book reviews june 2021

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15 books you need to read this June

Malibu rising by taylor jenkins reid.

The author became a bold name with her last novel, Daisy Jones & the Six , and this summer Taylor Jenkins Reid puts together another deliciously digestible tale. It's set on a single day in Malibu, when the Riva siblings are throwing their annual party at sister Nina's cliffside manse — but this year things are a little more complicated, what with the fact that Nina's husband recently left her for a fellow tennis star and a love triangle between the Riva brothers. (June 1)

Order a copy of Malibu Rising.

With Teeth by Kristen Arnett

Arnett returns to Florida with her sophomore novel, another biting and funny take on queer families. Sammie Lucas is attempting to parent her son Samson as she works from home and deals with an often-absent wife, while Samson's once typically adolescent behavior spills over into something more frightening. (June 1)

Order a copy of With Teeth .

How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith

The Atlantic writer drafts a history of slavery in this country unlike anything you've read before. He tours and researches landmarks of chattel slavery — places like the plantation where Thomas Jefferson held his own slaves — and ruminates on the ways their legacy affects the stories we still tell today. (June 1)

Order a copy of How the Word Is Passed .

Palace of the Drowned by Christine Mangan

Following on the heels of the best-selling Tangerine , a mystery set in 1950s Tangier, Mangan moves north to Venice, Italy. A novelist has escaped to a friend's palazzo after a disastrous book release, when she meets a potentially suspicious young fan. (June 1)

Order a copy of Palace of the Drowned .

Long Division by Kiese Laymon

Earlier this year, Laymon revised essays from his collection How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others , and next he's turned his self-editing pen onto his debut novel. There are fresh edits, an updated chronology, and a new cover design, all matching what he describes as his original vision of the book (which features two stories that can be read both front-to-back and back-to-front). (June 1)

Order a copy of Long Division .

Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi

Emezi, the author of three acclaimed novels for both young adult and adult audiences, does longform nonfiction for the first time with Senthuran . They use correspondence with friends and family to explore creativity, gender, and more. (June 8)

Order a copy of Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir .

The Ugly Cry by Danielle Henderson

The TV writer, podcast host, and creator of the website Feminist Ryan Gosling tells her own life story, focusing on her childhood (she was raised by her grandparents while her mother battled a drug addiction) and the fierce, loving relationship she had with her grandmother. (June 8)

Order a copy of The Ugly Cry .

Animal by Lisa Taddeo

Fans of Three Women will find much to love in Taddeo's follow-up, a novel about a woman who is driven to the edge by the men in her life and decides to chart a dangerous course west (from New York City to Topanga Canyon outside of Los Angeles), in search of a woman she believes will help make it all make sense. (June 8)

Order a copy of Animal .

Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor

A short story collection that builds on the best elements of Taylor's debut novel Real Life : a Midwestern campus setting, probes of sticky social situations, and complicated romances. (June 22)

Order a copy of Filthy Animals .

Who They Was by Gabriel Krauze

It was already longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, and now this work of autofiction about a university student living a double life as a member of one of London's gangs, comes to readers across the pond. (June 29)

Order a copy of Who They Was .

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon

Taking place over one steamy New York City night after a blackout has descended across the five boroughs, this YA blockbuster weaves together six story lines (written, respectively, by each author) about Black kids falling in love all across town. (June 22)

Order a copy of Blackout .

Objects of Desire by Clare Sestanovich

A debut story collection of the rarest kind: One in which you wish that every single entry could be an entire novel. Sestanovich, who works for The New Yorker , takes seemingly everyday situations (a young woman flying home, a couple cohabitating in a small apartment) and goes in deep to reveal the sort of universal truths about society that we're always hungering for. (June 29)

Order a copy of Objects of Desire .

Heatwave by Victor Jestin

Don't let the book's title — or the cover — fool you: This is no frothy beach read. Jestin's debut, which is translated from its original French by Sam Taylor, concerns a 17-year-old boy on vacation who witnesses another young boy take his own life, and then helps to cover up what he saw. (June 29)

Order a copy of Heatwave .

Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey-Stein

Readers who enjoyed Dorey-Stein's candid memoir about her time working as a stenographer in the Obama White House — particularly the anecdotes about young staffers guzzling Cape Codders into the wee hours of the night — will find much to like about her foray into fiction; it's about a group of old friends who find themselves back in the Jersey Shore beach town of their youth for a summer. (June 29)

Order a copy of Rock the Boat .

Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

How to possibly describe Mott's fourth novel without simply borrowing from its moniker? It is, after all, a hell of a book. The novel follows two surrealist story lines: One in which a famous author out on a promotional tour begins to slowly lose his grip on reality, and one in which a family deals with the tragic ramifications of a senseless police shooting of an unarmed Black man. As the two story lines become more and more meta, the book becomes more and more poignant. (June 29)

Order a copy of Hell of a Book .

Related Articles

20 of the Best New Summer Books to Pick Up This June

Beach reading season has officially begun.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Craving excitement? Debut novelist Zakiya Delila Harris's The Other Black Girl is glam, creepy, and funny as it skewers the mostly white book publishing industry. For a dose of hometown nostalgia, Beck Dorey-Stein's Rock The Boat imagines what happens when unforeseen heartbreak drives a 30-something Manhattanite back to Jersey, which is "as awkward as trying to wiggle back into a wet bathing suit." And, The Silent Patient author Alex Michaelides returns with a Greek mythology-inflected mystery.

If non-fiction's more your jam , we've got some meaty works for your brain to chew on. Among them: poet and magazine columnist Clint Smith's reckoning with the history of slavery in America; White Rage author Carol Anderson's deep-dive into the Second Amendment; Pulitzer Prize-winner Lawrence Wright's exploration of how the coronavirus impacted our lives; and the latest release on Oprah's book imprint, Somebody's Daughter— an inspiring memoir about family, trauma, and triumph by Ashley Ford.

There is a luxuriousness to summer reading —even if you're not on the beach—that makes us look forward to the steamy temps all year. So break out the pool floats and margaritas and settle in with some of our latest faves. Happy reading!

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Based on the author’s real-life experiences working in the overwhelmingly white book publishing industry, Nella Rogers is doing her best to achieve at Wagner, but her Blackness seems to keep getting in the way. Well...that’s how she sees it, until another Black woman joins the team and menacing anonymous notes start appearing on her desk. That's just the opening salvo in a novel with an unforgettable plot laced with bitingly funny dialogue and lots of terribly awkward office meetings.

Pub Date: June 1

Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

Essayist and podcaster Ashley C. Ford narrates her own powerful story of forging a bond with her estranged father, who's incarcerated for rape. Ford’s tenderly-rendered coming of age story creates a narrative collision and tension that makes the reader root even louder for Ford’s survival, as well as for the repair of her fractured relationship with her dad.

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Inspired by the destruction of Confederate monuments in his native New Orleans, a poet takes to the road, plotting a journey that winds into the past, from Monticello to New York City to Louisiana’s notorious Angola prison, drilling deep into the bedrock of our racist past. 

Kin by Shawna Kay Rodenberg

From the opening pages of this singularly American memoir, author Shawna Kay Rodenberg enchants the reader with her tale of life amid a cult, and the sharp divide between her kinfolk in Kentucky's Appalachia and everyone else in the country. This super-smart, gorgeously gritty debut smashes stereotypes and has a similar can't-take-your-eyes-off-it appeal as Tara Westover's Educated.

Pub Date: June 8

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Over the course of her most recent blockbuster novels—including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six —Reid has developed a knack for portraying the pleasures and perils of fame. Set over the course of one day and night, her juicy latest centers on four adult siblings, the tabloid-frequenting offspring of a largely absent rockstar father, as they throw an epic end-of-summer rager. It's like The O.C. meets Almost Famous,  and you're guaranteed to see more than one person reading it on the beach this year. 

The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

The Civil War is winding down and President Lincoln has issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which means enslaved brothers Landry and Prentiss can at last leave the plantation on which they've spent their lives. And yet danger lurks everywhere around them in Confederate Georgia, even after they are given shelter and employment by an eccentric white couple from the North. This stunning debut novel probes the limits of freedom in a society where ingrained prejudice and inequality remain the law of the land.

 Pub Date: June 15  

The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America by Carol Anderson

Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, bring a Constitutional scholar. The author of the award-winning White Rage targets the Second Amendment in all its moral and legal travesties. From James Madison’s capitulation to a slavery-obsessed Patrick Henry, right up to last year’s bloody rampage in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Anderson strikes the perfect balance between righteous wrath and intellectual rigor.

Walking on Cowrie Shells by Nana Nkweti

A young Cameroonian-American talent blazes across our literary firmament with a genre-bending, in-your-face collection. The stakes are high for Nkweti’s characters—scammers, soothsayers, and detectives among them—as they navigate child trafficking, murder-suicides, and even romantic love. Keep an eye on this writer.

The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

Cormac McCarthy meets the Chinese diaspora in Lin’s enthralling debut, a literary western set in the late nineteenth century. Groomed by a crime syndicate, Ming Tsu seeks a clean break when he elopes with Ada, the daughter of a railroad magnate who cleaves the couple apart. Vowing to rescue his wife, Ming taps his inner outlaw, embarking on an odyssey that is vengeful, lyrical, and supernatural, flipping the script on atrocities committed against Asian Americans.

