When “Humans of New York” photographer Brandon Stanton began taking pictures of fellow New Yorkers five years ago, there’s no way he could have predicted attracting 14 million Facebook fans or writing a New York Times bestseller.
Stanton took his camera abroad in 2014, telling people’s stories in Iraq, Haiti, Kenya and other countries, and connecting children in New York to President Barack Obama. A book of children’s photos followed. He’s on the road now, sharing stories from Pakistan.
His latest book, which ia our October 13, will offer more stories about the people behind the pictures.
“Humans of New York: Stories” is one of 20 titles on Amazon’s Big Fall Books preview list, selected by Amazon’s six-person team of book editors.
For book lovers, fall is a season of abundance, and Amazon’s megalist does not disappoint. It includes new works by powerhouse authors Stephen King, Patti Smith, David Baldacci, Danielle Steel, John Irving, Lisa Scottoline, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, James Patterson and Dean Koontz.
“This list is our blockbuster list,” Amazon.com editorial director Sara Nelson said. “These are books people know about, hear about and should know about.”
Though none of the listed writers is a first-time author, Lisa Scottoline’s “Corrupted” might be her biggest book yet, Nelson said. “Pretty Girls” author Karin Slaughter “just writes a better book every time and is poised for a big breakout,” Nelson said.
Musician Patti Smith, who wowed readers with “Just Kids,” is releasing her hotly anticipated second book, “M Street.” “She’s the biggest newbie on this list in terms of books,” Nelson said.
Want something a little less well-known? The editors are also publishing their “under the radar” book lists, including lesser-known authors and lesser-known books by well-known authors.
Nelson has some lesser-known picks: William Boyd’s novel “Sweet Caress” tells the story of a female photographer who covers the seminal stories of the 20th century and makes them her own.
Another favorite is “The Story of the Lost Child,” book four of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novel series, which details the life and times of two women in postwar Naples, Italy. Start with book one if you haven’t read the series. (Ferrante is a pseudonym, and the world has been unable to figure out the author’s real name.)
Trying to buy something for the children? Jeff Kinney’s latest, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School,” made the Big Books list and will publish on November 3.
Kids’ books editor Seira Wilson recommends something a little more obscure, “The Thing About Jellyfish” by first-time novelist Ali Benjamin.
“Ali Benjamin’s debut is one of the best books (for readers age 9 and up) that I’ve read all year,” she said. “Benjamin’s character, Suzy, is trying to make sense of a loss by researching an obscure but not impossible explanation. Suzy is endearing in her awkward innocence, and her steadfast convictions. It’s a rich, multilayered novel beautifully told.”