The Best Books of September 2026

The last days of summer are here, and we've got just the books to keep you reading well into the fall. With the latest from award-winning authors like Min Jin Lee, Malcolm Gladwell and Hernan Diaz to exciting new releases from John Green, Rebecca Yarrros, R. F. Kuang and more, browse the best books of September and find something for any kind of reader. 

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This dystopian novel of resilience and uncertainty is from Station Eleven author Emily St. John Mandel. The story begins in future America, where society is crumbling, and a bewildering mystery unravels after a man vanishes during a house party.

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What was supposed to be a summer to remember quickly starts off as one Lily might rather forget. R. F. Kuang delivers a witty and moving tale about a young Chinese American woman discovering herself and piecing together her family’s mysterious past in a world that doesn’t always play fair.

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From the master storyteller behind Pachinko comes a moving, multi-generational tale of one Korean family with a dream. Min Jin Lee’s layered story follows the Kohs as they navigate love, ambition, obligation and betrayal across continents, all while striving to secure a better life for future generations.

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Another killer, another case for our favorite mismatched detective trio. From the author of The Thursday Murder Club comes the next book in the delightful We Solve Murders series.

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Hernan Diaz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Trust, returns with a futuristic novel that explores technology, connection and transformation. Centuries from now, society has adapted to a new way of life as humans mend their relationships to the world…and each other.

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Return to Rebecca Yarros’ enchanting world in the upcoming Empyrean story, Threshing Day. The collection features thirteen stories starring the beloved Fourth Wing characters and their iconic dragons.

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This fast-paced cyberpunk thriller from the author of The Will of the Many takes place in a world where murder is legal and the ultra-wealthy live forever. 

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The beloved storyteller who gave us heartfelt novels like The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down returns with a new tender love story set against the underbelly of the entertainment industry. As Kai and Juniper star in the highly anticipated film Andy Warhol Never Gets Old, the two actors balance their rising fame with their complicated feelings in Hollywood, Ending.

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Actor, award-winner, and icon Sylvester Stallone brings his story to life in this powerful memoir, chronicling his tumultuous early life, his rise to fame and the struggles of stardom that followed. 

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He revealed the Kremlin’s secret plot and prevented Armageddon. This gripping account of an unsung hero brings the hidden world of Cold War espionage to life.

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From the bestselling author of The Tipping Point comes a new examination of violence in the United States and the cultural forces that shape how it is perceived.

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Rachel Gillig returns with the haunting follow-up to The Knight and the Moth. Visions, prophecies, slow-burn love and peril at every turn. Faith and fate collide as Sybil's determination rises. Can she conquer the enemy once and for all without losing herself entirely?

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What began as a dream honeymoon quickly became a complex CIA operation in John Grisham’s latest. After newlyweds Paul and Chelsea get snatched from the French countryside, time is of the essence. Prepare for the unexpected in this gripping roller-coaster ride of a thriller. 

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With a glistening resume to speak to his knowledge of the human brain, Andrew Huberman has taken to the page to bring you all the important do's and don'ts for facing stress and whatever else life throws at you.

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The iconic journalist and editor tells his own story, in his own words. From his childhood in Illinois to his tenure at The Washington Post, Woodward reflects on his life and brings readers inside some of his biggest stories from The White House, The Supreme Court, CIA operations and more. 

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The Ninth House trilogy comes to an epic conclusion in Dead Beat. Alex Stern made it to hell and back. But she left the door open behind her. Hell is unleashed upon Lethe House in this whirlwind installment from Leigh Bardugo.

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From his childhood in L.A.’s Chinatown to starring in Indiana Jones and The Goonies and his Oscar-winning return to Hollywood, Ke Huy Quan reflects on an extraordinary life filled with both heartbreak and joy, inspiring readers to never give up on their dreams.

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From politics to social media and religion, how much impact do leaders have on the course of history? Jared Diamond explores the forces behind history’s most influential figures, examining when individuals can make a difference and when things might have unfolded much the same without them. 

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Tahereh Mafi delivers the scorching third volume in the Shatter Me series. Years after the fall of The Reestablishment, all roads lead to destruction as unexpected allies are forced to team up. What do you do when the world is watching? 