All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles

Black women and their families have been omitted from the official histories of our country and its archives by many historians, but Harvard professor Tiya Miles does wonders in filling those gaps with this sparkling tale of an embroidered bag from 1921. On its surface, Ashley’s sack is an intimate family heirloom. In Miles’s artful hands, though, the object is transformed—an embodied memoir of Black women traveling from slavery to freedom, South to North, carrying relics and hopes as they seek new lives. 

Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey-Stein

Thirtyish Manhattanite Kate Campbell thinks her long-term boyfriend is about to propose, but sadly for her, what he's proposing is the end of their relationship. If that's not humiliating enough, it's his apartment, and he sends her packing. Who among us hasn't feared that moment when our lives implode and our parents pick us up and take us back to Jersey to live with them? This funny, searching, and wholly delightful novel is the perfect summer beach read for anyone who craves a smart story with a happy ending. 

Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie

The best Black and queer rom-com you haven’t read yet is activist and author Mia McKenzie’s second novel, Skye Falling . Skye was broke and 26 when she donated her eggs for cash. By the time she's 40, Skye owns her own travel agency based in her native West Philly, which makes it easy for her to hop on a plane at the first sign of any serious, committed relationship. When 12-year-old Vicki tracks her down to reveal that she’s Skye’s grown-up egg, Skye has to decide if she can bear the love and responsibility she's begun to feel—not just for Vicki, but for her co-parent, Faye, who's not only fierce and fine but also a legendary former rapper.

Pub Date: June 22

Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen

Galchen is a sorcerer—a conjurer of the weird and wonderful. In this bewitching novel, set in early 17th century Germany during the plague years, we meet Katharina, an illiterate widow renowned for her herbal remedies and her prominent children. Katharina faces persecution and death when a deranged woman accuses her of poisoning her. The tale has lessons for our own time about the power of fear and superstition to foment evil. But Galchen's playful, poetic sentences uplift and transport, like fairy tale magic.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

McQuiston's electrifying, miss-your-stop follow-up to Red, White, and Royal Blue centers on the cagey and resourceful August, a 23-year-old Louisianan transplanted to Brooklyn who becomes infatuated with fellow commuter Jane. But it turns out that Jane, whose alluring style is 70s punk, has been stuck as a 20-something on the Q train for 45 years, displaced in time. Together, this pair of lost souls try to untangle their temporal mystery—and in the process, they fall in love. McQuiston spins an MTA-induced nightmare into a swoon-worthy love story for the ages and an ode to the impossible magic of New York. 

The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura

On most afternoons, our aging ingenue/protagonist can be found nibbling on a cream bun in a playground, where’s she watched like a hawk by the Woman in the Yellow Cardigan—a recluse who eventually befriends and then persuades the Woman in the Purple Skirt to join her as a housekeeper in a hotel. Hijinks ensue in this hair-raising tale of psychological suspense.

With Teeth by Kristen Arnett

Work-from-home mom Sammie can’t seem to get a handle on her young son, Samson, “...her monster. Ruiner of furniture and good moods.” She gets little help from her aloof, workaholic wife, which strands her in an increasingly deranged chess match between parent and offspring. Florida native Arnett’s second novel—which solidifies her status as the premier chronicler of the Sunshine State's queer peculiarity—is a sensuous tragicomedy about motherhood on the brink. 

The Plague Year: America in the Time of COVID by Lawrence Wright

The veteran New Yorker journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower guides us through the evolution of COVID-19, from its genesis in southern China to its wildfire spread across continents to the miracles of vaccines. Taut, thriller-like, The Plague Year captures the chaos and courage of this unprecedented era that's forever changed us.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient author returns with a psychological thriller that rips away the town-and-gown veneer of Cambridge, England. Mariana, a Greek-born, London-based therapist, grapples with her demons while investigating the murder of one of the Maidens, an elite cadre of beautiful young women besotted with their classics professor. Michaelides melds mythology and crime into a compelling page-turner. 

Pub Date: June 15

Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor

With psychological acuity and captivatingly sinuous prose, the Booker-shortlisted author of Real Life  (and literary Twitter superstar) vividly portrays the inner lives of outsiders. He returns here with a linked story collection that zeroes in on a group of awkward and astute Midwesterners—chemical engineers, mathematicians, artists—and the romantic entanglements that cause them to fall forward into one another's orbits. 

Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal by George Packer

With the advent of the pandemic Packer, winner of the National Book Award for The Unwinding, retreated with his family to a rural quarantine; among hayfields and pumpkins, he turned inward, trying to divine the future of the American Experiment. His book-length meditation is electrifying, searching, urgent—each sentence cuts to the bone as he gives voice to a communal dread. “What do we see in the mirror now?” he asks rhetorically before answering his own question: “An unstable country, political institutions that might not be perpetuated, a people divided into warring tribes and prone to violence—the kind of country we used to think we could save.”

Leigh Haber is Vice President, Books, Oprah Daily and O Quarterly. She is also Director of Oprah's Book Club. 

Michelle Hart is the Assistant Books Editor of O, the Oprah Magazine. Other writing of hers has appeared on the Millions, the Rumpus, and the New Yorker . Her fiction has appeared in Joyland and Electric Literature. She has been awarded a fiction fellowship by the New York State Writers Institute and was once profiled in her hometown newspaper for being in the process of writing a novel--a novel she is still in the process of writing.

A former book editor and the author of a memoir, This Boy's Faith, Hamilton Cain is Contributing Books Editor at Oprah Daily. As a freelance journalist, he has written for O, The Oprah Magazine, Men’s Health, The Good Men Project, and The List (Edinburgh, U.K.) and was a finalist for a National Magazine Award. He is currently a member of the National Book Critics Circle and lives with his family in Brooklyn.  

Summer Reading

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From memoirs to romances, there’s a new book for every kind of reader.

Who cares if summer doesn’t technically begin until June 20? We all know that the season is already upon us, which means it’s time to assemble your summer TBR — and with so many great new books coming out this June, composing the perfect reading list shouldn’t be too hard.

Whether you’re in the mood for a fun and funny rom-com, a heartbreaking work of literary fiction, or a sci-fi adventure, there’s something for you on the list below. Fans of short stories will want to grab a copy of Choi Eunyoung’s Shoko’s Smile , while historical fiction aficionados will find a lot to love in India Holton’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels — and memoir readers have plenty to choose from this month, with new autobiographical works arriving from Akwaeke Emezi, Ashley C. Ford, and Danielle Henderson, among others. Lastly, beloved authors Rivka Galchen, Kristan Higgins, Laura Lippman, Brandon Taylor, Nicola Yoon, and more are back in stores with new releases you can read this June.

Below, the most anticipated new books of June 2021.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Ace of Spades

Two overachievers at a prestigious private school have their lives turned upside-down by an anonymous leaker in this YA thriller. As newly minted prefects and contenders for valedictorian, Devon and Chiamaka have everything they need to get into the universities of their choice... until anonymous text messages from someone called Aces begin to air all their dirty laundry. As Aces’ revelations become more scandalous, the situation turns dire, and Devon and Chiamaka must work together to put a stop to the messages before someone gets hurt.

Even though she’s married, work-at-home mom Sammie feels like a single parent to her son, Samson. Sammie knows her wife, Monika, is lucky — she doesn’t have to spend all day, every day with a kid who really seems to hate her. When things start to spin out of control — in spite of Sammie’s best efforts to paint a flawless portrait of queer parenthood for her Floridian neighbors — she begins to realize that her family’s problems might not be Samson and Monika’s fault, after all.

Shoko’s Smile

Choi Eunyong’s collection of short fiction has sold more than 200,000 copies in South Korea, and now it’s finally available for North American readers to enjoy. The stories in Shoko’s Smile all focus on the interior lives of contemporary South Korean women and girls, making this the perfect collection for fans of Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 and Sally Rooney’s Normal People .

Somebody’s Daughter

In her debut memoir, Ashley C. Ford sorts through her complicated relationship with her parents: her mother, a young single mom, and her father, who spent years in prison. For a long time, she didn’t know why the latter was incarcerated — and when Ford first learned about his crime, her world began to crumble.

The Other Black Girl

Set in the majority-white world of book publishing, The Other Black Girl centers on Nella, an editorial assistant and Wagner Books’ sole Black employee... until Hazel comes along. Seemingly overnight, everyone at Wagner begins to show an obvious preference for Hazel over Nella, and Nella begins to receive threatening messages from an anonymous source, warning her to leave her employer, or else .

Jay’s Gay Agenda

Jason June’s YA debut is Jay’s Gay Agenda : a romantic comedy about first loves and first losses. Being the only openly gay kid in his hometown means Jay hears his straight friends go on about their love lives, while his own dating pool remains nonexistent. But when his family moves out of the sticks to Seattle, Washington, Jay suddenly has the chance to experience everything he’s ever dreamed of... and a few things he hasn’t.

Future Feeling

Two trans men must team up to save a third in this Black Mirror -esque story of magic and mayhem. Overwhelmed with jealousy at how well trans influencer Aiden’s transition is going, Pen decides to hack his Instagram and post a cursed image that will send him to the Shadowlands. But when another of Aiden’s followers, Blithe, falls victim to the curse instead, Pen and Aiden join forces and venture to the Shadowlands to rescue him, before it’s too late.

