11 Must-Read Adult Books Out in November
With the craziness that is Halloween now over, it’s time to buckle down on our holiday bucket list (our list is so expansive this year, we’re giving ourselves two whole months to complete it). Along with drinking yummy coffee cocktails, DIYing adorable wreath donuts and splurging our IKEA’s holiday collection, we’re on the hunt for the perfect wintry read to cozy up with on a chilly November evening. Here are our top 11 contenders so far.
1. Swing Time by Zadie Smith ($19): Following the fascinating lives of two young black women who dream of becoming world-famous dancers, Zadie Smith’s newest endeavor is definitely on our November to-read list. From northwest London to West Africa, this globetrotting novel discusses the heated topic of inequality through an impassioned narrative and strong female characters.
2. To Pixar and Beyond by Lawrence Levy ($18): From Up to WALL-E, Pixar has been our go-to source for cute and mind-bending animation for years. But have you ever wondered how Pixar became so… ginormous? Well, Lawrence Levy’s new tell-all reveals all the juicy secrets of how Pixar navigated the murky waters of a start-up, skirted around financial disaster and came out on top of the animation world.
3. The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer ($21): No, this isn’t another Twilight. In this cool new novel, a kickass ex-government agent is on the run from her dangerous past employers but must take one last job to clear her name and save her life — no vampires required.
4. Hi, Anxiety: Life With a Bad Case of Nerves by Kat Kinsman ($16): 40 million adults in the US have an anxiety disorder, which is why this highly anticipated memoir by writer and commentator Kat Kinsman is definitely a must-read. Reflecting on her own journey with anxiety and depression, Kat offers hilarious and insightful stories that will have you simultaneously LOLing and vigorously nodding your head in agreement.
5. Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick ($16): Girlboss Anna Kendrick gets hilarious and personal in this new memoir — talking about everything from her binder of butt doodles to the every-gal adulting struggle.
6. Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham ($17): Coming out just days after the November 25 Gilmore GirlsNetflix revival, Lauren Graham’s collection of personal essays couldn’t be more timely (AKA it’s perfect for when you binge-watch the new series in one day and need to fill a Gilmore-sized hole in your life).
7. Faithful by Alice Hoffman ($22): After a tragic accident that left her spiraling with guilt, Shelby Richmond must find a way to regain some normalcy in her life. An emotion-packed and beautifully told story of grief, forgiveness and moving on, Alice’s latest novel pairs perfectly with a cozy afternoon and a hot cup of tea.
8. The Spy by Paulo Coelho ($17): Told in the infamous voice of historic Mata Hari, this cool historical fiction will transport you right back to the early 1900s. With pizzazz, heartbreak and charm aplenty, Mata will win your heart and inspire the girlboss in you.
9. When We Rise by Cleve Jones ($18): Coming of age during San Francisco’s infamous ‘70s, out and proud Cleve Jones was immediately drawn to the city’s je ne sais quoi. In this touching and timely memoir, Cleve relives his fascinating life, from adolescent blunders to his conception of the world-famous AIDS Memorial Quilt.
10. Pretend I’m Your Friend by M.B. Caschetta ($11): Make room on your bookshelves, folks! Told through 11 entwined stories, this hilarious, touching and important collection reveals the raw, sometimes bitter truth that comes with endings.
11. Moonglow by Michael Chabon ($23): Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon slays the literary world again in this amazing upcoming read. Taking inspiration from his grandfather’s deathbed-stained stories, Moonglow is a memoir-inspired novel that you’ll want to hoard for years to come.
What’s on your to-read list this month? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.
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(Featured photo via Getty)