Fall is a fantastic time for books. The cooler weather, back-to-school, pumpkin spiced...everything! For us this means we have more time to read the best new books.

Of course, we've got you covered with kids books, but adults have a plethora of books to choose from:

We headed down to Brookline Booksmith, and just within seconds being in the store, there are a number of books I'd put on my Reading To-Do List:

• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
• The Happiness Project
• How Children Succeed
• This is How You Lose Her
• Telegraph Ave

(Note: This article was written BEFORE J.K.Rowling's new book hit bookshelves. We are very much looking forward to that book too, look for it in a review later this fall!)

First, lets look at the new book by Mindy Kaling. The NY Times says “She’s like Tina Fey’s cool little sister. Or perhaps… the next Nora Ephron.” Which I think puts it well. But personally, as a short, female, 'young professional' who thinks of herself as the outsider/quriky artsy girl, I gotta say that Mindy speaks for all of us misfits. In ways that I don't think Tina Fey has. Maybe it's because Mindy's role on The Office, and now as star of The Mindy Project on Fox shows her as one of the little guys. It's because she is so darn relatable that I want to start reading her book right away. Also, for a half hour of quality comedy, I give her new show a thumbs up.

The next two authors whose books are begging me to buy them now are those from Junot Diaz and Michael Chabon. If you are looking for quality fiction that you can completely lose yourself in, these guys are a treat. Avid fiction lovers will know Chabon from a collection of eccentric books, like Kavalier and Clay, The Yiddish Policeman's Union, and Wonder Boys, just to name a few. Chabon knows how to craft a story, unique and adventurous, and still so relatable. As wild as his imagination gets, his ideas of culture, identity, relationships are prominent. The premise of Telegraph Avenue has the soul of Americana with its focus on jazz, and I can't wait to go pick up my copy.          

Junot Diaz is a bit of a different adventure in fiction, but just as worthwhile. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was a book that profoundly affected me, as I could strongly relate to the identity crises of poor Oscar. It was written in such an intimate, succinct way that I felt instantly connected. It's been said  that Wao is a modern classic of our time, one of the best pieces of fiction ever written, and I would agree.His next book will tug at the heartstrings of all of us who have felt love's intensity.

As the description says it best, the stories within This is How You Lose Her,

"bare the infinite longing and inevitable weakness of the human heart. They remind us that passion always triumphs over experience, and that 'the half-life of love is forever.'"

Both authors will be showcasing these books at Brookline Booksmith - Diaz has already come and sold out his show, and Chabon will be doing the same. You can always head on by to pick up copies of these books though!

Recently, I've heard about the last two books on my list - The Happiness Project, and How Children Succeed. The Happiness Project is one that I recommend any parent read - whether you are busy and on-the-go, working or working from home, or something in between. Here's how she got inspired to write the book:"The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter."As parents, finding time for one's self is one of the hardest things to schedule, and for some one of the most guilt-ridden of conundrums. But this book shares with us a year of possibilities for making changes in our lives to make us happier, and have more fun. Her newest book - Happier at Home - looks to be another worthwhile exploration for readers. We spend so much of our times at home, and that space becomes crucial to our overall happiness, and well being. So be sure to look for this book too!

And lastly, How Children Succeed is the book I've been seeing on lists and being most intrigued by. In the book description on Amazon, the book is based on a host of new data from a new generation of scientists and doctors, unveiling how one's childhood shapes his character, and ultimately his life. They conclude that children who persevere through hard conditions often come out doing amazing things with their lives on the other side.

They surmise: "This provocative and profoundly hopeful book has the potential to change how we raise our children, how we run our schools, and how we construct our social safety net. It will not only inspire and engage readers, it will also change our understanding of childhood itself."

This is quite a bold statement to be making. This book looks at new theories of childhood education, and the science behind how children develop in a new way. But how revolutionary can it be? Have we really uncovered something so new and different about childhood development? I can't be completely convinced quite yet, but I'm still curious to see what this book has to offer in terms of better educating children from this unique standpoint.These books are all great conversation starters, and I hope this inspires some readers to read outside of their comfort zone and try out one of these new, unique books!

Be sure to check out our previous post on new Fall Book Picks for kids, and be sure to look for our followup best-book lists soon.