Long Division

Heavy author Kiese Laymon’s first novel is getting a revised reprint this month, and it’s a must-read. Long Division centers on City Coldson, a 14-year-old whose viral outburst on national television earns him a one-way ticket to stay with his grandmother by the sea. It’s not supposed to be fun and games, but when City begins to read a mysterious, anonymously published book about a time traveler who shares his name, he finds himself pulled unexpectedly into a temporal mystery.

An Emotion of Great Delight

From Shatter Me author Tahereh Mafi comes this striking new novel about a teenage hijabi struggling to deal with the family tragedies and Islamophobia that surround her in post-9/11 America. Shadi knows all about grief — grief for her late brother, her sick father, her absent BFF, her broken heart. With bigots coming out of the woodwork to attack the visibly Muslim teen, however, she hardly has time to reckon with her feelings. But bottled emotions have a way of coming out, as Shadi’s about to learn.

Palace of the Drowned

Tangerine author Christine Mangan returns to store shelves this month with Palace of the Drowned . In this tale set in 1960s Venice, a novelist struggling to write a book as well-received as her debut gets tangled in the life of an enthusiastic ingenue, only to find that the younger woman’s story may be too good to be true.

One Last Stop

August doesn’t believe in love. She’s perfectly happy to make her way through life alone... until she spots Jane on the train. Giddy with infatuation, August can’t stay away from Jane, but when she discovers the truth — that Jane is an accidental time traveler who needs to find her way back to the 1970s — will she be able to let go?

A Chorus Rises

The second book in Bethany C. Morrow’s A Song Below Water series, A Chorus Rises centers on Naema, a magical influencer who gets canceled online after her role in endangering another member of the magical community comes to light. Feeling abandoned by everyone, Naema decides to revive her career alone, and finds a waiting audience of eager fans who will do whatever she wants... and even a few things she doesn’t.

The Shape of Darkness

Set in Victorian-era Bath, Laura Purcell’s The Shape of Darkness follows Agnes, a silhouette artist, whose already-slow business is further done in by a murderer who seems to be targeting her clients. Running out of options, she seeks help from a young medium named Pearl, hoping that one of the victim’s spirits will be able to identify the killer. But neither Agnes nor Pearl is prepared for what awaits them on the other side of the veil.

Malibu Rising

The four Riva siblings — Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit — were once the darlings of Malibu’s surf scene, but one fateful summer shindig in 1983 changed the course of their lives forever. The mystery of the Rivas’ last party unspools over the course of this rock-and-roll-infused novel, from the author of Daisy Jones and the Six .

House of Sticks

The daughter of a South Vietnamese prisoner of war, Ly Tran immigrated to Queens as a young girl with her family in 1993. Over the course of the next two decades, Tran found herself pulled in myriad directions by her desires: to please her family, to fit in with her friends, to chart her own course, to belong. She tells her own coming-of-age story in House of Sticks .

Bewilderness

Karen Tucker’s Bewilderness moves back and forth in time, following two young women, Irene and Luce, who avoid boredom in rural North Carolina by getting high. Nearly inseparable, the pair find their friendship put to the test when a new love interest asks one to sober up, driving a wedge between them.

The Chosen and the Beautiful

This retelling of The Great Gatsby centers on Jordan Baker, recast as a queer Vietnamese woman whose adoption by wealthy, white parents gives her a unique perspective on the American Dream. Soaked in gin and dark magic, The Chosen and the Beautiful is one of 2021’s must-read novels.

The Wedding Night

A taut thriller in the vein of Agatha Christie, The Wedding Night follows a group of girlfriends on a getaway to the south of France that quickly turns grim. Lizzie didn’t tell anyone why she backed out of the wedding, but her friends are determined to take her away to what was supposed to be her wedding château for a much-needed bout of R&R. After the first night of drunken revelry, though, it becomes clear that not everyone present is acting in Lizzie’s best interest.

For the Wolf

Even though she was born royal, Red has never lived the life of a princess. As the queen’s second-born daughter, it’s her duty to go into the Wilderwood as a sacrifice to the Wolf — a 400-year-old tradition that, legend has it, will one day release the Five Kings from their prison and return them to power. But when she finds love among the trees, and learns the truth about the Five Kings and the Wilderwood, will she be able to convince her family that what they believe is a lie?

Our Woman in Moscow

It’s 1948, and a family of four has just vanished without a trace. Iris and Sasha Digby and their two children were living in London, where Sasha was stationed as a diplomatic envoy. Rumors fly about where the Digbys went and why — were they kidnapped, assassinated, or did they defect to the other side of the Iron Curtain? It isn’t until four years later, when Ruth Macallister receives a message from her estranged twin sister, that the American intelligence forces begin to unravel the mystery.

Wendy, Darling

Years ago, Wendy Darling had an adventure with a boy who refused to grow up. But when Peter Pan returns and takes Wendy’s daughter, Jane, as his new mother, Wendy has no choice but to follow them — back to Neverland, back to the place that still haunts her nightmares.

Instructions for Dancing

A girl who has clairvoyant visions of meet cutes and breakups takes center stage in this new YA release from The Sun Is Also a Star author Nicola Yoon. Evie isn’t interested in a relationship, not after the heartbreak she’s seen, but taking dance lessons with a philosophical yes-man named X might just change her mind.

Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir

From the author of Freshwater and The Death of Vivek Oji comes this new memoir of family, friends, gender, self, and belonging. Dear Senthuran is an insightful inward look at one writer’s journey to self-actualization.

Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch

Based on the true story of Katharina Kepler — the mother of Johannes Kepler — Rivka Galchen’s Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch tells the story of her 17th-century trial. Accused of witchcraft for selling herbal remedies, Katharina pours her heart out to her next-door neighbor in this wry novel.

The Ugly Cry

Feminist Ryan Gosling author Danielle Henderson reflects on her upbringing in ’80s and ’90s upstate New York in her debut memoir, The Ugly Cry . Elder millennials in particular will find much to love in Henderson’s descriptions of her late-Gen-X childhood.

Pack Up the Moon

If you liked P.S., I Love You , you’re going to love Pack Up the Moon . Kristan Higgins’ latest novel centers on Lauren, a terminally ill woman, and her husband Joshua, who is in denial about his wife’s chance of survival. Sensing that Joshua is ill-prepared to face life without her, Lauren writes him a series of letters full of challenges — some fun, some heartbreaking — to get him through his first year without her.

The Last Goodbye

Anna’s life hasn’t been the same since her husband, Spencer, died suddenly three years ago. Struggling to deal on New Year’s Eve, Anna calls her husband’s cell to listen to his voicemail greeting, only to find that there’s someone else on the other end of the line. Brody is the new owner of Spencer’s old phone, and, as luck would have it, he’s in the perfect position to help Anna move on.

The Wolf and the Woodsman

Born without magical abilities and of half-Yehuli ancestry, Évike has never found acceptance in her pagan village. When the King demands a pagan woman for a blood sacrifice, the village is happy to send her off to die. After monsters kill all but one of Évike’s escorts from the Holy Order of Woodsmen, however, the young outcast discovers that she has much in common with her only remaining companion, Prince Gáspár, who may not condemn her to death after all.

Girls at the Edge of the World

When the floodwaters recede, who will remain? As her people stare down a catastrophic flood that few are slated to survive, an aerialist in the royal court campaigns to buoy herself and her sisters through the deluge. Natasha decides to seduce the prince in the hopes that he will save the Royal Flyers with the rest of his court, but soon finds herself falling for another Flyer — a woman with a much different plan for Nikolai.

The Jasmine Throne

Exiled to live in a crumbling temple, Princess Malini has had plenty of time to plan how she’ll exact revenge on her evil brother. Little does she know that Priya, the domestic servant who attends to her chambers, is a priestess connected to Malini’s temple prison... and nursing her own plans for revenge.

Three Women author Lisa Taddeo returns to store shelves this month with her debut novel. Animal follows Joan, a woman grieving her lover’s recent, public suicide. Traumatized, she leaves New York City and heads to Topanga Canyon, California in search of Alice: the only person she believes can help her find her footing again.

Seven Days in June

Erotica author Eva has a history with novelist Shane — a history the rest of their literary pals know nothing about. Fifteen years ago, Eva and Shane shared a passionate romance that lasted just one week. Now they’re set to have another fling, but Eva needs some answers from Shane before the week is out.

The Natural Mother of the Child: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood

When his partner, Anna, adopted his son, Samson, the paperwork listed Krys Malcolm Belc — a nonbinary, transmasculine person — as “the natural mother of the child.” Belc spins out from that moment in this insightful memoir, which examines the ways in which gender and the body are codified and documented at the institutional level.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

When a misanthropic pirate kidnaps her aunt, society lady and renowned thief Cecilia Bassingwaite must team up with Ned Horvath — the assassin her aunt’s kidnapper has hired to murder Cecilia — in order to save her aunt and the rest of the Wisteria Society crime sorority.

Blood Like Magic

After Voya Thomas fails her first test to inherit her witchy powers, she receives an unexpected chance at redemption — at a steep cost. To access her magical abilities and prevent the rest of her family from losing theirs, Voya must offer up her first love as a sacrifice. Having never been in love before, she turns to a new matchmaking program with guaranteed results... but what’s she supposed to do when her supposed genetic soulmate, Luc, isn’t interested in her?

