It’s September, which is traditionally the time we go back to school. Those days may be long gone for some of us, but there will always be books to hit, even if it’s in front of a toasty fire with a glass of red wine. Herewith, our favourite books soon to hit shelves in bookstores. (Yes, they still have those.)

Purity, Jonathan Franzen
Every new novel from American Jonathan Franzen is a big deal. We are jazzed. $35

Avenue of Mysteries, John Irving
Acclaimed novelist and sometime Toronto guy John Irving back with a new book. $35

Under Major Domo Minor, Patrick DeWitt
Patrick DeWitt’s last novel, The Sisters Brothers, was a smash. We’re hooked. $32

History's People, Margaret MacMillan
In History’s People, Toronto historian Margaret MacMillan selects her own list of prominent people of the past. $24.95

Hunger Makes me a Modern Girl, Carrie Brownstein
Sleater-Kinney rock star, Portlandia comic actor and all-around cool cat Carrie Brownstein pens memoir. $34.95

Road Trip Rwanda, Will Ferguson
Author Will Ferguson is a master of the humorous travel memoir, but Rwanda? Sure, why not. $34

Sleep, Nino Ricci
Two-time Governor General’s Award–winning novelist Nino Ricci back with a new novel. $30

The Illegal, Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill follows up Book of Negroes with a fictional exploration of illegal aliens. $34.99