November is bringing us some good reading, and I’m not mad about it!
This month’s lineup has everything from street lit and historical romance to literary fiction, memoir and fantasy. And while I would love to add every single one to my bookshelf, these five have caught my attention for different reasons.
Click here to see all the books
Here is what I’m looking forward to reading:
Butterfly 6: Phase 2 “Chrysalis” By Ashley Antoinette | November 3
This one is the first on my list for a reason; I’m LOCKED into this series. The next phase of Ashley Antoinette’s Butterfly 6 experience continues Morgan Atkins’ story. Listen, Ashley Antoinette has a way of pulling readers into the lives of her characters, and I’m invested in seeing where Morgan’s journey goes. I’m here for the family drama, the emotional twists and all the complicated decisions that make urban fiction so hard to put down. And with Chrysalis being the next phase, I need to see what happens next!
Come Here and Cook: Stories and Recipes from a Life at the Table By Jordan Howlett | November 10
Part cookbook, part memoir, Jordan Howlett invites readers into the stories and experiences that shaped his relationship with food. From childhood memories of cooking with his grandmother to his journey into adulthood and social media fame, the book brings together personal stories, family favourites, comfort foods and recipes from his famous collection. Like so many, I LOVE watching Jordan on social media and I can’t wait to get more of his story. I’m curious about the personal stories behind the recipes, and I love the idea of a book that lets us get to know the person behind the social media personality. This one feels like a good read to enjoy with something cooking on the stove.
Take My Word for It: A Memoir By LeVar Burton | November 10
I’ve been waiting on this one and I’m thrilled that its release is around the corner. For anyone who grew up with Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton holds a special place in the world of books and storytelling. I’m interested in hearing his story in his own words, particularly the experiences behind the work that introduced so many children to the joy of reading. Sometimes the stories behind the storytellers are just as important as the stories they share. From playing Kunta Kinte in Roots to his years on Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Burton reflects on identity, creativity, purpose and the power of storytelling.
Nola and Baldwin: A Novel By Donna Hill | November 10
Inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, this historical novel follows Nola Denny, a young woman trying to find her voice after the death of her father and her mother’s struggles with mental illness. On her journey, Nola finds an unexpected fresh start and meets Baldwin Carter, a Pullman porter whose own childhood experiences have shaped the man he becomes. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, their story explores love, resilience, community and new beginnings.
First, a novel inspired by Their Eyes Were Watching God? You already have my attention! I’m interested in seeing how Donna Hill reimagines those themes of love, independence and finding one’s voice in another time and place. Add a historical setting and a love story, and I’m ready to settle in.
The Call of Crowns By Chinaza Bado | November 24
The second book in Chinaza Bado’s Birth of a Dynasty trilogy returns readers to the kingdom of Ahkelbulin, where the royal family is facing growing tensions and the threat of war. Following a shocking death, the princes begin competing for power while Zikora navigates dangerous palace politics and Khalil finds his loyalty tested. With shifting alliances, family conflict and ancient powers at play, the future of the kingdom is anything but certain.
I’m always interested in seeing Black authors expand the worlds of fantasy and speculative fiction. Give me royal family drama, political intrigue, complicated loyalties and a world rooted in African-inspired storytelling. I’m especially curious to see how Bado develops the characters and the world she introduced in the first book. This is one for the fantasy lovers in the community!
More Books Coming Out this Month….
Click here to see all the books
So, what’s making your November TBR?
Whether you’re in the mood for a little romance, some family drama, a thought-provoking memoir or an escape into a whole new world, there’s something here to consider.
And remember, adding books to our TBR is one thing. Actually getting around to reading them? That’s another conversation!
What are you looking forward to reading this November? Have any of these made your list?
Let’s talk books. 🖤
Happy reading, TBGR!