A sexual assault leaves one young man’s family foundering in this debut thriller. When an attacker brutally violates Nick, the ensuing legal battle leaves Nick’s brother, Tony, and Tony’s wife, Julia, scrambling for answers. The man Nick accused is already out on bail, and even though Julia, a lawyer herself, trusts the people responsible for bringing him to justice, she grows ever more concerned as Tony’s thirst for vengeance mounts.

The Layover

Ava’s 10-year career as an airline attendant is finally at its end, with just one last flight between her and the next phase of her life. Her archnemesis, an ex-pilot named Jack, shows up on said flight, but Ava tries to tell herself that it’s fine. He can flirt with her all he likes, but she has no intention of seeing him after this three-hour tour is over... or so she thinks. When their plane has to make an emergency landing in Belize, Ava finds herself stuck on a weekend layover with Jack, who’s beginning to grow on her.

In danger of losing the winery their family has run for decades, three generations of Hollander women — Vivian, Leah, and Sadie — bond over a series of “trashy” books in Jamie Brenner’s latest novel.

Songs in Ursa Major

Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six will enjoy this music-centric debut. When their headliner is sidelined by a motorcycle crash, the organizers of the 1969 Bayleen Island Folk Festival turn to a local talent, Jane, to fill his slot — and she becomes the talk of the folk-music town. Jesse, the festival’s original leading act, steps in to help launch Jane’s career; They hit it off, but things change dramatically once they’re on tour and in bed together .

An injured novelist’s recovery takes a dark turn in this new novel from Lady in the Lake author Laura Lippman. Medicated and dependent on his assistant and a nurse, Gerry finds himself haunted by phone calls from a woman who claims to be Aubrey, the lead character from his bestselling novel, Dream Girl . But Gerry made Aubrey up... didn’t he?

God Spare the Girls

A picture-perfect evangelical family is rocked by scandal in Kelsey McKinney’s God Save the Girls . Sisters Abigail and Caroline have been brought up by their father, a charismatic preacher. But when a dark secret about his life comes to light, mere weeks before a major family event, Abigail and Caroline run away to an inherited ranch to figure out how they can move forward — as a family and as individuals.

Filthy Animals

From the author of Real Life comes this novel-in-stories about one group of young bohemians living in the Midwest. Not shying away from scenes of sexuality, violence, and belonging, Filthy Animals is sure to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.

This Poison Heart

Briseis has a power she cannot control: the ability to help plants grow at great speed. After inheriting her aunt’s estate and apothecary practice, Bri begins to learn how to use her abilities to help others, including Marie — a customer she befriends. But Marie knows more about Bri, her family, and the estate than she’s letting on, and Bri’s about to find out that not all customers come with good intentions .

Gearbreakers

Drawing comparisons to Pacific Rim and Marie Lu’s Legend , Zoe Hana Mikuta’s Gearbreakers centers on Eris and Sona: two resistance fighters furthering the rebellion against Godolia’s occupying forces. Both want to drive Godolia out of the Badlands for good, but they’re working on opposite sides of enemy lines... for now.

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'The Liquid Eye of a Moon' is a Nigerian coming-of-age story

June 26, 2024 • In Uchenna Awoke’s debut novel, we come to understand that 15-year-old Dimkpa’s choices are painfully constricted by the caste system into which he was born.

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4 crime and suspense novels make for hot summer reading

June 25, 2024 • There’s something about the shadowy moral recesses of crime and suspense fiction that makes those genres especially appealing as temperatures soar. Here are four novels that turn the heat up.

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'Cue the Sun!' is a riveting history of reality TV

June 25, 2024 • Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorke r critic Emily Nussbaum's book is a near-definitive history of the genre that forever changed American entertainment.

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In 'Parade,' Rachel Cusk once again flouts traditional narrative

June 20, 2024 • In her latest work, Cusk probes questions about the connections between freedom, gender, domesticity, art, and suffering.

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2 books offer just the right summer mix of humor and nostalgia

June 20, 2024 • Catherine Newman's novel Sandwich centers on a woman vacationing with her young adult children and her elderly parents. Julie Satow’s When Women Ran Fifth Avenue profiles three NYC department stores.

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Books We Love

Here are the nonfiction books npr staffers have loved so far this year.

June 17, 2024 • We asked around the newsroom to find favorite nonfiction from the first half of 2024. We've got biography and memoir, health and science, history, sports and much more.

Summer BWL Nonfiction

NPR staffers pick their favorite fiction reads of 2024

June 17, 2024 • At work: hardworking news journalists. At home: omnivorous fiction readers. We asked our colleagues what they've enjoyed most this year and here are the titles they shared.

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'Horror Movie' questions the motivation behind evil acts

June 12, 2024 • Paul Tremblay's latest tale is dark, surprisingly violent, and incredibly multilayered — a superb addition to his already impressive oeuvre showing he can deliver for fans and also push the envelope.

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Queenie's second life on screen gives her more room to grow

June 11, 2024 • An irresistible new Hulu series follows the quarter-life growing pains of a lonely South Londoner. It's based on a 2019 novel by showrunner Candice Carty-Williams.

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In 'Consent,' an author asks: 'Me too? Did I have the agency to consent?'

June 10, 2024 • Jill Ciment wrote about a relationship she had with a teacher when she was very young – that turned into a marriage – in Half a Life . Now, eight years after his death at 93, she reconsiders their relationship in light of the #MToo movement.

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'Forgotten on Sunday' evokes the heartwarming whimsy of the movie 'Amélie'

June 8, 2024 • Like her other books, French writer Valérie Perrin's third novel to be translated into English, centers on the life-changing magic of friendships across generations.

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In 'Fire Exit,' a father grapples with connection and the meaning of belonging

June 6, 2024 • Morgan Talty's debut novel is a touching narrative about family in which the past and present are constantly on the page as we follow a man's life, while also entertaining what that life could have been.

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'The Last Murder at the End of the World' is a story of survival and memory

May 24, 2024 • Stuart Turton’s bizarre whodunit also works as a science fiction allegory full of mystery that contemplates the end of the world and what it means to be human.

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'Rednecks' chronicles the largest labor uprising in American history

May 23, 2024 • Taylor Brown's Rednecks is a superb historical drama full of violence and larger-than-life characters that chronicles the events of leading to the Battle of Blair Mountain.

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20 new books hitting shelves this summer that our critics can't wait to read

May 21, 2024 • We asked our book critics what titles they are most looking forward to this summer. Their picks range from memoirs to sci-fi and fantasy to translations, love stories and everything in between.

'Whale Fall' centers the push-and-pull between dreams and responsibilities

May 16, 2024 • Elizabeth O'Connor's spare and bracing debut novel provides a stark reckoning with what it means to be seen from the outside, both as a person and as a people.

Two new novels investigate what makes magic, what is real and imagined

May 15, 2024 • Both of these novels, Pages of Mourning and The Cemetery of Untold Stories, from an emerging writer and a long-celebrated one, respectively, walk an open road of remembering love, grief, and fate.

What are 'the kids' thinking these days? Honor Levy aims to tell in 'My First Book'

May 14, 2024 • Social media discourse and the inevitable backlash aside, the 26-year-old writer's first book is an amusing, if uneven, take on growing up white, privileged, and Gen Z.

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Claire Messud's sweeping novel borrows from her own 'Strange Eventful History'

May 13, 2024 • Messud draws from her grandfather's handwritten memoir as she tells a cosmopolitan, multigenerational story about a family forced to move from Algeria to Europe to South and North America.

My Octopus Teacher's Craig Foster dives into the ocean again in 'Amphibious Soul'

May 13, 2024 • Nature's healing power is an immensely personal focus for Foster. He made his film after being burned out from long, grinding hours at work. After the release of the film, he suffered from insomnia.

'Women and Children First' is a tale about how actions and choices affect others

May 11, 2024 • The puzzle of a girl's death propels Alina Grabowski's debut novel but, really, it's less about the mystery and more about how our actions impact each other, especially when we think we lack agency.

A 19th-century bookbinder struggles with race and identity in 'The Library Thief'

May 10, 2024 • In her debut novel taking place in the Victorian era, Kuchenga Shenjé explores the expectations that arise when society demands that every group be neatly categorized.

