10 Amazing Books to Cozy Up With This Fall

There’s nothing better than curling up with a great book as the days get cooler and the leaves begin to fall. This season, our Arts, Books & Culture Festival is bringing a lineup of incredible authors and powerful stories that will spark conversation.

Whether you love a gripping mystery, a heartfelt memoir, or a story that celebrates Jewish heritage, we’ve got something for every reader. Here are 10 must-read books you can dive into this fall — and even better, you can meet the authors and join the conversation live at our Festival! All books are currently for sale in the JCC’s lobby, now through November 25, 2025.

View the full lineup and get your tickets.

Becoming Caitlin Clark by Howard Megdal

An inspiring look at basketball superstar Caitlin Clark’s rise to fame and her impact on women’s sports. Megdal’s storytelling captures the heart, history, and cultural power of a player who has changed the game forever. Perfect for sports fans and dream chasers alike.
Event: Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6:30 PM

Dog by Yishay Ishi Ron

A powerful novel set in rain-soaked Tel Aviv, exploring trauma, addiction, and the redemptive bond between a man and a stray dog. Ron’s writing reminds us of the healing power of unconditional love and second chances.
Event: Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6:30 PM

We Would Never by Tova Mirvis

Inspired by true events, this haunting story delves into family, loyalty, and the emotional unraveling of a picture-perfect life. Mirvis weaves a deeply human tale about love, identity, and the painful beauty of self-discovery.
Event: Friday, Nov. 7 | 10:30 AM

My Childhood in Pieces by Edward Hirsch

Award-winning poet Edward Hirsch paints a vivid portrait of growing up in Chicago through witty, bittersweet “microchapters.” His memoir blends humor and heartbreak in a reflection on Jewish identity, memory, and the art of survival.
Event: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:00 PM

Fear No Pharaoh by Richard Kreitner

Kreitner offers a fascinating, nuanced history of Jews in the Civil War era—exploring identity, race, and morality in America’s most defining conflict. A must-read for history lovers and those passionate about understanding the past to shape the future.
Event: Sunday, Nov. 9 | 10:30 AM

A beautifully illustrated children’s story inspired by real events, Sharing Shalom teaches young readers about community, kindness, and standing up to hate. A touching read for families to enjoy together.
Event: Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 10:30 AM

The Lost Masterpiece by B.A. Shapiro

Art, mystery, and family legacy intertwine in this captivating novel spanning generations of women and one extraordinary painting. Shapiro brings her signature flair for intrigue and art history to life in a story that’s part thriller, part love letter to creativity.
Event: Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 6:30 PM

The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld by Dan Slater

Dive into the gritty underworld of early 20th-century America, where Jewish gangsters and federal crime busters shaped a new era of law and order. Slater’s gripping nonfiction reads like a movie script — bold, fast-paced, and unforgettable.
Event: Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 6:30 PM

Counting Backwards by Frances Park

A powerful dual-timeline story about justice, motherhood, and courage. Following two women—one modern, one historical—this novel reveals shocking truths about human rights, family secrets, and the fight for equality across generations.
Event: Thursday, Nov. 20 | 10:30 AM

Behind Every Good Man by Laura Zigman

Set in the early 1960s, this witty and empowering novel follows a woman who turns heartbreak into political firepower. With humor and heart, Zigman shows that reinvention—and revenge—can be the best kind of liberation.
Event: Monday, Nov. 24 | 10:30 AM Join Us Live!

Each of these incredible reads will be featured at our Arts, Books & Culture Festival, where you can meet the authors, hear their stories, and connect with fellow book lovers in our community.

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