This November, we’re thankful for the imagination and dedication of authors to give us stories to enjoy, for physical books and long afternoons curled up by the fire, for e-books on our phones so we can read in line at the grocery stores, and audio books for our commutes and drives to see family. Here are ten titles coming out this month we’re thankful for—and think you will be, too.
Fiction
Ravishing by Eshani Surya
Kashmira hates looking the mirror and seeing how much she resembles her abusive father, who was obsessed with assimilating into American culture. Luckily, a new cream on the market uses nanoparticles to rearrange facial features. Kashmira’s estranged brother, Nikhil, is working for the company that makes the cream and is troubled by its emerging side effects. This thriller is at once a tender coming-of-age story, an indictment of the beauty industry, and an illuminating look at race, culture, belonging and identity. Available Nov. 11. // Library catalog link here.
The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten, translated by Alison McCullough
Nils wakes up to drops of blood on his pillowcase and knows it is his last day on Earth. Still, he goes to work as a ferry operator, running his usual route through the Norwegian fjords. The passengers joining him on this final voyage turn out to be ghosts from his past, including his beloved dog. All the while he’s waiting for his recently deceased wife to join them. Never veering into sentimentality, this wistful epic explores the mundane moments that make up a meaningful life. Available Nov. 18. Library catalog link here.
Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
For years, the Thornwitch served as the right-hand to an evil wizard. After a lifetime of villainy, she’s decided to turn a new leaf, changing her name to Violet, moving to a small town, and opening a flower shop. Now the only thorn in her side is the gruff alchemist with whom she shares a greenhouse. But when a blight comes to town, the two must work together, and deal with the secrets in their pasts, to beat it. A delightfully cozy grumpy/sunshine romance. Available Nov. 18. Library catalog link here.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino
Margo and her husband want to buy a house in the D.C. area, but they’ve been outbid 11 times in 18 months. When Margo hears of a house that’s going to hit the market soon, she decides to do whatever it takes—including stalking the current owners to find a way to infiltrate their lives. She’s undeterred when they wise up to her plot, showing just how far she’s willing to go in this twisted and darkly humorous domestic suspense novel by an area writer. The TV adaptation is already in development at Hulu. Available Nov. 25. Library catalog link here.
Nonfiction
Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams
In 1834, David Ruggles opened the first Black bookstore in the U.S. In addition to selling abolitionist literature, he created a place for African Americans to gather and learn, setting the template for many Black-owned bookstores to follow. Adams traces the history of Black bookstores, the role they’ve played in their communities and the problems they faced, from FBI surveillance to online shopping to ever-present racism and gentrification. An engaging and well-researched history and literary love letter. Available Nov. 4. Library catalog link here.
The Rembrandt Heist: The Story of a Criminal Genius, a Stolen Masterpiece, and an Enigmatic Friendship by Anthony M. Amore
After being arrested for stealing paintings from the Woolworth estate, Myles Connor tried to negotiate a lighter sentence by returning some works from other heists. When an officer told him, “It’s going to take a Rembrandt to get out of this one,” a plan was formed. While out on parole, Connor stole Rembrandt’s Portrait of Elsbeth van Rijin in broad daylight from Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Filled with action and intrigue, Amore’s account of this daring theft and the characters involved is captivating. Available Nov. 4. Library catalog link here.
Do Aliens Speak Physics?: And Other Questions about Science and the Nature of Reality by Daniel Whiteson and Andy Warner
Science fiction has long assumed that if we ever get a chance to meet an alien, math and physics will be the universal language used to communicate. Blending philosophy, physics and cartoons, Whiteson and Warner examine whether physics really is the universal language— as it assumes aliens would experience the universe in the same way we do. Filled with big questions and plenty of humor, this is a fun and surprisingly deep look at science, communication and reality as we know it. Available Nov. 4. Library catalog link here.
Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change the World by William Rankin
In telling us how to see the world, maps change how we understand it. We may think of them as neutral instruments, but in deciding which information to show and how to display it, mapmakers ultimately show us more than geography. From where we draw political borders to how reusing printing plates reinforces political realities, cartographer and historian Rankin explores how maps have shaped us, as well as how we can use maps to reimagine the future, in this eye-opening and lavishly illustrated work. Available Nov. 11. Library catalog link here.
Middle Grade
How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil
Insyirah and her mother move from Australia to Malaysia to take care of her grandmother, who has suffered a fall. In addition to getting used to life in a new country and making new friends at school, Insyirah becomes tuned in to Ari, a boy no one else can see. She discovers that the women in her family can see jinn, and Ari isn’t the only one she can see. There’s an evil spirit haunting her new school and it’s up to Insyirah to confront it. This energetic adventure blends family, mythology and faith with a relatable heroine. Available Nov. 4. Library catalog link here.
Teen
Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland
The village of Kirkwell depends on the Fairfax Whaling Co. and the magical whales they hunt for survival. But the whales are protected by the vengeful finfolk, adding to the danger of whaling. Annie Fairfax survived the wreck that killed her parents, but was cursed by the finfolk. Now, as head of the whaling company, she bears the weight of responsibility, a fiancée who may be more interested in her company than her, and a worsening curse. A fellow captain tells her of a possible cure for the curse, but the costs are even bigger than whaling itself. This roiling and atmospheric tale blends horror, folklore and love. Available Nov. 11. Library catalog link here.
Jennie Rothschild is a collection engagement librarian for Arlington Public Library.