It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All
- I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
- I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
- You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
- Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.
And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.
Now let's get to the September 2026 list....
Aveyard, Victoria
Tempest
Harper Voyager
9/8/2026
At twenty Lady Rose is captured by marauding pirates and fights for her life. At thirty, bound for execution, her only chance at survival is her connection to the empire's most wanted man, Captain Kane. Fantasy readers will enjoy this new spin on pirate romance—especially because the two timelines don't meet in the middle, leaving readers anticipating what happens next.
—Kady Bischmann, Lawrence Public Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: The Crimson Sails series by Katee Robert
And now the rest of the list....
Benjamin, Chloe
Under Story
Putnam
9780593545218
9/1/2026
Laurel, a mushroom scientist, is working as a seasonal dishwasher at a research base in Antarctica, trying to escape her past after a tragedy. What ensues is a wild, brain-bending story. The science is written in a way that makes sense to the general reader. Readers will be thinking about this one long after it's over.
—Sydney Wirtz, Woodridge Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel
Due, Tananarive
Mazywood
Saga Press
9/22/2026
From Old Hollywood to present-day, this sweeping tale follows generations of the Washington family working in the racist entertainment world and living with a deadly family secret. Told from multiple perspectives and with well-developed characters, this horror read is unputdownable and perfectly represents generational rage and its impact.
—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
Langan, Sarah
Trad Wife
Atria Books
9/29/2026
Reporter Jenny is sent to Black Swan Farm, where Mia rules the roost over her seven— soon to be eight—children. It doesn't take long for Jenny to realize something strange is going on, and as she ingratiates herself into their world, she is plagued by visions. This is a layered, creepy, and shocking read.
—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer
Lee, Min Jin
American Hagwon
Grand Central Publishing
9/29/2026
This multi-generational book follows the Koh family throughout the decades. Lee writes effortlessly about multiple families navigating life in multiple locations. This is a powerful message about the struggles of not just immigrants, but of people finding their way in life. This book has captivating characters readers will care about, flaws and all.
—Amy Tippett, North Beach, MD
NoveList read-alike: American Han by Lisa Lee
Livino, Isabela
An Immaculate Deception
Dutton
9/1/2026
Madalena is young, in love, and pregnant—but in 1870s Brazil, in her family's religious household, that is just not acceptable. Convinced her lover will do the right thing, she stays at his deteriorating family estate, where darkness permeates every room and even her beloved Leandro seems strange and disconnected. The gothic vibes are spot on in this debut novel, and the twisty plot just doesn't quit!
—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
Mason, Meg
Sophie, Standing There
Harper
9/29/2026
Sophie is going through a tough time after her husband leaves. To deal with her loneliness, she forms an imaginary relationship with her favorite author. The author's voice in her head offers friendship and advice, giving Sophie a way to work through her depression. A quiet and lonely story that will resonate with those of us who find solace in books and at times feel a powerful connection to the author.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Is This a Cry for Help by Emily Austin
Philyaw, Deesha
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
Mariner Books
9/29/2026
Scharisse Freeman's moment has finally come: on stage in the First Lady USA pageant, the ultimate validation for the wives of pastors of Black megachurches. She’s an incredibly likable main character whose life verges on soap opera, but the author handles her story with the loving care it deserves. This blends the fun of soap and satire with social critique and pathos.
—Samuel Buelow, Santa Fe Public Library, NM
NoveList read-alike: Dominion by Addie Citchens
Reed, Mackenzie
I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell
Berkley
9/1/2026
Brie thought her biggest problem was surviving her boring office job, until she catches her boss performing an exorcism after hours. When her friend goes missing the next day, Brie gets pulled into a mission with her boss that leads straight to Hell. A chaotically fun mix of workplace humor and paranormal adventure.
—Julia F., Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
Westbury, Kate
The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies
Minotaur Books
9/1/2026
In post-World-War-II Oxford, students Ginevra and Sidney are recruited by MI5 to ferret out a Soviet spy. Although they have very different backgrounds and goals, they are thrown together, which leads to a compelling plot and an enjoyable read. With interesting characters and a compelling plot this is an enjoyable read.
—Deirdre Routt, Omaha Public Library, NE
NoveList read-alike: A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
Peters, Amanda
The Birthing Tree: A Novel
Catapult
9/1/2026
Du Mez, Kristin Kobes
Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made
W. W. Norton & Company
9/15/2026
See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks
The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order. Please note, the current year's Hall of Fame lists are pulled out at the top of the page.
Allen, Sarah Addison
Paper Ghosts
St. Martin's Press
9/1/2026
Borison, B.K.
Grim Tidings
Avon
9/15/2026
DeLuca, Jen
Well Versed
Berkley
9/22/2026
Foley, Lucy, and Agatha Christie
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel
William Morrow
9/22/2026
Harrison, Rachel
Kiss Slay Replay
Berkley
9/1/2026
Hilderbrand, Elin, and Shelby Cunningham
The Thoroughbreds
Little, Brown and Company
9/15/2026
Kuang, R.F.
Taipei Story
William Morrow
9/8/2026
Lawhon, Ariel
The Pirate Queen: A Novel
Doubleday
9/8/2026
Mackintosh, Clare
It's Not What You Think
Sourcebooks Landmark
9/22/2026
Mandel, Emily St. John
Exit Party: A Novel
Knopf
9/15/2026
Marske, Freya
Bodies of Magic
Tor Books
9/15/2026
Picoult, Jodi
Hollow Bones: A Novel
Ballantine Books
9/15/2026
Robb, J.D.
Fury in Death
St. Martin's Press
9/8/2026
Sage, Lyla
Free Falling: A Sweetwater Peak Novel
Dial Press
9/22/2026
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