NEW YORK (AP) — Since the release of her debut novel, “The Turner House,” ten years ago, Angela Flournoy has experienced both delays and life changes while working on her second book. Life events such as becoming a mother, dealing with a global pandemic, writing essays, and public speaking all contributed to the process. Through it all, she continued crafting her newest work of fiction.

“When it comes to nonfiction, there's a timeline and a firm reality you must follow,” Flournoy explains. “But writing fiction offers complete creative control, and the pace is something I determine.” Her long-awaited follow-up, “The Wilderness,” will arrive this fall.

This season brings with it several notable comebacks and sequels in literature. Among the major returns are Thomas Pynchon with “Shadow Ticket,” his first book in over a decade, and Kiran Desai with “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,” her first release since “The Inheritance of Loss.” Wendell Berry rejoins the fiction scene with “Marce Catlett,” while George Packer offers “The Emergency,” his first novel since the 1990s.

Also featured are collections such as “The Land of Sweet Forever,” a posthumous release from Harper Lee that includes stories and essays. Readers can also expect new works from renowned authors including Patricia Lockwood, Ian McEwan, Thomas McGuane, Gish Jen, Ken Follett, and John Irving. Meanwhile, Booker Prize winners Margaret Atwood and Arundhati Roy will each unveil memoirs titled “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” and “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” respectively.

Some publications have come quickly following successful debuts. R.F. Kuang brings “Katabasis,” following last year’s hit “Yellowface,” and Megha Majumdar introduces “A Guardian and a Thief” after her praised 2020 debut “A Burning.” Salman Rushdie returns to fiction with a new story collection titled “The Eleventh Hour,” marking his first major work since surviving an attack in 2022.

Mona Awad revisits the world of her 2019 novel “Bunny” in a sequel, “We Love You Bunny,” exploring a novelist caught in a whirlwind of viral fame.

Thrills, chills, romance

The suspense genre gains momentum with “Gone Before Goodbye,” a collaboration between Reese Witherspoon and thriller expert Harlan Coben. Dan Brown reintroduces Robert Langdon in “The Secret of Secrets,” while the Reacher saga continues with “Exit Strategy” from authors Lee and Andrew Child. Richard Osman expands his “Thursday Murder Club” with “The Impossible Fortune,” and Mick Herron releases the latest in his “Slough House” series, “Clown Town.”

A special edition of “Hansel and Gretel” will feature the story retold by Stephen King and illustrated using works by the late Maurice Sendak, promising intriguing content for younger readers.

On the romance front, new titles arrive from Tessa Bailey, Harley Laroux, and Ana Huang, who continues her “Gods of the Game” series with “The Defender.” Ali Hazelwood’s “Mate” follows her otherworldly romance “Bride,” and Brynne Weaver debuts a horror romance titled “Tourist Season,” blending serial killers with love. Erin A. Craig presents “A Land So Wide,” a richly atmospheric fantasy adventure.

Celebrities telling all

Priscilla Presley shares more of her life following “Elvis and Me” in a new memoir, “Softly, As I Leave You,” which picks up after Elvis’s death. Michael J. Fox reminisces about his rise to fame in “Future Boy,” while Paul McCartney's “Wings” centers on his life after the Beatles. Patti Smith presents “Bread of Angels,” a personal look at youth, love, and loss.

Additional memoirs include reflections by Lionel Richie, Anthony Hopkins, Kenny Chesney and Cameron Crowe. Charlie Sheen discusses his highs and lows in “The Book of Sheen,” while Cheryl Hines offers an introspective and candid view of her experiences in “Cheryl Hines Unscripted.”

The publisher describes Hines' book as a blend of humor and honesty, delving into her time in the spotlight, her personal life, and her unexpected brush with politics.

A break from Washington

This fall’s book lineup features fewer publications about former President Donald Trump, with exceptions like Jonathan Karl’s “Retribution” and Scott Jennings’ “A Revolution of Common Sense.” Industry experts suggest readers have shifted their interest toward economic and global issues.

Books focused on past administrations provide alternative perspectives. Vice President Kamala Harris reflects on her 2024 campaign in “107 Days,” and Karine Jean-Pierre, a former Biden press secretary, shares her story in “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.” Michelle Obama offers a creative take on memoir with “The Look,” which focuses on fashion and personal history through images and narrative.

Several titles acknowledge the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. Ken Burns and Geoffrey Ward have collaborated on “The American Revolution: An Intimate History,” accompanying a forthcoming documentary. Walter Isaacson examines the Declaration of Independence in “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written,” and Donald Sassoon’s “Revolutions: A New History” explores the impact of America’s founding globally. Joseph Ellis adds “The Great Contradiction,” a thought-provoking look at the ideals and imperfections of the country’s founders.

As the war in Gaza nears two years, books like Eli Sharabi’s “Hostage” and Plestia Alaqad’s “The Eyes of Gaza” give voice to personal experiences within the conflict.

Poetry old and new

A range of poetry collections will be available this fall. Nikki Giovanni’s parting work, “The New Book,” features poems completed before her passing. Ada Limón releases “Startlement,” her first collection since concluding her term as U.S. poet laureate. Billy Collins shares “Dog Show,” which pairs his poetry with watercolors by artist Pamela Sztybel.

New releases also include compilations from legendary poets: a complete collection of Seamus Heaney’s poetry, and over a hundred unseen pieces from John Berryman in “Only Sing.” Contemporary voices such as Harryette Mullen, Anne Waldman, Leila Chatti, Raquel Salas Rivera, and Chet’la Sebree will also release new collections.

Visions of the future

This season delivers a strong selection of books addressing the environment and climate crisis. Neil Shea’s “Frostlines” and Elizabeth Kolbert’s “Life on a Little-Known Planet” analyze the effects of ecological change around the world.

“The Long Heat: Climate Politics When It’s Too Late,” by Andreas Malm and Wim Carton, explores political gaps in tackling climate change and what possibilities remain. Bill McKibben, a longtime activist, contributes “Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization,” urging action and redefining affordable energy sources.

“We may not be able to reverse the warming of the planet,” McKibben states, “but we can still prevent irreversible damage to society.” He hails the affordability and accessibility of solar and wind power, comparing them to everyday essentials rather than luxury items.