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16 Best Books for June

JUNE 29, 2021

by Diane Johnson

Doing what she does best, Johnson shows us why she's been compared to writers like Henry James, Jane Austen, and Voltaire. Full review >

JUNE 22, 2021

by Brandon Taylor

Taylor tackles a variety of taboos and articulates the comfortless sides of the soul, and it's thrilling to watch. Full review >

JUNE 15, 2021

by Jonathan Lee

A highly satisfying mix of mystery and character portrait, revealing the constrained heart beneath the public carapace. Full review >

JUNE 1, 2021

THRILLER & SUSPENSE

by Zakiya Dalila Harris

A biting social satire–cum-thriller; dark, playful, and brimming with life. Full review >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

by George Packer

A thought-provoking study in civics, history, and the decline and fall of self-government. Full review >

by Carol Anderson

An urgent, novel interpretation of a foundational freedom that, the author makes clear, is a freedom only for some. Full review >

JUNE 8, 2021

by Lawrence Wright

Maddening and sobering—as comprehensive an account of the first year of the pandemic as we’ve yet seen. Full review >

by Clint Smith III

A brilliant, vital work about “a crime that is still unfolding.” Full review >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

by Jonny Garza Villa

An open-hearted expression of love in its many forms. Full review >

by Cynthia Hand & Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

Fast-paced, well-plotted, frequently hilarious—as delicious as the finest French pastry. Full review >

by Caroline O'Donoghue

An immersive tale of brave, vulnerable teens facing threats both real and fantastic. Full review >

by Nicola Yoon

A remarkable, irresistible love story that will linger long after readers turn the final page. Full review >

CHILDREN'S

by Dave Eggers ; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

An evocative picture-book bildungsroman with equally atmospheric illustrations. Full review >

GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS

by Shing Yin Khor ; illustrated by Shing Yin Khor

A timely and ultimately hopeful tale. Full review >

by Areli Morales ; illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Powerful in its cleareyed optimism. Full review >

by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A refreshing adventure that breathes new life into a classic text. Full review >

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The 12 best books to read in June, according to Amazon's book editors

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• June is here, and Amazon's book editors have selected their top 12 books to ring in the new month.
• This month's books include NYC-based queer love stories and Ashley C. Ford's debut memoir .
• Learn more about all 12 picks below, with captions provided by Amazon's book editors. 

June is here, and it brings much to celebrate along with it: the start of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, summer, and lots of exciting new book releases.

Amazon's monthly booklist spans everything from entertaining novels to poignant, introspective memoirs. This month's top pick, " Malibu Rising ," seems to be a quintessential summer read — it's described by Al Woodworth as "perfect for summer — think movie stars and surfing, flawed but loving siblings, and an epic party that ends in disaster."

Learn more about all of this month's titles below, with captions provided by Amazon's book editors. 

Here are Amazon's top 12 picks for the best books of June 2021: 

Captions have been provided by Amazon's book editors. 

'Malibu Rising' by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Reid's latest is perfect for summer —t hink movie stars and surfing, flawed but loving siblings, and an epic party that ends in disaster. While the story unfolds during the course of a single day, flashbacks to when the siblings were kids and their rock star father abandoned them time and again reveal the complex dynamics still in force in their adulthood. "Malibu Rising" is a fun, unforgettable read. –Al Woodworth

'The Other Black Girl' by Zakiya Dalila Harris

This debut starts out as a simple, charming story about a young Black woman working at a prestigious publishing house and turns into something altogether different and unexpected. When another Black girl shows up to work at the publisher, the drama is set into motion. Are they allies? Enemies? Neither? And who is leaving threatening notes? This is one to think about, and talk about, for a long time after the last page is turned. –Chris Schluep

'Songs in Ursa Major' by Emma Brodie

Jane Quinn is a small-town singer-song-writer who steps in to replace folk legend Jesse Reid's set at a local folk festival when he's unable to perform. Her cover of his hit song propels her into the spotlight, as well as into the orbit of Reid. Jesse and Jane fall in love, tour together, and their stars continue to rise until she learns a secret from his past. "Songs in Ursa Major" is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, and it's a romantic summer escape regardless of your connection to these folk greats and former loves. –Sarah Gelman

'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston

The author of "Red, White & Royal Blue" sets her sophomore novel in New York, where August doesn't have expectations beyond earning her degree and enough to pay the rent. But soon she's intrigued by Jane, an electrifying young woman she encounters on the Q train, and who seems too good to be real. "One Last Stop" leans into friendship, found families, and unexpected love, offering an unforgettable heart-warmer that makes even New York City's subway seem magical. –Adrian Liang

'The Ugly Cry' by Danielle Henderson

With wit and clarity, Danielle Henderson recounts her childhood growing up with her and grandmother — a ferocious and foul-mouthed woman who is not afraid to call it like it is. It is truly laugh-out-loud at points, which offsets the "the ugly cry" — the screaming, the racism, the violence — of Henderson's experiences as a young Black woman finding her way in the world. An unforgettable and remarkable memoir that hits all the emotions of a life filled with love and heartache. –Al Woodworth

'One Two Three' by Laurie Frankel

Narrated by the Mitchell triplets, this smart and funny novel is grounded in the tight-knit town of Bourne, still reeling from an environmental poisoning 17 years ago. Now the company responsible wants to return. In alternating chapters, the triplets take us through the highly charged whirlwind of questionable loyalties and contradictions that grip the town, enriching the story with their unique perspectives and personalities. I fell hard for these very different siblings who share a keen sense of humor and a fierce loyalty to each other, their mother, and Bourne. –Seira Wilson

'Somebody's Daughter' by Ashley C. Ford

Ashley C. Ford's voice is what makes this memoir special: she's candid, inquisitive, and present in the moments she shares — especially those of her childhood. From the absence of her father and the shocking revelation of his incarceration, to the grandmother she adored, and the men who both protected and hurt her, "Somebody's Daughter" shows how people and the critical moments — both big and small — can become hardwired into our lives and affect the way we react to and experience the world. –Al Woodworth

'Animal' by Lisa Taddeo

After the success of "Three Women", many of us have been wondering what Lisa Taddeo's first foray into fiction would look like. "Animal" is about adventure, sexuality, and female rage, and it will not be for everyone. But I'm confident there is a fairly large cohort out there who will love this book. There is a drive and a beauty to "Animal" that feels rare. And if any book could ever be called a gut punch, it is this one. –Chris Schluep

'Girl One' by Sara Flannery Murphy

In the early 1970s, nine women live in a commune with one male scientist, who helps them conceive baby girls without male insemination. The resulting girls are controversial, and the commune is burned down when the eldest girl — Girl One — is six, killing one of her "sisters" and the scientist. Twenty years later, Josie (aka Girl One) is studying to be a doctor when she learns that her mother (Mother One) is missing. Josie sets out to find her mother, which involves tracking down the other Mother/Girl pairs. "Girl One" mixes thriller, science fiction, and feminism for a genre-bending, empowering, and just plain fun read. –Sarah Gelman

'The Maidens' by Alex Michaelides

Grieving widow Mariana is at Cambridge University to comfort her undergraduate niece, Zoe, after one of Zoe's classmates is murdered. The murdered girl was one of the Maidens, a secret society of beautiful young students, acolytes of Edward Fosca, a smug, charismatic professor of Greek tragedy. Languidly-paced, dark, and brooding, the first third of the novel uses the campus setting to set the stage for a mesmerizing tale of misgivings, misdirection, and Greek mythology as Mariana's response to the murder spirals from professional to personal, and then, obsessed. –Vannessa Cronin

'Golden Girl' by Elin Hilderbrand

One beautiful June day, Nantucket writer Vivi Howe is killed in a hit-and-run accident. She is now in the afterlife, being guided by her "Person," who grants Vivi three nudges to push her grieving family and friends toward the right choices in the summer months following her death. While "Golden Girl" introduces more fantasy than previous Hilderbrand novels, it has her trademark style, wit, complicated characters, and drool-worthy food descriptions. –Sarah Gelman  

'Palace of the Drowned' by Christine Mangan

For Frankie Croy, a writer suffering from an inability to recapture the success of her youth, a savage review — and the public meltdown it inspired — has driven her to Venice, where she hopes to regroup and wait out her public disgrace in a friend's palazzo. Along comes Gilly, a young woman who insinuates herself into Frankie's life. "Palace of the Drowned" adroitly depicts stylish, mid-century jet setters whose tightly-wound personalities are at odds with their exotic locales, and whose self-possession threatens to come undone in the face of messy personal relationships. –Vannessa Cronin

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June 2021 Books – Upcoming New Releases

Notable upcoming books to be published in June 2021, limited to hardcover new releases. Here are the most anticipated titles for the month:

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The Housemaid is Watching

She’s Not Sorry

The Seven Year Slip

Darling Girls

Yours Truly

It Finally Happened + Summer Romances

Best Literary Fiction of 2024 (New & Anticipated)

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In 2024, we're changing how we do reading challenges. Make yours work for you

In 2024, we're changing how we do reading challenges ->   Make yours work for you

Mini-Reviews of Recent Reads – June 2021

Book reviews of new 2021 books for summer reading, including People We Meet on Vacation; It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake; Malibu Rising; Remember; The Audacity of Sara Grayson; With Teeth; and Haven Point.

This post may include affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Please see Disclosures for more information.

Book reviews of new 2021 books for summer reading, including People We Meet on Vacation; It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake; Malibu Rising; Remember; The Audacity of Sara Grayson; With Teeth; and Haven Point, as well as 2020 releases Hamnet and If I Had Your Face.

It’s been a busy month of reading! There are so many fantastic new summer reads that you don’t want to miss.

If you’re in the mood for some travel , beaches, and light romance, you’ll definitely want to pick up a few of these.

What have you been reading lately?

June 2021 Book Reviews – Print

People we meet on vacation.

Author: Emily Henry Source: Book of the Month Publish Date: May 11, 2021

Poppy and Alex have been best friends since college. They couldn’t be more different, but it just seems to work for them. Every year, they take a vacation together–and since Poppy took a job at an upscale travel magazine, those trips have gotten more swanky. Everything was great, until two years ago in Croatia. They’ve hardly spoken since.

Now, Poppy has convinced Alex to take another trip and she’s determined to repair their friendship. Alternating between past and present, we see the evolution of Poppy and Alex’s friendship, their love and respect for one another, and how they ended up here.

