September Releases to Add to Your Fall TBR

September and October are always jam-packed with fantastic new releases–probably because most publishers are gearing up for that holiday season, which you know basically starts in October. At least in retail. For example, at Barnes and Noble, we’ve been getting ready for the holidays probably for the past month by clearing our shelves to get ready for new holiday product, which will probably start coming in within the next month or so. I know, I know, you’re like, “Amanda, stop talking about the holidays already! It’s only September!” But they will be here before you know it.

This September is no exception to the rule. There are lots of great things lined up, even starting this week. I’ve read a few of them already, and all I can say is that you’ll definitely want to be reading these as the weather starts to turn cooler. They’ll be the perfect reads for those rainy fall days.

1. Sadie by Courtney Summers

I reviewed this book a few weeks ago, and even talked about it here on The Radical Notion. Not only does it have compelling characters and a unique narrative format, it also examines the way we treat stories about violence against women in the media. Fueled by Summers’ strong writing, definitely pick this up when it’s released September 4th.

2. And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

Anytime Patrick Ness releases a book, you can bet that it will be on my TBR list. This one I just happened to get an early copy of, and while it wasn’t necessarily my favorite of his, the unique story and gorgeous illustrations will make you want to add this to your cart on Tuesday.

3. People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins is already an established young adult writer, known most for her novels written in verse. In People Kill People, Hopkins tackles the issue of gun violence, following six characters altered by an episode of violence in their small town. Given Hopkins’ ability to tackle difficult issues, this is a book you won’t want to miss when it’s released September 4th.

4. Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Summer Bird Blue is another one that I’ve seen almost everywhere on Twitter. Rumi has always been close to her sister, Lea, so when Lea dies in a car crash, Rumi has to learn how to work past her grief. The other thing that caught my eye was that this book has an asexual character! Check it out when it releases on September 11th.

5. Wildcard by Marie Lu

Warcross was released last year around the same time, and many fans have been anxiously awaiting this sequel. A better version of Ready Player One (in my opinion) featuring a spunky main character working against the system with her own hacking talents. This book releases everywhere on September 18th.

6. Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Ibi Zoboi burst onto the YA scene with her book American Street released in February 2017, which made the National Book Award Longlist. Pride is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in present day Brooklyn and featuring a lot more diversity. This book also releases on September 18th.

7. A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti

Deb Caletti is another established young adult author, and this book is sure to be a tear-jerker. Annabelle is running cross-country in order to escape her traumatic past, spurred on by the country that throws their support behind her. Be sure to check out this running story when it’s released on September 18th.

8. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White

Another retelling of a well-loved classic, Elizabeth Frankenstein befriends the young Victor Frankenstein, making herself an important part of his life. I’ve been seeing this book everywhere on Twitter, and it looks like it will be the perfect read come Halloween time (which is basically now for a lot of people). Pick it up on September 25th!

I’m sure there are plenty of other great releases coming out in September; let me know in the comments what book you’re looking forward to the most!