New semester, new readings! If you’ve been busy with summer activities, I argue autumn is the best time to get back into a reading groove; the cooler weather, sweater + soup season, and all things pumpkin go along with a great book! I’m a big fan of anthologies and short stories during the school year, as longer works can feel cumbersome alongside keeping up with academic readings. September looks to be a great month for anthology releases, with more suggestions regarding novels in the later months, if that’s more your thing. If you’re too busy during the semester, no sweat – there’s always winter break to catch up on these fresh releases!
September
Fiction
Furies
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72731226-furies)
A feminist anthology by your favorite femme writers is perfect for quick reads between classes! With a focus on terms that are historically demeaning of women such as ‘virago’, these authors take back these words with powerful prose. Catch this one in bookstores on September 26th.
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75293507-never-whistle-at-night)
This anthology created by Indigenous people across the continent highlights spooky legends that occur when one whistles at night. With an expected release date of September 19th, it will drop in bookstores shortly before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
Non-Fiction
Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere – Maria Bamford
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112093865-sure-i-ll-join-your-cult)
Bamford uncovers discussions on mental health in a humourous way and the measures taken to participate in society – which resulted in joining a few self-help cults along the way. Out September 5th!
The Book of (More) Delights: Essays – Ross Gay
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75593883-the-book-of-more-delights)
With the weather getting cooler and the days getting shorter, sometimes you need a pick-me-up – and Ross Gay provides that in his essay collection. With impressive reception of his previous publications on Goodreads, you won’t want to miss this one expected September 19th.
October
Fiction
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch – Melinda Taub
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83823784-the-scandalous-confessions-of-lydia-bennet-witch)
This retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” is from the perspective of Lydia, with a witchy twist! A perfect Halloween read, this one comes out October 3rd.
The Hive and the Honey: Stories – Paul Yoon
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/101145361-the-hive-and-the-honey)
Another collection of tales when a novel feels too daunting, Paul Yoon’s “The Hive and the Honey” explores different experiences people from across continents – from New York City to 17th-century Japan. Scheduled for release on October 10th, this story collection is a perfect break from midterm season.
Non-Fiction
The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works – Helen Czerski
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123979539-the-blue-machine)
I’m going into my fifth year here at UVic and I’m still in awe at the beautiful ocean surrounding campus. With salt air (cue “August”) being a short walk from campus, why not bring a book to learn about the importance of oceans within the environment. With an expected release date of October 3rd, you can soak up what the beach has to offer before rainy season sets in.
The Woman in Me – Britney Spears
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63133205-the-woman-in-me)
Keep your calendar free on October 24th for this release! Britney Spears finally tells her own story, and it’s sure to make waves in pop culture.
November
Fiction
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen – Sarah James
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82769755-last-night-at-the-hollywood-canteen)
Fans of “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” would enjoy the plot of this novel! Set in WWII era Hollywood, Annie Lawrence tries to mingle with Hollywood’s star-studded population to solve the murder of film critic Fiona Farris. Mark your calendars November 7th for this one!
Before We Say Goodbye – Toshikazu Kawaguchi
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66269953-before-we-say-goodbye)
Fans of “When the Coffee Gets Cold” will be pleased to see the fourth installment of the series is now in English! Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot, this book has an expected release date of November 14th.
Non-Fiction
Class – Stephanie Land
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/101160309-class?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)
I was initially hesitant to include this text in the lineup because it has received mixed reviews on Goodreads. However, given the Netflix adaptation of her first memoir “Maid” was filmed in Victoria, it might be worth considering. “Class” continues her story, primarily focusing on the struggle in obtaining higher education and what brought her to a writing career – out November 7th!
Eyeliner: A Cultural History – Zahra Hankir
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63330690-eyeliner)
Hankir’s second publication explores the significant cultural influence eyeliner has throughout history – from from kohl used in ancient civilizations to pop culture in the 21st century. This text discusses how eyeliner is more than a beauty product and how its importance is interwoven into various societies. Keep an eye out on bookshelves for this one starting November 14th!
December
Fiction
This Spells Love – Kate Robb
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75665914-this-spells-love)
There’s nothing like ending the semester full of rigorous academic reading by cuddling up with a simple romance novel. If you could forget an ex, would you? Gemma Wilde took this magical spell and it’s not quite as she expected – out December 5th!
Heartstopper Volume 5 – Alice Oseman
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53344030-heartstopper).
The next installment is almost here! This graphic novel will be a perfect study break before exam season, expected to be released on December 7th.
Non-Fiction
I Didn’t Know I Needed This: The New Rules for Flirting, Feeling, and Finding Yourself – Eli Rallo
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123923887-i-didn-t-know-i-needed-this?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16)
You may recognize Eli Rallo from TikTok, who made the jump into a literary career. Fans of Dolly Alderton’s “Everything I Know About Love” will likely enjoy this one, with an expected release on December 12th.
Happy reading!