What We’re Reading: Fall 2021

“I can’t wait to read Amor Towles’ new novel The Lincoln Highway. I adored his two previous books, Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, which were so distinctive and different. The plot of the new novel sounds like, once again, he's writing something unexpected but utterly compelling.” — Jamie Raab, President

“I am a huge Maggie Shipstead fan and adored Great Circle… a sprawling novel one can sink into about passion and love… and also loss. It moved me so much. Next up: Intimacies by Katie Kitamura and Matrix by Lauren Groff!” — Deb Futter, Publisher

"Like many others, I fell in love with Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel All the Light We Cannot See. Seven years later, I'm so excited to immerse myself in Cloud Cuckoo Land, a 640-page tome that spans continents and centuries and weaves together the lives of characters as only Doerr can. I'm looking forward to curling up next the fire this fall with what I know will be another wonderful read." — Rachel Chou, SVP, Associate Publisher

“I’m not even a Foo Fighters fan, but I’ve always loved Dave Grohl. He is a fabulous storyteller and has such positive energy to his writing and life. Plus, I need all those Nirvana stories!” — Ryan Doherty, VP, Executive Editor

“This novel appeared on my doorstep this summer, mailed by a friend. It’s a beautifully written, underappreciated American story about a farmer turned scholar. I’m fascinated by the history of this book’s success. Working in publishing, I see the lifecycle of many books. This one appeared with hardly a blip in 1965 and only really took off in the last decade, after the author's death.” — Jaime Noven, Senior Marketing Manager

“I'm nearly finished with Maggie Shipstead’s new novel, Great Circle, and it is remarkable. I hadn’t read her other novels (late to the party, I know), but I’m floored by her writing. The way she is able to create such singular, vivid characters whose fates intersect across centuries is just astonishing.” — Christine Mykityshyn, Senior Publicity Director

“There isn’t a better season to read witchy stories, and I can’t wait to dive into Chris Bohjalian’s lengthy historical thriller. The Puritanical witch hunts of the 1600s have always fascinated and horrified me in equal measure, and I’m sure this story of domestic brutality and paranoia will add more fuel to that fire.” — Jennifer Jackson, Senior Director, Consumer Marketing

"I've been meaning to read Just Kids for the longest time, but I’m finally tackling the book now due to a rave review from a coworker (thanks, Jen!). Patti Smith weaves lyrical prose about her life in New York City during the late ’60s and her bohemian relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. There's something about reading a book set in NYC while living here that lends an extra bit of magic to the experience, and I am fascinated not just by the difference in time and space but by Smith’s poetic writing. Her book is spellbinding.” — Rebecca Ritchey, Social Media Manager

“Next up on my list is Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang, a memoir about growing up as an immigrant in New York City. There’s been so much incredible buzz and chatter about this book, I can’t wait to dive in!” — Anna Belle Hindenlang, Senior Publicist

“I'm excited to read Matrix by Lauren Groff. I loved Fates and Furies (even before President Obama recommended it!) and have been long awaiting her next novel. (I skipped her collection of stories, Florida. I so wish I enjoyed reading short stories, but alas, they are not my thing!) Her writing is stunning, and I look forward to being immersed in it.” — Randi Kramer, Assistant Editor

“Excited to read A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow as my fun, light read for the fall. I'm always a sucker for subversive fairy tale retellings, and I trust Harrow to do a great job.” — Sandra Moore, Marketing Assistant

“Patrick Radden Keefe has a singular ability to intertwine journalism with captivating storytelling. His first book, Say Nothing [about the conflict in Northern Ireland and its legacy], is one of my favorite pieces of nonfiction ever, so I can’t wait to read his new one about the Sackler family.” — Cecily van Buren-Freedman, Assistant Editor

“I am freakishly excited to read A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland. October is my favorite month and brings my favorite time of year, too, and this book practically echoes fear and fall! Sutherland’s book takes on the crippling nature of fear in a fun, fictional way, and I’m sure I’ll be dying to read it again once it is all over.” — K’deja Correa, Art Intern