I know, the number of big books out each fall is intimidating — even this month, when publishers put off a lot of big fiction until after the election. This week we’ve got the best books related to the election itself (there aren’t many, to be honest). And then we’ve got some smart and entertaining counterprogramming.

The books I’m most interested in this week are all very personal stories. First up is Ann Patchett’s new novel, “Commonwealth,” which she calls her most autobiographical to date. If that means it’s anywhere near as good as her personal-essay collection, “This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage,” I’ll be happy. Also on my to-be-read pile, two very different memoirs: John le Carré’s account of his path from spy to novelist, and Lauren Collins’s book about falling in love with someone when you don’t speak his or her language.

With luck, you’ll find some personal bookmarks on this list as well.

Pamela Paul

Editor of The New York Times Book Review

MAN OF THE WORLD: The Further Endeavors of Bill Clinton, by Joe Conason. (Simon & Schuster, $30.) Bill Clinton has had an unusually productive post-presidential career. This deeply researched narrative about the nearly 16 years since he left office tells that story so far, shedding light on his strengths and weaknesses.