The travel adventures in this book will have you ready to plan your next trip, and the wonderful When Harry Met Sally -like relationship will make your heart swell. One of the most feel-good books I’ve read in a while–I loved it, and Henry’s debut Beach Read is just as good. 5 stars

It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake

Author: Claire Christian Source: Library Publish Date: February 23, 2021

Noni Blake has been nursing some Big Life Hurts, and she’s started looking back on a few things and wondering, “what if?” She decides it’s time to indulge herself, for once in her life, and embark on a 6-month European tour focused on pure pleasure–her own.

Noni’s trip may make you blush (it’s unapologetically racy), but it may also prompt you to examine how well you treat yourself–and whether you might deserve your own version of Noni’s pleasure quest. I didn’t always love Noni or her choices, but I did like how she pushed herself to be brave, step out of her comfort zone, and do what felt right for her . 3 stars

Malibu Rising

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid Source: Ballantine Books via Netgalley Publish Date: June 1, 2021

Every year, the famous Riva siblings –Nina, Hud, Jay, and Kit–hold THE blowout party of the year at Nina’s Malibu mansion. The siblings–offspring of superstar Mick Riva–battled to get here, and it’s no thanks to their father.

This year, they all approach the party with their own reservations, and by night’s end, their lives will be turned upside down. Moving between the day of the party in 1983 and the decades prior, we learn what brought the siblings to this final spark point.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has delivered another riveting celebrity and family drama (also read Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , if you haven’t yet)–the must-read of the summer and definitely one of the best of 2021. 5 stars

Author: Lisa Genova Source: Rodale, Inc. via Netgalley Publish Date: March 23, 2021

In this nonfiction book, neuroscientist and Still Alice author Lisa Genova explores memory, from how we form memories, why we remember and why we forget, when forgetting is a concern and when it’s not–and also why it’s necessary. Her engaging storytelling and scientific explanations make this a fascinating and accessible read.

It’s part education and part reassurance for anyone concerned about their own memory, with a side of marching orders for maintaining a healthy memory. As someone with dementia and Alzheimers in my family, I was riveted, and I know I’ll be returning to this in the future. 4.5 stars

The Audacity of Sara Grayson

Author: Joani Elliott Source: Meryl Moss Media via Netgalley Publish Date: May 25, 2021

Sara Grayson always wanted to write, and she does–as a greeting card writer. She could never live up to the success of her world-famous mother. But when her mother dies and specifies in her will that Sara is to write the much-anticipated final book of her mystery series, Sara starts to wonder if she can actually do it. As she throws herself into the writing and the world her mother created, she discovers that there’s more that could threaten her mother’s legacy than just this one book.

This is a great summer reading choice if you love books about books with a little side of humor and romance. 4 stars

Author: Kristen Arnett Source: Penguin Group Riverhead via Netgalley Publish Date: June 1, 2021

Sammie doesn’t understand her son, Samson. He rarely smiles and seems to take pleasure in causing her pain. She tries, but she feels like a failure and has lost herself to motherhood. Her wife, Monika, always seems critical and thinks she overreacts. As Samson grows up, Sammie becomes more unraveled.

This is a rather dark character study with characters who are tough to like and few redemption arcs. Arnett offered a few vignettes from the perspective of others Sammie encounters, and they were illuminating–I wish there had been more. Arnett is an excellent writer; it’s worth a read if you like complex, unreliable narrators. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to my taste and I found the ending unsatisfying. 2.5 stars

Haven Point

Author: Virginia Hume Source: Macmillan Audio via Netgalley Publish Date: June 8 2021

The exclusive coastal community of Haven Point, Maine has always been insular. When Maren marries Dr. Oliver Demarest in the 1940s, the community is not quick to welcome her, but she eventually finds her place. As the family and community change over decades, a tragedy prompts Maren’s daughter Annie to vow never to return to Haven Point. After Annie’s own tragic death in 2008, her daughter Skye goes to spread her ashes at Haven Point–and finally learn what happened.

This sweeping family story told in alternating timelines over decades is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand. Haven Point is both dreamy and suffocating. Excellent summer historical fiction . 4 stars

Author: Maggie O’Farrell Source: Library Publish Date: March 31, 2020

Hamnet imagines the family life of Shakespeare in the years leading up to his son’s death. Mostly following Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, a woman with unusual healing gifts who is devoted to her children Susanna, Judith, and Hamnet, O’Farrell builds them a rich home life and explores the depths of Agnes’s grief after 11-year old Hamnet’s death.

I’m glad I listened to this, though it didn’t always hold my attention. It’s worth the read or listen alone for the detailed path of the flea that carried the disease that ultimately killed Hamnet–a prescient writing composed before most of us gave “contact tracing” any thought. 3.5 stars

If I Had Your Face

Author: Frances Cha Source: Library Publish Date: April 21, 2020

A fascinating story of four young women in Seoul, South Korea. All are struggling in different ways under the heavy pressure of Korea: the impossible beauty standards, culture of extreme plastic surgery, and the difficult economy put them in precarious positions. Their friendships sustain each other as they try to navigate the cutthroat world of Seoul, including the secret “room salons” where women entertain wealthy men.

It was a little difficult to distinguish each of the women in the first few chapters, but their voices and stories eventually became distinct. This was an illuminating look at life in contemporary Seoul. 3.5 stars

Allison is a dedicated book lover, writer, and lifelong learner with an undeniable passion for books and reading. As the founder of Mind Joggle, she helps busy, overwhelmed women reclaim their mental space and make books a transformative part of their lives. She holds an Ed.M in Technology in Education from Harvard University and a BS in Scientific and Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota.

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Book of the Month June 2021 Selections: What Book Should You Choose?

Welcome to my monthly feature “ Book of the Month Selections: What Book Should You Choose?” ! Every month, I provide commentary on the books that are chosen as that month’s  Book of the Month selections that will hopefully help you choose your pick, and tell you which book(s) I’m going to choose. 

This was an interesting month of picks…two big name books and three more genre-esque choices. I’d actually already pre-ordered the one book I would be interested in (and have already read and loved), so I’ll be skipping this month (the genre-esque choices are not my cup of tea).

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, but I’m also a paying customer.

Book of the Month June 2021 Selections

Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens. Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge. Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

My Thoughts: This is the Sophomore novel by the author of The Silent Patient (the 2019 runaway bestselling psychological thriller), which is going to be a hard act to follow. The Goodreads reviews are mixed so far. Reviewers said it involves psychology and Greek mythology (which seems to be a 2021 trend?!), is atmospheric and has a sense of foreboding. They said it’s a slow burn, but is readable and has short chapters. The major gripes among more critical reviewers are that it’s lacking the “burn” part of “slow burn,” it lacks plot and emotional tension, the twists are less surprising than in The Silent Patient , and the ending is rushed. Tina from TBR, etc (my #1 recommendation source from 2020 and co-host of the brand new podcast, Book Talk, etc. ) rated it 4 stars and compared it to The Secret History (one of my all-time favorite books). She said there are lots of twists, but the ending makes sense and she liked the campus setting and a tie-in to The Silent Patient . She agreed with many Goodreads reviewers who said it was a slow burn and described it as “more psychological suspense than thriller.”

Twenty-six and broke, Skye didn’t think twice before selling her eggs and happily pocketing the cash. Now approaching forty, Skye moves through life entirely–and unrepentantly–on her own terms, living out of a suitcase and avoiding all manner of serious relationships. Her personal life might be a mess, and no one would be surprised if she died alone in a hotel room, but at least she’s free to do as she pleases. But then a twelve-year-old girl shows up during one of Skye’s brief visits to her hometown of Philadelphia, and tells Skye that she’s “her egg.” Skye’s life is thrown into sharp relief and she decides that it might be time to actually try to have a meaningful relationship with another human being. Spoiler alert: It’s not easy. Things gets even more complicated when Skye realizes that the woman she tried and failed to pick up the other day is the girl’s aunt and now it’s awkward. All the while, her brother is trying to get in touch, her problematic mother is being bewilderingly kind, and the West Philly pool halls and hoagie shops of her youth have been replaced by hipster cafes.

My Thoughts: Mia McKenzie is the author of The Summer We Got Free , which won a LAMBDA Award for the best lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender books. The synopsis for this #ownvoices novel feels really muddled to me…I’m still not sure what it’s truly about (and one Goodreads reviewer mentioned that this is a hard book to fit neatly into a publisher’s synopsis)?! Goodreads reviewers said it has powerful messages about race and gentrification, explores friends and family, has a nuanced protagonist (who some described as unlikable at times, but also endearing), has great side characters, has a bit of romance (but as a side to the main story), has a funny writing style and a bit of sweetness. Taylor Jenkins Reid called it “razor sharp and outrageously funny.”

Malibu: August 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over–especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva. By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

My Thoughts: This story set in 1980’s Malibu perfectly balances substance with glamour and fun. I fell in love with the Riva children and desperately wanted things to work out for each of them. The story is told through dual timelines: present-day “24-style” narrative focused on the day of the party and flashbacks to the Riva parents’ relationship and the kids’ childhood. The old-school Malibu surf culture comes alive, creating a romantic setting. This novel was one of my most immersive and pleasurable reading experiences this year…unquestionably 5 stars and one of my favorite books of 2021 so far! If you need some corroboration: Ashley Spivey , Tina from @tbretc , Katie from @katieneedsabiggerbookshelf , Annie Jones , and Carla from @HappiestWhenReading also loved it.

