There’s nothing better then cozying up with a book on a Sunday in the fall. Snuggled under a blanket with hot coffee while the crisp air blows … it’s the best! Well, at least for most of us.

The other week the National Book Foundation announced the 20 finalists for the 2017 National Book Awards. The equivalent to the Emmys for television or the Oscars for movies, The National Book Awards selections begin with nearly 1,500 books (yes, you read that correctly). Can you imagine going through 1,500 books?!

With all the works submitted by publishers, the judges for this year’s National Book Awards have had their hands (and bookshelves) full the past few months. However, the daunting number of submissions has dwindled down significantly, as the National Book Foundation last week announced the finalists for its literary prize — just five works each in four categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young people’s literature.

I can imagine the judges might be ready to lapse into their favorite fall TV show right about now. TGIT anyone?

One of the most exciting notes about this year’s list of National Book Awards finalists? Fifteen of the authors — 75 percent of the 20 finalists — are women. Woot woot! The winners will be announced Nov. 15.

What are some of the reads you’ll be “falling” into this season? (See what we did there? 😉

Let us know in the comments below or drop us a line! We need a few good reads for our upcoming flight to San Francisco for Girl Talks West. We’ll share your recommendations with fellow WIRLC members on our social channels.

Happy Reading!
Caitlin Sullivan
Senior Editor
Women in Retail Leadership Circle