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Miss Marple is back! Agatha Christie’s iconic sleuth returns in a new mystery from Lucy Foley, author of The Paris Apartment and The Hunting Party. After a body is discovered at a luxurious mountaintop resort, there is only one woman who can connect the clues before the killer strikes again.

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Brandon Sanderson teams up with Janci Patterson for a new fantasy adventure set in the Skyward universe. Join familiar characters on a mission to a mysterious alien world known as Blightfall.

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A twisted competition is about to begin. Astarion Ancunín faces his fate in this Baldur’s Gate 3 prequel novel by T. Kingfisher. Astarion is a dark fantasy adventure following the fan-favorite charlatan who forms an unlikely alliance with a handsome paladin.

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Inspired by a legendary Irish folk heroine, The Pirate Queen follows the headstrong Grace O’Malley, a young woman who defies her family’s expectations by becoming a sea captain with her own mighty fleet of ships. As she sails, she learns to defend her land, her people and herself.

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Beyond the glamour and the headlines, Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest performers of the 20th century. Go inside his grand existence with this new collection of stories, memories and anecdotes from his iconic career. 

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The author of Practical Magic weaves dark academia with historical fiction for a spellbinding tale set in 1950s Massachusetts. Two women discover a mysterious society of witches and uncover dark secrets from the past that threaten the future.

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Nikita Gil (Hekate) introduces us to the stunning story of Styx, a goddess discovering her own remarkable powers and coming of age in an unforgiving world of gods, monsters and myths.

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The author of Conclave brings us to ancient Rome for a gripping novel that traces Rome’s descent into dictatorship through the eyes of Agrippa, one of Caesar’s strongest allies.

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Immerse yourself in the world of Gravity Falls with this stunning book straight from Alex Hirsch. Explore the incredible art from the whimsical universe and reunite with Mabel, Dipper and Grunkle Stan. 

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Zooming in on what truly matters in life, mountaineer, photographer and author Jimmy Chin interviews extraordinary thinkers to uncover the lessons and values that guide them.

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Bill O’Reilly, author of Confronting the Presidents and Killing the Killers, returns with Confronting America. O’Reilly delves into America’s recent history, drawing on his personal encounters from years of reporting.

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Featuring over 100 mouthwatering recipes, NYT Cooking invites you to discover how decadent a veggie-packed meal can be in this enthusiastic celebration of vegetarian cooking. 

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Who better to take you on a journey through the origins of hip-hop, than Grandmaster Flash himself. The “kid scientist” explores the creative power of the music, the evolution of the culture and the resilience of the community that helped shape it all.

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Acclaimed and beloved author Isabel Allende shares her insights into the mysteries and magic of the writing process in this warm and thoughtful reflection. You’ll want to gift this to every writer in your life.

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Alliances are tested, old friends become enemies and London turns into a battlefield in this breakneck new spy thriller from the author of The Persian. You won’t want to put this one down.

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A reclusive teenager gets charged with a murder she didn’t commit in this gritty and gothic thriller where something sinister lurks deep in the mountains of Colorado.

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A centuries-old mystery is resurfaced with one surprising discovery: a strand of hair. This is a riveting account of modern-day scientific innovation and a critical exploration of our nation’s dark past.

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Desire, pleasure, curiosity… in this exciting follow-up to Want, actress Gillian Anderson collects the wildest fantasies from women around the world, offering an even more intimate look at the secret thoughts that take shape in their imaginations.

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After the success of Frank McCourt’s memoir, Angela’s Ashes, he and his brother went on to lead impressive literary lives. From musings on the writing process to reflections on childhood, loss, the devastating aftermath of 9/11 and more, this is an essential collection the McCourt brothers’ remarkable works.

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Jeneva Rose conjures up a haunting collection of nightmares in Sometimes I Scare Myself. Three tales, each more chilling than the last, lead to horrific discoveries, paranormal occurrences and unsettling truths. Keep the lights on for this one.

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What if The Beatles never really took off? What if The Velvet Underground managed to become the most popular band on Earth? Chuck Klosterman conjures up an alternative history and offers a new perspective on how music and culture intersect over time, paired with his signature wit and irony. 

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When Julia’s family suddenly comes into money, she’s whisked off to New York City to live her dream. But real life is nothing like the movies. Add bad grades and a mysterious tutor into the mix, and she’s in for a recipe full of chaos… and maybe even love.

