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Margo and Caroline, Skimm Reads editors, here. We’re back this week with more books we simply can’t stop talking about. So if our list of fall releases wasn’t enough, scroll on for everything we’ve read lately, along with stars on our TBR.
Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li
“Ann Patchett called this ‘the most perfectly constructed novel’ she’s ever read, which is a major compliment coming from the well-read author and bookstore owner. Because Whistler is one of my favorite books of the year, I’m picking up this novel that follows the relationship between two musicians in the 18th century.” —Margo Ghertner
Hollywood, Ending by John Green
“Margo included John Green’s first adult novel on our fall releases list, but after reading it, I had to highlight it here, too. I devoured it in two sittings, far too captivated by its world to put it down. I would describe this as less plot-focused and more an engrossing exploration of character and ideas. Green is such a confident writer that you willingly follow wherever he leads. It’s a forensically observed portrait of the Hollywood machine, clearly written by someone on the inside and brimming with compassion for its young starlets. An easy five stars.” —Caroline Goldstein
The Three Graces of Pearl Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
“Few books have hit my six-star tier this year, and this impressive debut from Elizabeth Wellington Rollins is one of them. I’m a sucker for intergenerational family stories about strong women, and this one checks every single box. In it, you’ll meet Graziella, the 96-year-old matriarch of the Italian-American Valentini family, along with her daughter, Grace, and her granddaughter, Ella, all of whom find themselves living under the same roof. I ravenously binged this book about love, friendship, identity, and complex family dynamics. I’ve been telling everyone I know about this one.” —Margo Ghertner
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
“Every October, I gravitate toward classic horror — last year was Carrie, the year before Rosemary’s Baby, and both are now all-time favorites. This year, I’m going for Pet Sematary, which Stephen King ominously described as the novel that scared him the most. I’ve been listening to the audiobook version narrated by Michael C. Hall, and listening to his brilliant, oddly cozy narration has become the highlight of my daily routine. Petition for Dexter to narrate every Stephen King novel from now on. This should go without saying, but check the trigger warnings here and proceed with caution.” —Caroline Goldstein
Vacation Self by Alexandra Romanoff
“Last year, I raved about Square Waves, Romanoff’s second novella in the Big Fan series. So when I saw Romanoff released a third book, this time following an overworked florist and a former boy band member, I couldn’t resist buying myself a copy. I’m hoping it’ll live up to my love for the second book, and I know it’ll make a solid, easy read as I head into my wedding weekend. Yes, I will still be reading.” —Margo Ghertner
Royal Witch by Philippa Gregory
“In addition to horror, I always crave books about witchcraft or the occult during spooky season. Philippa Gregory’s forthcoming novel fits the bill perfectly. It follows three notorious, real-life women from early 15th-century England: Jacqueline of Hainault, who raised an army to reclaim inherited lands stolen by her husband (iconic); Margery Jourdemayne, a respected wise woman and court healer who was ultimately accused and convicted of witchcraft; and Eleanor Cobham, a duchess who was sentenced to life in prison for treasonable necromancy. No one brings Tudor and Plantagenet history to life like Philippa Gregory.” —Caroline Goldstein