The 10 best books of September

Amazon's editors pick out the top must-reads for the month

Mischling by Affinity Konar
This new novel by Konar (author of The Illustrated Version of Things) tells the story of Stasha and Pearl, twins who are sent to Auschwitz and become subjects of experiments by Josef Mengele. While the book obviously has some very troubling themes, it "also manages to be uplifting at the same time", says Chris Schluep, senior editor for books on Amazon. "She's a beautiful, precise writer."
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
Tahir's sequel to An Ember in the Ashes continues the story of soldier Elias and Scholar Laia, who are now attempting to help Laia's imprisoned brother. "There are also lots of plot twists," says Schluep, who calls Torch "a sequel that... delivers".
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
In Springsteen's memoir, the musician discusses his childhood in New Jersey and the launch of his career. The Boss's assessment of his life and career is "very honest and sweeping", Schluep says.
When in French by Lauren Collins
Another memoir: New Yorker writer Collins explores the question of how one falls in love despite a language barrier as she remembers becoming enamoured with Frenchman Olivier. "It's just a really pleasing, thought-provoking, touching read," Schluep says.
Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
Millard's earlier bestselling nonfiction titles - The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic - focused on US Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and James Garfield. Her latest book looks at the life of Winston Churchill and his time during the Boer War. "The pages just flew by," says Schluep of the work.
Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close writer Foer's new novel tells the story of the Bloch family and their reactions when the Middle East suffers an earthquake. "It tackles issues of identity," Schluep says.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Rules of Civility writer Towles' new novel depicts the life of Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to living in the Metropol hotel under house arrest in 1922. "A great novel," Schluep says. "Amor Towles is a great stylist."
Juniper by Kelley and Thomas French
Married couple Kelley and Thomas French tell the story of their daughter, Juniper, who was born four months before she was expected to arrive. The book is "really tender, really touching", Schluep says. "It's going to linger in people's minds."
Now: The Physics of Time by Richard A Muller
Physics for Future Presidents author Muller explores the concept of time. What exactly is "right now"? "His love of physics really shines through," Schluep says. "Very readable."
The Nix by Nathan Hill
Debut writer Hill's novel tells the story of Samuel Andresen-Anderson and his mother, who left when he was young but who is now famous for carrying out a strange crime. The novel is "really about memory", Schluep says.
The Christian Science Monitor