This month: An outstanding debut collection of unusual and original essays; an exploration of courage and curiosity from bestselling author Brené Brown; a deep-dive into the disaster that ended the era of supersonic air travel; and two books about books, including the latest from The Orchid Thief author Susan Orlean. 

October might be the best month of the year for history buffs.

The definitive biography of one of the most important African-Americans of the 19th century, a moving novel by a war veteran, the first in an impressive fantasy quartet, and more.

The Amazon Books Editors' selections for the best new biographies and memoirs of October include an informative look into the life and work of Frederick Douglass, an emotional (and uplifting?) story of a family that will "destroy each other... destroy themselves," and  The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, as told by two people who absolutely believe it. 

We asked bestselling author Ransom Riggs about writing the first book of a companion trilogy for his popular series, his thoughts on the the Miss Peregrine movie, and more... 

Check out highly anticipated fall releases from Leif Enger, Ransom Riggs, Andre Dubus III, Jodi Picoult, and more. 

Ransom Riggs' highly anticipated new novel in the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series publishes on October 2nd.  You can read the prologue and an excerpt from the first chapter here. 

Here are our favorite Mysteries & Thrillers of September.

It's September, and the reading is getting serious. This month, the Amazon Editors' selections for the best biographies and memoirs include the latest from a top-notch nature writer, an impressive debut from the daughter of one of our most successful and driven innovators; and the latest from Ben Macintyre, a master of the true spy tale.

Whether you like your love stories hot, sweet, funny, or dark, there's something for you among the best romances of the month. See why these books made our list.

Make history this month, or at least read some. 

Imogen Hermes Gowar, the author of Best of the Month pick The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock, on the importance, and power, of objects in storytelling.

An unusual adventure tale, two astute American history reads, and a memoir that demonstrates that the "hard work pays off" adage doesn’t always hold true....

Reese Witherspoon's first book is a delightful hybrid of memoir, cookbook, and Southern lifestyle guide.  We caught up with her via email to talk about recipes, tradition, and more.

September marks the advent of the high season for publishing, a cavalcade of noteworthy and much-anticipated books hitting the shelves, as well as our reading lists. Here are 14 of our favorite true tales of the month, including the latest from Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jill Lepore, and Noah Yuval Harari.