September always feels like a season of renewal – a time of hope, possibility, and fresh beginnings. After the long, hot days of summer, I still find myself drawn to the promise of new chapters waiting to unfold. And for the protagonists in this selection, everything is still ahead of them: a chance to begin again, to rewrite their stories, and to embrace what comes next.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
At nineteen, Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College and is promptly dispatched to live with her unconventional Aunt Peg in Manhattan. There, amid the glitter and chaos of the theatre world, Vivian is swept up into a dazzling life of actors, showgirls, and bohemians, all against the backdrop of World War II. But when a reckless mistake shatters her glittering new world, Vivian is cast out once again, this time with far more serious consequences. Decades later, at ninety-five, she looks back on the choices she made, the loves she lost, and the extraordinary life that unfolded in ways she never could have imagined.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (trans. by Shanna Tan)
Yeongju is burned out from her marriage, her career and the life she should be enjoying in Seoul. In an extraordinary bout of courage, she abandons it all and opens a bookshop in the outskirts of the city. For months, all Yeongju can do is cry, but as she starts putting her savings, her energy and her vision towards the Hyunam-dong Bookshop she starts to settle into her new role as proprietor. The locals are initially skeptical, but soon the Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes a hub for second chances, found friendships and really good books.
What Happens in the Dark by Kia Abdullah
Safa Saleem used to be a respected crime reporter but after a fall from grace, she’s at rock bottom and trying to make a name for herself at the local newspaper. Lily Astor, meanwhile, is Britain’s golden girl – an adored rising star with a flawless image. But Safa knows her differently: once upon a time, Lily was her closest friend, the girl she grew up with through hardship and struggle. When Lily is spotted with unexplained bruises, she dismisses them as the result of a weekend tennis match. The public isn’t convinced—and neither is Safa’s editor, who urges her to reconnect with Lily and uncover the truth. But when a body is discovered in Lily’s home, Safa finds herself caught in a deadly puzzle. Is Lily a victim of circumstance, or is she hiding something much darker?
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
I put this one off for ages, but trust me, you need to read it! Viv, a battle-worn orc mercenary, has finally laid down her sword in search of something sweeter: opening a little coffee shop in a town that’s never even heard of coffee. With determination (and plenty of pastries), she starts to build a new life; hiring staff, creating community, and pouring lattes instead of blood. But when ghosts from her past come knocking, Viv must decide how far she’ll go to protect the haven she’s created. This is her chance at a true fresh start and she’s not about to let anyone take it away.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang (trans. by Slin Jung)
What if you could have infinite fresh starts and a new life? Serin is down on her luck, with no friends, no prospects and barely making ends meet to stay in school. So when she hears about a competition where you can get a brand new life, Serin pours her heart and soul into a letter to the mysterious Rainfall Market, a place where destinies can change. Miraculously she’s accepted, and finds herself with one week to find her destiny and change her life forever. The catch? If she can’t find the right destiny soon, she’ll be erased from existence forever.
Something Bookish Curators are always on the lookout for the next great read to add to your #TBR. Whether it’s a backlist gem, a breakout debut, the book everyone will be talking about next, or a beloved classic, we’ve got recommendations you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation and read along with us on social!
