The 12 Must-Read Books of November

November marks the true start of the annual holiday season, and there's no better time to pick up a good book than after you've gathered to give thanks and before you start planning out what gifts you're going to buy for your friends and family. From a new novel by the author of The Martian to first books from actress Krysten Ritter and Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner to a Handsmaid's Tale-esque masterpiece from the award-winning Louise Erdrich, this month marks a whole lot of new releases that are not only guaranteed to transport you to another world, but which will also give you tons to talk about as you start attending those parties that are suddenly starting to take up real estate on your calendar.

Ahead, you'll find 12 of our favorite books hitting shelves in November — and remember, there's no shame in buying 'em all.