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In the epic conclusion to the HEIR duology, Sabaa Tahir paints an action-packed story of loyalty, lies and rebellion. As the Martial Empire crumbles, Sirsha must face ancient secrets that threaten to destroy her world.

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Estranged from her family and lost in an isolating routine, Sophie turns to her most reliable companion to help her feel like herself again: books. This is a tender ode to the messiness of humanity and the power of reading.

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Nuptials can be a real nightmare…especially with a killer on the loose. After Willa learns she is stuck in a time loop at her best friend’s wedding that culminates in bloody murder, she must escape to avoid being a wedding guest for the rest of eternity.

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Before she was Glinda she was…Galinda, a lonely girl who dreamed of magical powers. Gregory Maguire invites fans back to the land of Oz in this origin story of Galinda, the Girl in the Bubble who eventually clashes with the Wicked Witch in Wicked.

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An iconic storyteller teams up with the internet's favorite game master for a bold new story unlike any other. Join MrBeast and James Patterson for a thrilling, high-stakes competition set in a world on the brink of collapse in The Most Dangerous Game. 

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The magic continues for fans of Stephanie Garber’s YA fantasy romance trilogy. Return to the Magnificent North in a brand-new tale following Jacks and Evangeline’s love story as the morally gray prince and his fated weakness reunite in a lush Once Upon a Broken Heart novella.

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Jodi Picoult uses her powerful voice to craft a moving story about what we do to protect our loved ones when faced with the unexpected. After living a life shaped by tragedy, Molly Fitzgerald navigates a new set of challenges as she begins to question everything she thought she knew in Hollow Bones.

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The next chapter of the hit LitRPG epic is here. Prepare for more magic, monsters and adventure with bigger battles and higher stakes.

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Fates and waves collide in this high-stakes pirate survival love story. Cat Rose must do everything it takes to save her empire from ruin, but saving the life of the man she loves might be even more urgent now.

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Who do you turn to when you can’t even trust yourself? This final installment in the gripping dystopian trilogy will leave you breathless.  

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When a woman’s husband starts acting suspiciously, she becomes certain he’s cheating on her. After all, she’s been there before — but it’s not what you think. This is a dark, twisting thriller that’ll leave you questioning your own mind.

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Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor take a striking look at the apocalyptic ideologies that define the current rise of technocrats, survivalists and religious groups, and offer their own achievable methods for navigating this daunting new territory. 

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There’s a whole world of bookish destinations out there, and this collection has it all. From the best literary walking tours to curated reading lists and must-visit landmarks, this is an essential read for any book lover in your life.

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Discover how to bring out your best self in this new book from the author of Grit that highlights the importance of harnessing your own power and adapting to new scenarios with ease.

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From the beloved author of The Poet X comes a powerful novel of self-discovery and making difficult choices. Lil may be rebellious, but as her world shifts and tensions with her brother rise, she begins to question her future.

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Expertly researched and intimately narrated, this is the harrowing and hopeful account of one family’s experience with a terrifying genetic illness.

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This Oak House tackles the lifecycle of home renovation, from early sketches to construction and more, this is a practical guide to making your dream home a reality.

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Who’s hunting who in the latest duology by Jasmine Mas? Dark magic, enemies-to-lovers tension and plenty of intrigue await. Zora is a powerful knight mage. Aleksander is a ruthless emperor. What could go wrong?

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The author of the Booker Prize–winning A Brief History of Seven Killings returns with a deeply human story exploring queer life in Jamaica during the 1980s and 1990s.

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A monstrous plague, seductive magic and the fate of the world at stake. Inspired by a medieval legend, this first book in Raven Kennedy’s new fae-and-bane romance delivers danger, banter and plenty of spice.

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From breakfast quesadillas to decadent crab cakes and more, Olivia Tiedemann’s cookbook combines years of experience as a private chef with her trusted kitchen commandments to remind us that anyone can eat meals fit for a king.

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Part foraging guide, part vegan cookbook, social media’s beloved Black Forager shares practical tips for discovering edible plants in your own backyard and how to turn them into flavorful meals.

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Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark uses countless interviews with voters to analyze current political trends in America while offering a unique look at the future through the eyes of the voter.