FIRST Book Club Must-Read Picks for Fall: Rachel Khong’s Book + More for September 27 to October 10

Welcome back, bibliophiles! FIRST Book Club (a.k.a. FFW Book Club) is here with a wide variety of book recommendations for September 27 to October 10. As we get ready to enter the crisp autumn months, we are looking forward to more time spent at home—and more time cozied up with excellent reads. From searing suspense to charming lit fic, mind-bending family sagas and more, we have an array of book recs (new releases, recent releases and older releases!) fit for every type of reader.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story about second chances and unexpected friendships, look no further than Simon Van Booy's Sipsworth , which FIRST's editor-in-chief Liz Vaccariello adored: "I was surprised by how much I cared for these characters…" For a sharp and modern tale sprinkled with suspense, pick up Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall. If you're in the mood for a read that's part thrilling mystery, part family saga, try Real Americans by Rachel Khong—a multigenerational story about privilege and family secrets. For those on the hunt for a fascinating historical fiction , sink into Lisa Barr's Goddess of Warsaw, a saga set in Poland during World War II, 1950s Hollywood and the early 2000s. Assistant Digital Editor Courtney Shapiro described Barr's latest novel as "both heartbreaking and stunning.”

Keep scrolling for all of the FFW Book Club must-read book recommendations for September 27 to October 10!

Literary Fiction

'Sipsworth' by Simon Van Booy

“I’ve always been a sucker for an uplifting novel involving an animal character­—especially when it’s smart, not saccharine,” shares Liz Vaccariello , FIRST Editor-in-Chief. “Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, featuring an octopus, was a top-10 read for me last year! And this year, Simon Van Booy’s Sipsworth —where a widow’s desolate disposition warms as her attachment to a mouse grows—fits that bill! After losing her family, Helen Cartwright returns to the English village of her youth. She is resigned to her routines and is ready to leave this world—until she meets a mouse. “I was riveted by the subtly building tension in this story,” says Liz. “And I was surprised by how much I cared for these characters—I think about them to this day.” ( David R. Godine, 2024 )

Suspense

'Anna Bright Is Hiding Something' by Susie Orman Schnall

“It seemed like everyone on my social media feeds was talking about this book, even before it published, and I was so excited to read it,” says Patty Bontekoe , FIRST Executive Editor. Journalist Jamie Roman is on the hunt for the story that will make her career, when she gets the chance to interview Anna Bright, CEO of a Silicon Valley start-up and the tech world’s “It girl.” When Jamie hears murmurings of fraud and safety issues with Anna’s product, she starts writing an exposé. But Anna’s willing to do anything to keep Jamie quiet. “The story flipped between Anna’s and Jamie’s POV,” says Patty. “I was enthralled reading about Anna’s sometimes-shocking behavior, contrasted against Jamie’s desire to get the truth out.” ( SparkPress, 2024 )

Family Saga

'Real Americans' by Rachel Khong

“When I heard this novel being described as a multigenerational story that’s as much a page-turner as it is an eye-opener, I was intrigued,” says Melissa D’Agnese , FIRST Senior Editor. “And between Khong’s beautiful writing and imaginative storytelling, it delivered on that promise.” The story starts in 1999 when Lily Chen, a 22-year-old intern at a media company, meets Matthew. Matthew is laid-back, good looking, an East Coast native and an heir to a pharmaceutical company—and in many ways he’s Lily’s opposite. Lily was raised in Florida by two scientists who fled Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Despite their number of differences, Lily and Matthew fall in love and get married. Fast-forward 22 years later, 15-year-old Nick Chen is living with his single mother, Lily, on a remote Washington island. Nick doesn’t feel like he belongs there and he has a sneaking suspicion his mother is hiding something. When he starts to question who his biological father is, he embarks on a journey that leads him to more questions than answers. “This book was told from multiple points of view, which kept me engaged,” says Melissa. “Part thrilling mystery, part family saga, it’s about identity, privilege, family secrets, lineage—and figuring out how much of the future is actually up to us.” ( Knopf, 2024 )

Historical Fiction

'The Goddess of Warsaw' by Lisa Barr

“I can’t believe this was the first book I read by Lisa Barr, but it certainly won’t be my last,” says Courtney Shapiro , FIRST Digital Associate Editor. “She weaved a story that was both heartbreaking and stunning.” Set across three different time periods—Poland during World War II, 1950s Hollywood and the early 2000s—the story follows Bina Blonski and her journey to survival. Throughout the novel, Bina transforms into a spy, an assassin and an actress. “This book is full of secrets, twists and turns,” says Courtney. “I felt like I was witnessing these events firsthand as I read!” ( Harper Perennial, 2024 )

Mystery

'Like Mother, Like Daughter' by Kimberly McCreight

“The dark, moody cover of this novel is what drew me into this mystery,” says Rachel Cosm a , FIRST Health Director. When NYU student Cleo drops by her childhood home, she discovers a bloody shoe and no trace of her mom, Kat. On the outside, Kat is a top lawyer. But between juggling threats, a money-hungry cheating spouse and a corporate cover-up, Kat has another life that Cleo must now piece together. Rachel says, “This was a fast-paced mystery that kept me hooked!” ( Knopf, 2024 )

Self-Help

'The Age of Magical Overthinking' b y Amanda Montell

“While browsing the self-help aisle at my local bookstore, the title of this book caught my eye,” says Maggie Dillard , FIRST Senior Associate Editor. With wit and humor, Montell delves into 12 different cognitive biases—like the halo effect, sunk cost fallacy and confirmation bias—to help readers understand the pros, cons and power of magical thinking in an overstimulating world. “Her personal stories paired with science-backed research were engaging, thought-provoking and encouraging,” says Maggie. ( Atria, 2024 )

Romance

'Given Our History' by Kristyn J. Miller

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love romance books,” shares Carissa Mosness , FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “And this book was one of the cutest rom-coms I’ve read!” The dual timeline plot follows assistant professor Clara Fernsby, who is less than thrilled when her teenage love, Theodore “Teddy” Harrison, is brought on as a visiting scholar. Soon, a shared project makes the exes face their past—and their feelings for each other. Says Carissa, “This cozy, lovable story had me grinning from ear to ear as I read.” ( Griffin, 2024 )

Women's Fiction

'How to Fall Out of Love Madly' by Jana Casale

“Recently, I was in the mood for a good book to take with me on a long weekend trip, and my friend recommended this one,” says Anna Traver, FIRST Assistant Editor. This story follows three women—Joy, Annie and Celine—as they navigate their relationships and their insecurities with partners, crushes, family, society and, most important, themselves. Says Anna, “Filled with heartbreak, hope, despair and joy, it’s a relatable and very insightful tale about finding your way.” (The Dial , 2022)

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