My November Reads & Recommendations

Avid readers often set goals in November to make the most of the cozy season and prepare for the end of the year. Are you one of those? Permit me to share! Here are some of the ones on my TBR (to be read) list and some recommendations for you based on your goal for this fabulous month!

Finish Reading Challenges

If you've been chipping away at an annual challenge on Goodreads or StoryGraph, November is the perfect time to close out those last books and check off your list.

• Book: A Cat, A Man, and Two Women by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (🛍️ Buy)

• Why: This short novel from Japan offers a humorous, thought-provoking look into relationships and self-discovery, making it an excellent choice to finish your list with a high-quality, manageable read.

Tackle Longer or Classic Reads

With more time indoors, taking on those weightier or classic reads you've been saving for the colder season is ideal.

• Book: Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih (🛍️ Buy)

• Why: This Sudanese classic explores identity, love, and cultural clashes. At around 200 pages, it’s short but powerful, resonating as a modern classic in African literature.

Read More Novellas or Short Stories

Short-term works or collections are perfect for November if you aim to meet your reading goals quickly!

• 🌺 Book: Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire by Scarlet Ibis James (BUY)

• Why: This collection reflects longing, unsatisfied yearning, and the multi-ethnic experiences of Black women. It’s an excellent choice for readers interested in global, heartfelt storytelling.

Join or Host a Reading Marathon

November is a read-a-thon season, with events like Nonfiction November or Sci-Fi November inspiring you to explore specific genres or themes.

• Book: Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi (📚 BUY)

• Why: This unique novel follows Ada, a Nigerian-born woman with multiple spirits. It blends Igbo cosmology with themes of mental health, making it a mesmerizing pick for any themed marathon.

Dive into Diverse Fantasy Worlds

If you're looking to explore a fresh take on the vampire genre with strong, diverse characters and unique cultural perspectives, Vampire Uprising offers an immersive escape.

• Book: Vampire Uprising: Chronicle 1 - Blk Qween (📚 BUY)

• Why: This exciting urban fantasy features a powerful Black queen in a dark, supernatural world, blending action, mystery, and culture. It’s an ideal pick for readers who crave diverse narratives within the fantasy genre.

Focus on Cozy or Autumnal Reads

November is all about finding reads that match fall's cozy, reflective vibe.

• Book: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See (🛍️ BUY)

• Why: Set in China’s tea culture, this novel beautifully explores family, tradition, and resilience—perfect for November’s introspective energy.

Prepare for Holiday Reading Lists

With the festive season approaching, now’s a great time to start planning those heartwarming, reflective reads.

• Book: The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea (🌺 BUY)

• Why: This multi-generational family drama captures a Mexican-American family’s farewell with warmth, humor, and reflection. It’s a beautiful pick to welcome the holidays. This is on my TBR list because it promises to be raunchy, moving, and necessary.

Reflect and Set New Goals

As the month ends, reflect on the year’s reads and what you’d like to explore in the year ahead.

• Book: The Polished Hoe by Austin Clarke (🛍️ BUY)

• Why: This prize-winning Caribbean novel delves into colonialism, memory, and resilience. It’s the perfect inspiration for reflecting on identity and setting new reading goals.

💡 Want to explore these cozy November reads? Grab a Kindle Unlimited membership to dive into many of these stories—perfect for curling up with a new book this season! https://amzn.to/4fAbZyj (Affiliate Link).

🌺 Call to Action: Please consider gifting these authors with a rating and review on Goodreads and Amazon!

If you’re reading something else this month, leave a comment with the book name and author below. Let’s share our November reads!

All the "BUY" links above are Amazon affiliate links, so I may receive a small commission if you buy something (at no additional cost to you). It's akin to treating me to a virtual coffee while you shop! ☕️ Thank you for your support!