8 Books at the Top of My Reading List

I sometimes always suffer from the book-lover's curse: My eyes are bigger than the time I have to read. I'm eternally optimistic about getting all the books read in a timely manner, despite a lifetime of practical experience that says otherwise. Today I feature 8 books I fully intend to read soon and tell you why I put them on my list.

• France Is a Feast by Alex Prud'Homme and Katie Pratt (Thames & Hudson, Oct. 24): Who can resist seeing Julia and Paul Child's France through 200 photographs, most of which were taken by Paul? The combination of family stories and Paul's gorgeous work makes this a book I'll long treasure.
• Gin and Panic by Maia Chance (Minotaur Books, Oct. 24): I love the premise of this fun cozy mystery set in New York during Prohibition. A high society woman and her Swedish cook work as private detectives in an atmosphere of flappers, bathtub gin, and a little murder.
• The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano (Balzer + Bray, Oct. 4): I'm curious about this fantasy, which promises to be influenced by the King Midas story. Our young hero must decide if her powers are a blessing or a curse and must foil those who wish to use her so-called gift for their own purposes.
• How I Lost You by Jenny Blackhurst (Atria, Oct. 10): I like thrillers, and this one is about a woman who is accused of killing her infant son, though she has no memory of the deed. After being released from an institution for the criminal insane, she begins to believe her son is still alive.

• Never Coming Back by Alison McGhee (HMH, Oct. 10): This mother-daughter story is set in the Adirondacks and contains several themes that usually capture my attention: family secrets, independent women, and finding home before it's too late. 
• The Relive Box and Other Stories by T. C. Boyle (Ecco, Oct. 3): I like Boyle and am curious about this collection, which promises to offer "a new way of looking at the world." Besides, one of the pieces is titled "The Five-Pound Burrito"!
• The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (HMH for Young Readers, Oct 3): This middle grade novel was suggested by my friend Diane from Book Chick Di. The story is set in Harlem and focuses on a contemporary issue with old-fashioned charm.
• You Were There before My Eyes by Maria Riva (Pegasus Books, Oct. 10): What's not to love here? A strong woman protagonist leaves her Italian village at the turn of the last century to seek the American Dream with her new husband. I'm especially interested because the story takes us to Detroit at the dawn of the auto industry.