall just feels cozier. I just put in for all my holiday time off so I really need to prepare accordingly and have all my reads lined up.
Hope you are well.
Ha Ti, that’s nice of you to say. I try to appear organized about book lists … and what might be good but who knows. I think it’s Okay to be a mood reader … I often am as well. So much is coming in at the library all at once. Must pick & choose.
It’s wild to hear about it being humid in SoCal … And Jinjer says the high heat is returning there. No wonder the trees are confused. argh.
I agree with you about fall being a cozier reading season. I’ll be curious to see which books you get to. Happy reading! and thanks, things are good here.
Looks like fall has arrived in your area. We are still enjoying mild temps (60s) with sunshine, although today is overcast and a little drizzly. We’re heading out of town again in a couple of weeks, so I’m hoping we’ll see some pretty fall colors in Washington.
I would like to believe that fall and winter make for better reading days. I know if I can’t get outside for my afternoon walk, I’ll most likely curl up with a book. I rarely ever do that in the spring or summer.
Yes, I’m a list make, but I decided not to make a fall list this year. I’m focusing on my TBR shelves, and will make a list for Nonfiction November. Meanwhile, I’ve culled my stacks and have three bags of books to donate. Two of those bags are from my TBR stacks. Mostly mysteries that just don’t appeal to me. Some are novels that I’ve been lugging around for decades (Lust for Life by Irving Stone!) and just don’t feel inspired to read them. Nice to see a lot of space on my shelves. 🙂
I’ll probably read John of John later this year. I still have Land and Buckeye in my stacks, too. Partita is high on my list. Might be something I buy as a Christmas gift to my mom… And how wonderful that you’re going to hear Kingsolver speak next month! And thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing Solace in Winter to my attention. I loved A Town Called Solace and wasn’t aware there was a new book coming out. I still want to re-read Crow Lake, which I loved.
Hi Lesley, I hope you enjoy your fall journeys in your van. Your pics of the places you go are amazing. And I agree the cooler temps should be more enticing to be curling up with a book. Yay! Spring & summer were a bit crazy & busy here.
Interesting to hear you have culled your TBR stacks. Very good. I should do that too … it is hard for me to part with books, but I need to either read or get rid of. Hmm. You have given me thoughts.
I was so surprised to see the new Mary Lawson novel. I almost fell out of my chair. I knew others would like to see! I’m stoked as well. She’s a gem. Hope some of these others will be good. Enjoy your fall reading! & happy travels.
I look to your book lists for titles to add to my own reading list and that is true once again. Of course I always eagerly anticipate any new book by Kingsolver, one of my very favorite writers working today, or at any time really. And Lauren Groff has been another favorite. So there’s much to look forward to this fall and winter.
I love the Virginia creeper. It looks amazing!
Thanks Dorothy that’s nice of you to say. I try to find books that I think will appeal to others too. And with authors like these – it’s no wonder. Kingsolver’s new novel should be interesting. I knew you were a Kingsolver aficionado. So I hope you have a happy fall reading. I will let you know of her talk in San Fran that I’ll be going to, yay. And the Virginia creeper is done now … but it was pretty amazing to see. Thanks.
Interesting book picks — many new-to-me titles that I will look into. I loved John of John so am rooting for that one even though Stuart has already won the Booker. I had a run of fairly serious, moody books so I am on to a swashbuckler — The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon (who last came out with the impressive Frozen River). Really liking it!
I’m also a big fan of your brilliant fall color — the creeper!! Our forecast is a continuation of summer so you better get down here and prolong your George Hamilton tan….
Hey. Good to hear. Thx for stopping by with your thoughts. Now you have me adding The Pirate Queen to my TBR and sub list. I did like The Frozen River quite a bit. Is this one better? Or just different? More swashbuckling perhaps.
Anyways I will be there fairly soon. And I look forward to hearing Kingsolver. I need to go to some of the Book festival here too …
The creeper went berserk … but it’s done now and things are losing their leaves. Hmm. Still we have a ways to go. Keep reading. & chat soon.
I could cry looking at your beautiful fall foliage. We’re looking at 10 (TEN!!!) days of 99-101F in L.A.
I’m number 632 in line for Switzy. lol
Hi Jinjer, oh my …. L.A. is burning up (again) … that’s harsh. Did anyone tell SoCal that it’s supposed to fall now?
Ha … #632 in line for Switzy … holy smokes. That’s funny if not cry-able. I just checked and I’m #34 in line! with 140 copies in use. I better clear the slates, lol.
Enjoy your week.
I did not like The Shampoo Effect as much as Pineapple Street but both were entertaining reads. I think you liked Trespasses more than I did – I wasn’t tempted to watch the new PBS series but I recently got Netflix so there are lots of other things to entertain me (especially now that baseball is over in Massachusetts).
I haven’t read Emma Cline but saw a week or so ago that she is a big Betsy-Tacy fan, which amused me.
My mother loved The Daughters of Yalta. I should read it for Nonfiction November!
Hi Constance, I missed the PBS series of Trespasses but maybe I can catch it another time. So sorry to hear about the Red Sox and their battle with the Yankees Ugh! My mother would hate that. Like you, she was a Big Red Sox fan.
Good to know about Emma Cline … I would like to know more about her. She seems quite a talent. And I’m so glad your mother loved The Daughters of Yalta – I did too … you must read it in November … so interesting the details of the three women in it. I hope to get to the author’s next book … but not sure when I will get to it. Happy reading!
That Virginia Creeper is gorgeous! I love it when we get all the fall colors. I’m so sorry about commenting back so late! I had a hell of a week and I was in Texas so I could pull my recipe for the apple pie filling that I used because I only have a printed copy at home.
I looked it up and I have the link, but she must’ve updated it because she had the measurements based on 12 cups of apples on my recipe and she now lists the number for 1-quart or 7-quarts worth of filling. I really like the recipe, though. Here is the link:
https://practicalselfreliance.com/canning-apple-pie-filling/#wprm-recipe-container-11461
As for applesauce recipe, I combines a couple of recipes for the applesauce and I’m not even sure where I got the recipe! I just typed in “canning applesauce” using the waterbath method in Google and came up with a few. Hope that helps!
Hey Rachel, I can understand crazy weeks! And I’m so glad for your apple pie filling recipe. Wow this is dynamite. Also the canning of applesauce … this is helpful. We are done with our apple trees for this year … but I want to use them more next year. So good to know. Yours must be amazing … and what you’ve made. Delicious. Thank you! I hope life is calming now … your October must be amazing. Cheers!
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