Ann Patchett and More Authors Reveal Their Favorite Fall Book Picks at the Library of Congress Book Festival (Exclusive)
Bestselling authors, including Ann Patchett, share their most-anticipated fall reads
Key Takeaways
- Ann Patchett calls ‘Music Against the Night’ her 'very favorite' book of the fall.
- Chloe Gong recommends ‘Double Take 'by Tashie Bhuiyan, out January 2027.
- ‘Life of M’ by Rachel Cusk was praised by author Hannah Whitten as unsettling and smart.
Woman’s World recently got the chance to catch up with several bestselling authors at the Library of Congress’s 2026 National Book Festival and all of them spilled the tea on what books they are most looking forward to this fall. From the book Ann Patchett calls her “favorite” to the one Chloe Gong says is a “great, great read,” these books are guaranteed to be some of the hottest books this fall. To discover what they are, keep scrolling!
Library of Congress’s 2026 National Book Festival attendees spill on their fall TBR
From historical fiction to magical realism, here are the hottest fall reads according to authors at the Library of Congress’s 2026 National Book Festival.
Ann Patchett recommends this stunning historical fiction novel
Ann Patchett, best known for Bel Canto, Tom Lake and her newest novel Whistler, is the queen of predicting popular books, and her newest prediction is none other than Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li. Set in 18th-century Dublin, this novel follows John Field, a gifted musician who composes haunting melodies he calls nocturnes. Half a world away in Pondicherry, French India, orphaned Adelaide Percheron discovers music as her salvation. When their paths converge, a sweeping tale of passion, heartbreak and redemption unfolds. (Out October 13, 2026)
What Ann says: “My very favorite is called Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li.”
What early readers are saying: “When I saw Ann Patchett proclaiming Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li as the best literary fiction novel of the year, I knew I had to read it. Yiyun Li painted immersive pictures of all of the locations in this novel, whether it was following John Field from Dublin to Scotland and London or following Adelaide Percheron from Pondicherry, India to France and Russia. All of the people and places in these areas were beautifully described so it felt as if the reader were walking the streets or practicing the piano forte with the characters.”
Chloe Gong calls this magical realism novel ‘great’
If you love tales filled with family drama and magical realism, then don’t miss this novel recommended by bestselling author Chloe Gong. Seven years ago, twins Astoria and Grace Sadiya lost touch, but on their 25th birthday they both blew out their candles and made the same wish—only to wake up in an alternate universe. Grace wants nothing more than to get back to her own world, but Astoria is determined to use this blip in the multiverse to locate her lost first love. Can the two overcome their differences and navigate their alternate reality? Only time will tell. (Out January 12, 2027)
What Chloe says: “l can’t wait to read the finished version of Double Take by Tashie Bhuiyan. It is an adult book club speculative fiction about twin sisters who are estranged, but then they make a wish on their birthday. Suddenly, they find themselves traveling the multiverse together. It’s a great, great read.”
What early readers are saying: “No one does magical realism better than Tashie Bhuiyan. Double Take is an amazing novel about possibilities. We follow two estranged twin sisters unhappy with their current life as they navigate alternative universes in search of one where they get everything they want.”
Alex Aster wants to grab this historical retelling
Alex Aster’s newest novel, Barbie Dreamscape, is inspired by the iconic doll, and if you are looking for a book with a similar premise, then pick up Fiona Davis’ latest novel Samantha: The Next Chapter, which is inspired by the American Girl doll Samantha. In 1920, 25-year-old Samantha Parkington is working hard to educate young girls in New York about suffrage. She’s also encouraging them to vote in the presidential election, but after her inheritance is stolen, things change. Now she’s searching for clues about what happened, all while making sure women everywhere continue to fight for equality in New York City and beyond. (Out October 13, 2026)
What Alex says: “I’m sure it’s gonna be great and I’m definitely gonna try to get an early copy.”
Hannah Whitten loves this upcoming release
Love twisted tales centered around fame and stardom? Then pick up Life of M by Rachel Cusk. The film star M is one of the biggest actresses of her time, and now a writer has decided to pay close attention to her in the hopes that they can discover who M really is. But as the investigation unfolds, the writer is shocked to learn that M’s life is far more complicated than anyone realizes. A twisted tale of identity and secrets. (Out August 25, 2026)
What Hannah says: “It’s a weird girl situation going on where a girl is talking about her very famous friend and the ebbs and flows of their relationship. It seemed weird and unsettling, and like something I would enjoy.”
What early readers are saying: “If you appreciate really good writing, a strong sense of place and some of the smartest and most profound insights, you can’t really go wrong with this one.”
Shannon Messenger has her eyes on this fantasy novel
Shannon Messenger is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and while she may spend most of her time reading Dino Potty: Learn to Potty With Dino— “It’s helping my three-year-old and a five-year-old with potty training,” she explains—she does have a few upcoming books that she’s excited for. Namely, The Goodfolke Family by Roshani Chokshi, which follows Arthur Goodfolke, an exiled prince of Faerie and small business owner, after he and his family start their lives over in the mortal world. (Out January 1, 2027).
What Shannon says: “I am really excited for one. I got to read and early copy of it because she wants me to blurb it.”
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