Arts & Entertainment
The 10 Best Books To Read In November
From John Grisham's latest novel to Michelle Obama's memoir, these are the must-reads everyone will be talking about.
The holiday season will be in full swing before you know it, but before you start shopping for others, you should treat yourself to a great book. To help get you started, we've put together a list of 10 must-reads — a mix of top picks from Patch staffers and Amazon editors.
There are inspiring memoirs, terrifying thrillers, royal romances and everything in between. If you like reading, you're going to love these books.
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#1 "Elevation" by Stephen King
Scott Carey has a mysterious illness causing him to rapidly lose weight, even though he looks perfectly healthy to everyone around him. He's also in the midst of a turf war with the lesbian couple next door, who allow their dog to do its business on Scott's lawn. But when the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, is wholly unsupportive of the couple's attempt to open a restaurant, Scott decides to help. It doesn't take long to see that Castle Rock is full of prejudice, but a series of unlikely alliances and the uncertainty surrounding Scott's illness bring the town together in a way no one could have ever predicted.
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#2 "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play" by Kobe Bryant
In Kobe Bryant's first book, the now retired NBA legend reveals how he mentally and physically got to be at the top of his game. These personal narratives are paired with photographs from Hall of Fame photographer Andrew D. Bernstein, who took Bryant's first NBA photo in 1996 and his last in 2016.
#3 "The Reckoning: A Novel" by John Grisham
Pete Channing is a decorated World War II veteran from a prominent Southern family, a farmer, a family man and a faithful member of the Methodist church. On a cool October morning, he shocks the entire town of Clanton, Mississippi, when he walks into the church and calmly shoots and kills his pastor. When asked why he committed such a horrendous act, Pete's only statement is, "I have nothing to say." In "The Reckoning," John Grisham takes the reader through Pete's intense backstory and a high stakes battle in the courtroom.
#4 "The Royal Runaway" by Lindsay Emory
Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent is a modern-day noble who is sick of her crown and all the duties that come with it. Four months after her fiancé disappears on their wedding day, she sneaks out of the palace and meets an intriguing Scottish man named Nick at a local bar. Thea thinks she's found a real-life Prince Charming, but she soon discovers Nick is the brother of her ex-fiancé and a British spy. Hoping to find out what happened to her fiancé, Thea reluctantly joins forces with Nick. In doing so, she discovers a secret that could destroy the entire monarchy.
#5 "Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You" by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Before Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name with "Hamilton," the New York City native was inspiring his Twitter followers at the beginning and end of each day. He wrote uplifting sayings and poetry for himself as much as for others, and soon his messages took on a life of their own. In "Gmorning, Gnight," Miranda's words are accompanied by beautiful illustrations from artist Jonny Sun. This book is the ultimate pick-me-up for anyone who could use some encouragement.
#6 "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Former FLOTUS Michelle Obama has become one of the most iconic American women in recent history. In her forthcoming memoir, she invites readers into her private world, reflecting on her childhood in the South Side of Chicago, her time as a powerful attorney, and her work at the White House.
#7 "My Sister, the Serial Killer: A Novel" by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Korede is sick and tired of covering for her beautiful and possibly sociopathic sister, Ayoola. So when Ayoola's third boyfriend in a row turns up dead, Korede finally decides to put herself first. She gets closer to the handsome doctor at the hospital where she works, but much to her dismay, he asks for her sister's phone number. Will Korede finally be the one who snaps? How far will she go to protect her unappreciative sister? In this dark, deadly comedy, we get to find out.
#8 "Nine Perfect Strangers" by Liane Moriarty
Nine people meet for the first time at a remote health resort for a 10-day retreat. Among them is Frances Welty, a former bestselling author now struggling with a bad back and a broken heart. She immediately becomes fascinated by her fellow guests at the resort, but she's even more intrigued the mysterious owner. Frances isn't sure if he's a guru with all the answers or if he's a man she needs to run from — fast. Soon the other guests at the health retreat are wondering the same thing. From the author of "Big Little Lies," this book is a page-turner in every sense of the word.
#9 "Beastie Boys Book" by Michael Diamond and Adam Horowitz
In this eclectic, truly collectible memoir, the Adam "ADROCK" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond give fans a true inside look at more than 30 years of the band's history. Within the book, there are never before seen photos, original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, pieces by guest contributors and even more surprises.
#10 "The Kinship of Secrets" by Eugenia Kim
In 1948, Najin and Calvin Cho travel from South Korea to the United States with their young daughter Miran. They make the difficult decision to leave their infant daughter, Inja, behind with their extended family until they can return to her. But when war breaks out in Korea, Najin and Calvin are unable reunite with Inja. While Miran grows up comfortably in America, her younger sister remains in a war-torn land with no memory of her faraway family. Nadine and Calvin desperately want to reunite with their daughter, and through the years, they refuse to give up. In "The Kinship of Secrets," the Cho family's struggle is told through the alternating perspectives of the two sisters.
Looking for even more great books? Check out last month's reading list!
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