The Lady of Shalott reclaims her story in this bold feminist reimagining of the Arthurian myth from the New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess. Everyone knows the legend. Of Arthur, destined to be a king. Of the beautiful Guinevere, who will betray him with his most loyal knight, Lancelot. Of the bitter sorceress, Morgana, who will turn against them all. But Elaine alone carries the burden of knowing what is to come–for Elaine of Shalott is cursed to see the future. On the mystical isle of Avalon, Elaine runs free and learns of the ancient prophecies surrounding her and her friends–countless possibilities, almost all of them tragic. When their future comes to claim them, Elaine, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana accompany Arthur to take his throne in stifling Camelot, where magic is outlawed, the rules of society chain them, and enemies are everywhere. Yet the most dangerous threats may come from within their own circle. As visions are fulfilled and an inevitable fate closes in, Elaine must decide how far she will go to change fate–and what she is willing to sacrifice along the way.

My Thoughts: Half of Sick Shadows (Sebastian’s adult debut) re-tells a classic story from a feminist perspective, which has been a growing trend over the past few years. Sebastian started writing the first draft of this novel at age 17 after reading Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott and finding it highly problematic. Goodreads reviews were a bit conflicting. Some people loved this book for some of the exact same reasons others didn’t: some said timeline is confusing (jumps around between past, present, and future) while others said the jumping around completely worked. Some loved the writing style while others said it felt too YA (not that surprising given Sebastian’s YA background). Reviewers also said it was heart-breaking and that there was a compelling push/pull between Elaine and her magic. Critical reviews also mentioned it being dense and slow…and some took issue with some character departures from the original.

#1 New York Times bestselling author of  Everything, Everything  and  The Sun is Also a Star  Nicola Yoon is back with her eagerly anticipated third novel. With all the heart and hope of her last two books, this is an utterly unique romance. Evie Thomas doesn’t believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually. As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything–including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he’s only just met. Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it’s that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?

My Thoughts: Another book with huge shoes to fill and this story includes a fantastical element. Goodreads reviewers called it bittersweet, heart-warming and heart-breaking, and emotional (tear-jerker). Yoon was dealing with some tough times in her personal life while writing this (included in her Afterward) and that shows in the tone of her writing. They also said it’s almost about Evie’s personal journey more than the romance itself…about healing from heart-break. They loved the dancing backdrop, but said some parts felt rushed. It’s blurbed by Jasmine Guillory. 

What Book of the Month June 2021 selection(s) will I choose?

Had I not already pre-ordered Malibu Rising , I would absolutely be getting that! But, since I did, I’ll be skipping this month.

Make your  Book of the Month selections by Sunday, June 6th .

What book will you choose this month?

This Month’s Special Deals

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How to Join Book of the Month…

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Sign up for any of the subscription plans below and you get to choose one of five books selected by  Book of the Month’s  panel of judges (including a surprise guest judge).  Book of the Month  will then mail your chosen book to your house with a cute note. You also have the option to purchase additional books for $9.99 each and to skip a month if you want.

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Book Reviews: June 2021

July 1, 2021 By Talya Tate Boerner 3 Comments

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commissions from sales.

With my book reviews for June 2021, we are officially well into the season of summer reading. Do you choose books based on the time of year? During summer, I may choose something lighter (especially if I’m on vacation), but mostly I keep whittling away at my to-read stack.

My book reviews for June 2021 include six completely different books—two debuts from new authors, two from authors I love, and two books from experienced authors who are new to me. I hope you find at least one to add to your summer reading book pile.

Crooked Hallelujah by: Kelli Jo Ford (Native American Literature)

First of all, the title of this book— Crooked Hallelujah— is inspired. Love the title, love the cover, and yes, sometimes I do choose a book based on these elements.

Secondly, it started off with a loud AMEN from me, and I thought I’d found my favorite read of the year so far.

This novel (really, a collection of linked stories) is a character study of four generations of Cherokee women. Although the story quickly became a tad disjointed for me (jumping around in time with no warning tends to make my head spin), the reader is given much to ponder concerning the strength of matriarchal bonds, extreme poverty, and the idea that often what we believe and how we react is learned behavior.

It was a good read, but I didn’t shout hallelujah at the end. I look forward to this author’s next offering.

Favorite Quote: Can I love anything the way that I used to love the mystery of my mother, her strength in suffering?

Where You Once Belonged by: Kent Haruf (Small Town Rural Fiction)

Kent Haruf’s writing always hits the perfect chord with me.  Where You Once Belonged was written in 1990, one of his earlier works, and like his others, takes place in Holt, Colorado where the town is as much a character as, well, the characters. The story is told almost entirely in flashbacks by an omniscient narrator, which sets a brooding tone right off.

Most every small town has a prodigal son, doesn’t it? Holt’s own—Jack Burdette—was a high school football star who had an unproductive stint in college, joined the service, and is later handpicked to manage the local farmer co-op. It seems the more life demands of Jack, the more havoc he wreaks.

Haruf (who passed away in 2014) was never one to waste words. And with the few words he chose for Where You Once Belonged , he told another memorable story.

Favorite Quote: In the end Jack Burdette came back to Holt after all.

How We Fight for Our Lives by: Saeed Jones (LGBTQ+Biography)

Whoa. This short memoir packs a punch. From Saeed’s childhood as a young gay black pre-teen in the South through his college years at Western Kentucky and to his career as a writer and professor, the author bares his soul and shares his grief, his basic struggle to simply  be .

As a poet, Saeed’s prose is beautiful, but the book is shockingly graphic at times, a series of traumatic events, one after another. That’s his truth; bravo to him for telling it. How many other gay black men grew up with a similar journey?

Favorite Quote: Everyone has a lie we’re quietly waiting to believe.

The Good Sister by: Sally Hepworth (Domestic Thriller)

This was my first Sally Hepworth book (recommended by a friend), but it won’t be my last. Twins, Fern and Rose, are as different as different can be. Fern has sensory processing problems, works as a librarian, and depends on Rose for much of what makes her life work. Rose is considered the responsible, level-headed one.

Which one is good?

The Good Sister is classified as a domestic thriller. I viewed it more as a psychological family drama. Think Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine meets Gone Girl— a suspenseful story with offbeat characters told in alternating chapters between the sisters, both who are rather unreliable narrators. Engaging for sure.

Favorite Quote: My sister holds the key to my sanity.

Olive, Again by: Elizabeth Strout (Women’s Literary Fiction)

Oh, Olive. She’s back again, older, still socially inept, charming in that uncomfortable, curmudgeonly way of hers. Once again, Strout captures small-town people with relatable issues. I adore the way Olive weaves through the narrative of each person, showing up to help when no one else will, trying to make things better in her own way.

The first book in this two book series, Olive Kitteridge , won a Pulitzer. I enjoyed Olive, Again even more than the first. Olive is such a beautifully flawed human with a keen sense of insight and a sharp sense of humor. I, for one, enjoyed spending time with her again even though she does and says things that make me cringe.

Favorite Quote: People live with things. They do. I am always amazed at what people live with.

The Nature of Fragile Things by: Susan Meissner (Historical Literary Fiction)

This book had me at mail-order bride and the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Either of these things is enough to make me pick up a book. (I swear I must have been a mail-order bride in another life.)

Irish immigrant Sophie Whalen leaves her dreadful life behind and heads west, becoming the handsome Stephen Hocking’s mail-order bride and step-mother to his five-year-old daughter, Kat. Life is much better at first—she has a lovely home in San Francisco, a daughter to care for, food and clothes, really, everything she has ever wanted. Even though Stephen is aloof and Kat is mostly silent—Sophie attributes this to normal grief—comfortable routines develop and life settles around them. But then, a visitor shows up on her doorstep bringing devastating information. In an instant, life is turned upside down. The San Francisco earthquake underscores this.

Yes, life is fragile. It’s even more fragile when built on shaky ground.

The Nature of Fragile Things  mesmerized me. Now I’ll go back and read Meissner’s other books.

Favorite Quote: It is the nature of the earth to shift. It is the nature of fragile things to break. 

Happy Summer Reading!

Grace Grits and Gardening Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

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July 1, 2021 at 8:31 am

Thanks for the review!

July 2, 2021 at 6:25 am

Always fun to pick a couple of the books you review…I have two book club books to read each month also so I have to choose from yours and I always wish I could read them all!

July 2, 2021 at 7:58 am

I’ve read both Olive books and loved them. I always look forward to your book reviews because I usually find one or two to keep me in good stories. Such was the case again. Thanks!

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Here Are the 12 New Books You Should Read in July

These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.

E ven if you can’t escape rising summer temperatures to more comfortable climes, you can at least get lost in a good book . The best new books coming in July include Kevin Barry’s Western romance, Lev Grossman ’s reimagining of King Arthur’s legend, and Laura van den Berg ’s unsettling new novel set in Florida’s underbelly.

Keep Shark Week going with shark scientist Jasmin Graham’s debut memoir focused on her work with the most misunderstood fish in the sea. Hit the road with Turkish author Ayşegül Savaş’ third novel, about a couple running into unexpected trouble finding a new apartment for their family. And gaze deeply into beauty writer Sable Yong’s thoughtful essay collection on the role of vanity in today’s culture.

