With the chill in the air and the crack of the leaves, fall is the ideal season for reading– oh, who am I kidding? Every season is ideal for reading! To be more specific, the next season provides the ideal opportunity to read a variety of fresh autumnal books, ranging from travel memoirs to romantic comedies. I prefer to have my finger on the pulse of new releases, and these five books from September to November caught my eye.
https://bookshop.org/a/25864/9781101984697
Bookshop
1. Where the Deer and Antelope Play: Pastoral Observations of an Ignorant American Who Enjoys Going for a Walk Outside
by Nick Offerman (Oct. 12)
Ron Swanson once said, "It's senseless for a person to paint scenes of nature when they can go outdoors and stand in it." So, I'm curious how Ron Swanson will react to Nick Offerman's new book, a collection of essays and reflections on his natural adventures. Offerman completed three excursions throughout the United States that inspired this novel: the first and second, Nick explored Glacier National Park with various companions; and the third, Nick and his wife rented an airstream to fly across the country during the 2020 pandemic.
I can't wait to read this travel memoir! On Parks and Recreation, I adored Nick Offerman. Ron Swanson was such a lovable grump; he provided me some of the best laughs on the show. I'm excited to see more of Offerman's literary side, but I'm expecting to see a little of Ron Swanson's gruff charm in the book as well.
2. Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson
Phoebe Robinson gets it. By "it," I mean human connection, pop culture, and the polite etiquette of keeping one's outside garments as far away from her bed as possible! It's just common courtesy, people! Phoebe Robinson is one of my favourite actors. Black Frasier, her podcast, is one that I listen to. I read her second essay collection, Everything is Trash, But It's Okay. I was rooting for her love affair with British Baekoff. I was overjoyed to see a new essay collection on the (very approaching) horizon!
In addition, Phoebe Robinson has recently launched her own label, Tiny Reparations. She uses this platform to "amplify unique and diverse voices." I'm looking forward to seeing what more she creates with her new venture!
3. Lauren Groff's Matrix is available at the bookstore
Groff's Matrix portrays the narrative of Marie, a young, disgraced French courtier in the thirteenth century. Eleanor of Aquitaine exiles her to a remote, impoverished English abbey. Marie devotes herself to the other women in the monastery, discovering her own creativity in a quickly changing world. Also, the description suggests magic; Marie's ancestors are a group of female fighters and crusaders. Will she put her mystical warrior talents to the test in this harsh, perilous environment?
I have a special interest in mediaeval history, and I will take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about it! Earlier this year, I read Outlawed, another historical fiction tale distorted by the existence of magic. Groff's Matrix appears to be following in its footsteps. I'm excited to investigate this new genre.
4: Lia Louis's Eight Perfect Hours
Noelle Butterby is trapped on the side of the road in an early March blizzard. She is without a phone, water, or a phone charger. She is rescued by a gorgeous stranger locked in a nearby car. Within the next eight hours, Noelle Butterby and the attractive stranger called Sam Atwood become fast friends– a whirlwind snowmance, if you will. The road clears and they part in the morning, but they continue to collide at random moments. Is this more than a coincidence? I hope so! If it wasn't, this wouldn't be a very good literary rom-com.
This summer, I've fallen in love with literary romcoms. I've always enjoyed romantic comedies in movies, with my particular favourite being Love, Actually. With a cover like this, with evergreen trees and snow, I'm hoping that Eight Perfect Hours will have a little Christmas enchantment.
5: Jodi Picoult's Wish You Were Here (Bookshop No.)
Picoult's latest novel is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am eager to see how it is interpreted. The pandemic caught protagonist Diana O'Toole off surprise, disrupting important life plans like as marriage, vacations, and professional advancements. She ends up stuck in the Galápagos, quarantined with lizards and locals for company. Diana develops a close bond with a teenage farm girl, who leads Diana on a journey of self-discovery and self-reflection. When the time comes to return home, who will Diana be?
I'm looking forward to reading a storey set against the backdrop of COVID-19. Importantly, the epidemic appears to start the plot but not drive it. That echoes my own feelings on the events of 2020 and 2021: the epidemic provided me with the chance for reflection and to make certain decisions, but it is not to blame for the emotions that ensued. I'm looking forward to reading the end to this narrative, which, in my opinion, may not be a conclusion at all.
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