Books can take us somewhere entirely different, or bring us back to stories we’ve loved for years. National Author’s Day is a good reminder of how much those books can mean—and, if you’re anything like me, a reasonable excuse to add one more to the stack. Here are some popular reads and a few useful finds for making reading time a little more comfortable.
National Author’s Day falls on Nov. 1 each year. It honors the writers behind the books and characters readers return to, and dates back to 1928, when Illinois teacher and devoted reader Nellie Verne Burt McPherson established the observance. The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized it in 1949.
There are plenty of ways to mark the day: buy a book by an author you enjoy, try a new bestseller, revisit an old favorite, write a note of thanks or stop by an independent bookstore. You could even try writing something yourself. Nov. 1 also kicks off National Novel Writing Month, when participants aim to complete a 50,000-word novel by the end of November.
Sarah J. Maas’ latest A Court of Thorns and Roses book arrived Oct. 27 after a five-year wait and quickly reached the top of Amazon’s bestseller list. It’s the sixth novel in the romantasy series and sets up the seventh, scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027. Readers can return to the Night Court for the newest chapter.
Allen Levi’s Theo of Golden sits at No. 5 on Amazon’s bestseller list. A mysterious newcomer arrives in a small Southern town and starts buying portraits displayed in a local coffee shop. He gives each painting to the person it depicts, asking them to share their story in return. It’s a warm-hearted story about the connections people make.
For a cozier romance, Jeanie leaves her dull office job to take over her aunt’s café in the small town of Dream Harbor. There’s one complication: Logan, a grumpy local farmer, may be more affected by Jeanie’s sunny outlook than he wants to admit. The first book in the popular Dream Harbor series has autumn atmosphere, small-town gossip and a little spice.
The Kobo Libra Colour has a seven-inch, glare-free color screen, page-turn buttons, adjustable lighting and 32 GB of storage—enough for about 24,000 ebooks. Readers can borrow titles from participating public libraries, and the device supports color highlights and handwritten notes with the Kobo Stylus 2.
One longtime Kobo owner, writer Julia Fields, says she especially likes its slim design, side buttons and bright display. The stylus is useful, too, for readers who like to mark up their books.
A rechargeable reading light can be worn around the neck, leaving both hands free. Its flexible arms can be pointed where needed, which is handy for reading at night, traveling or sharing a room without switching on the main light. It charges by USB-C and can run for up to 80 hours on a full charge.
The fourth-generation Yoto Player is a screen-free audio device for children ages 3 and up. Kids can play audiobooks, music and podcasts using Yoto Cards, or use the Green Button to reach their playlists. It has stereo sound and a built-in night light that also works as an alarm clock, making it a useful option for bedtime stories and quieter parts of the day.
An Audible membership may suit commuters or anyone who likes listening to books while doing chores, and it can also make a holiday gift. A new recording of Bram Stoker’s Dracula has just been released, featuring Jonathan Bailey as Dracula and Ella Purnell as Mina.
A plush reading pillow can help turn a bed into a comfortable place to read, especially if there isn’t room for a separate chair. Its angled back offers support, while the removable headrest and armrests let readers adjust the setup. Side pockets hold small essentials, and the cover can be machine-washed.
A bouclé swivel chair offers another way to make a reading corner feel inviting. It has a rounded shape, soft upholstery and a roomy seat. More than 1,800 reviewers have given it an average rating of 4.8 stars, often pointing to its comfort, appearance, color choices and quality.
Levenger’s copper page nibs are slim, reusable markers that clip onto book pages. The set includes 50, so readers can mark favorite passages without folding page corners and find them again later. They could also make a thoughtful gift for someone who always has a book nearby.
