A memoir that reads like a thriller, a prequel to a ’90s favorite and delightful desk-sharing drama — here are PEOPLE’s picks for the best books of September 2024, so far.
‘No Ordinary Bird’ by Artis Henderson
The cover of ‘No Ordinary Bird’ by Artis Henderson.
Harper
Artis was just 5 years old when she survived the accident that killed her father, a larger-than-life pilot whose story was shrouded in silence for decades. Yes, he was also a large-scale marijuana smuggler who owned a group of Bahamian islands and a Georgia mountain estate, but he was beloved and admired. This deeply felt portrait is as riveting as it is moving. — Marion Winik
‘Vianne’ by Joanne Harris
The cover of ‘Vianne’ by Joanne Harris.
Pegasus Books
Is chocolate magic? Whether you savored the 1999 bestseller or the 2000 movie, this sensuous prequel to Chocolat will make you a believer. It follows the future chocolate-maker Vianne Rocher as an orphaned, pregnant apprentice cook in Marseille. Learning her backstory is delicious. — Marion Winik
‘Hot Desk’ by Laura Dickerman
The cover of ‘Hot Desk’ by Laura Dickerman.
Gallery Books
Not only are editors Rebecca and Ben occupying the same work desk on opposite days, they’re also competing over an esteemed author’s last manuscript. Will the shared history between Rebecca’s mom and the great scribe tip the scales? Will the best wordsmith win? Rollicking and hilarious. — Kim Hubbard
‘Sweet Heat’ by Bolu Babalola
The cover of ‘Sweet Heat’ by Bolu Babalola.
William Morrow
Kiki Bajo hosts an advice podcast, but her own life is falling apart. As maid of honor at her friend’s wedding, she realizes her ex is the best man in this fine enemies-to-lovers tale.
‘Happiness & Love’ by Zoe Dubno
The cover of ‘Happiness & Love’ by Zoe Dubno.
Scribner
A young writer attends a dinner party thrown by the pretentious friends she left New York to escape — and her instincts are proven right. Brutal and entertaining.