Here, the 12 new books you should read in July.

The Cliffs , J. Courtney Sullivan (July 2)

A decade ago, best-selling author J. Courtney Sullivan became obsessed with a purple Victorian mansion she discovered while on vacation in Maine. Now, that unique home is at the center of her haunting new novel, The Cliffs. After losing her mother, getting laid off, and separating from her husband, archivist Jane Flanagan returns to her coastal Maine hometown to discover that the long-abandoned gothic house she was obsessed with as a teen has a new owner. Genevieve, a wealthy outsider, has given the once-dilapidated dwelling a misbegotten makeover that she believes has awakened something sinister. In this provocative ghost story that questions how we right our wrongs of the past, the two must team up to rid the mysterious 19th-century home of its spirits and overcome their own demons.

Buy Now: The Cliffs on Bookshop | Amazon

The Heart in Winter , Kevin Barry (July 9)

The Heart in Winter, Irish author Kevin Barry’s first novel set in America, is a rollicking romance that is as wild as the Old West where it takes place. In 1891 Butte, Mont., a reckless young poet and doper named Tom Rourke falls in love with Polly Gillespie, the new wife of the extremely devout captain of the local copper mine. The twosome ride off on a stolen horse together toward San Francisco, only to be pursued by a posse of mad gunmen hired by Polly’s husband. In order to survive in this rip-roaring love story, the outlaws make choices they may live to regret.

Buy Now: The Heart in Winter on Bookshop | Amazon

State of Paradise , Laura van den Berg (July 9)

In Laura van den Berg’s State of Paradise, a ghostwriter travels to Florida during an unspecified pandemic to look after her aging mother. But when she arrives, the unnamed narrator discovers that it’s her little sister who really needs help. Struggling to process the death of their father, her sibling has become obsessed with a virtual reality headset that allows her to reconnect with the dead. Then she suddenly goes missing, alongside countless other Floridians, leading the protagonist to launch an investigation into the mysterious tech company behind the headsets. What ensues is a page-turning story about the challenges of learning to let go.

Buy Now: State of Paradise on Bookshop | Amazon

The Anthropologists , Ayşegül Savaş (July 9)

Inspired by her 2021 New Yorker short story, “ Future Selves ,” Ayşegül Savaş’ perceptive new novel, The Anthropologists , follows a nomadic couple as they struggle to find an apartment in an unnamed foreign city. Asya and Manu, a documentarian and nonprofit worker, are looking to finally put down roots together in a place that is all their own and nothing like where they came from. But as they tour each real-estate listing, envisioning what their future could look like, something always seems off, and they can’t quite place why. The idealistic lovers find themselves chafing against society’s idea of adulthood and look to kindred spirits—a reticent bon vivant, a lonely local, and their poetry-loving elderly neighbor—in hopes of figuring out how to live a good life.

Buy Now: The Anthropologists on Bookshop | Amazon

Die Hot With a Vengeance, Sable Yong (July 9)

With her debut essay collection, Die Hot With a Vengeance, Sable Yong looks to understand why vanity is still such a dirty word in a culture so obsessed with beauty. The former Allure editor offers thought-provoking analysis on social media’s impossible beauty standards , the rise of questionable wellness trends , and whether blondes really do have more fun. Going beyond just sharing her insights from working in the industry, she also weaves in stories of her own complicated relationship with self-image as she grew up feeling like an outsider in her mostly white neighborhood. With humor and candor, Die Hot With a Vengeance shows why beauty should be a tool of self-expression, not self-hate.

Buy Now: Die Hot With a Vengeance on Bookshop | Amazon

The Lucky Ones , Zara Chowdhary (July 16)

Zara Chowdhary’s debut memoir, The Lucky Ones, is a moving tale of survival that spans more than two decades of anti-Muslim violence in India . As a teenager in the early 2000s, Chowdhary bore witness to India’s worst communal riots in over 50 years, which turned Hindu and Muslim neighbors against one another. Chowdhary offers a harrowing account of the violence that occurred—and continues to this day —between the two groups, tracing the political, economic, and social repercussions of 80 years of ongoing bloodshed.

Buy Now: The Lucky Ones on Bookshop | Amazon

Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist , Jasmin Graham (July 16)

Throughout shark scientist Jasmin Graham’s riveting debut memoir, Sharks Don’t Sink, she compares herself to the oft-misunderstood titular fish. Despite being denser than water, sharks manage to float because they just keep swimming. Graham had to do the same in order to move up in the white male-dominated profession of marine biology. She shares stories of growing up fishing with her dad and describes her struggle to find her place in academia as a Black woman and how that led her to start Minorities in Shark Sciences , an organization that provides support and opportunities for those underrepresented in the marine science field. Graham also makes the case for thinking about sharks differently, and urges us all to help protect these vulnerable, prehistoric creatures.

Buy Now: Sharks Don't Sink on Bookshop | Amazon

The Bright Sword , Lev Grossman (July 16)

Best-selling author Lev Grossman, a former TIME critic, is back with a new, sweeping medieval epic that offers a fresh take on the legend of King Arthur . In The Bright Sword, a gifted young knight named Collum arrives in Camelot in the hopes of competing for a spot at the Round Table. Sadly, though, he’s too late; King Arthur died in battle two weeks earlier, and the knights that survived him are more Bad News Bears than Game of Thrones . Still, Collum joins this lovable band of misfits realizing there’s too much at stake, and their fight has just begun. Together, the group becomes Camelot’s only hope of reclaiming Excalibur, reuniting the kingdom, and keeping Arthur’s foes—dastardly half-sister Morgan le Fay, his fallen bride Guinevere, and disgraced hero Lancelot—from reclaiming the crown.

Buy Now: The Bright Sword on Bookshop | Amazon

Liars , Sarah Manguso (July 23)

In essayist and poet Sarah Manguso’s unflinching second novel, a writer named Jane believes she’s found a supportive partner in John, a visual artist who becomes her husband. But after the birth of their first child, she begins to feel swallowed up by John’s ego. When her own career starts to take off, it’s John who pulls away, leaving Jane to take a closer look at their marriage, which, she realizes, may have never been on solid ground. As she examines the pieces of her life, Manguso’s plucky protagonist makes stirring observations about marriage and identity.

Buy Now: Liars on Bookshop | Amazon

Catalina , Karla Cornejo Villavicencio (July 23)

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s debut novel follows Catalina Ituralde, a brash undocumented immigrant from Ecuador on the verge of graduating from Harvard. She’s got a stacked resume and pretty good grades, but her immigration status has made her post-grad prospects rather bleak. This is a major problem for Catalina, who takes care of her grandparents on top of everything else. After years of working to infiltrate Harvard’s high society and as commencement looms over her head, she falls for a sanctimonious anthropology student and begins wondering if she’s found a solution to her woes or just another problem. This sardonic, semi-autobiographical novel is sure to delight fans of Elif Batuman’s The Idiot .

Buy Now: Catalina on Bookshop | Amazon

Someone Like Us , Dinaw Mengestu (July 30)

Dinaw Mengestu’s fourth novel, Someone Like Us , is a beguiling meditation on love, loss, and the need to belong. As his marriage unravels, war journalist Mamush returns to the tight-knit Ethiopian community in Washington, D.C. where he grew up to seek solace. But once there, he discovers that Samuel, his larger-than-life father figure, has unexpectedly died. In hopes of better understanding Samuel, Mamush embarks on a cross-country expedition to trace the older man’s immigration journey—only to unearth a shocking secret about his own lineage.

Buy Now: Someone Like Us on Bookshop | Amazon

They Dream in Gold , Mai Sennaar (July 30)

Playwright and filmmaker Mai Sennaar’s debut novel, They Dream in Gold, is a tender romance that spans decades, generations, and continents. It’s love at first sight when Bonnie and Mansour, African immigrants abandoned by their mothers, meet in New York in 1968. The two bond over Mansour’s music, a blend of Senegalese gospel and American jazz, which they each believe has the power to change the world. When Mansour goes missing while on tour in Spain, a pregnant Bonnie must team up with his mother, grandmother, and aunt to solve the mystery of his disappearance. In detailing their plight, Sennaar unveils a story about motherhood, the African diaspora, and the resilience of Black women.

Buy Now: They Dream in Gold on Bookshop | Amazon

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Who won the Biden-Trump debate? Biden's freeze draws age concerns

WASHINGTON – Presidential debates are always about expectations. And Thursday’s verbal sparring match between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was no exception.  

The stakes were highest for Biden who, at age 81, was already battling perceptions he is too elderly for a second term. Meanwhile, Trump, 78, was facing concerns from moderate and swing voters about his at times bombastic style.  

The biggest moment of the night came early, when Biden froze for several seconds while answering a question about the economy. 

That – and all of the many other gaffes of the evening − will be replayed on cable news shows and shared thousands of times on social media for weeks to come. But how will it influence the 2024 election?  

Here’s a breakdown of who came out on top and who fell short in the immediate aftermath.  

Trump showed more energy than Biden  

Experts USA TODAY spoke with said they saw sharp differences in the stamina of the two candidates on stage Thursday night, and they said Biden’s low-energy demeanor could hurt him for months to come.  

In one of the most defining moments of the debate, Biden took a prolonged pause and froze while answering a question about the economy. After stuttering, the president continued, but began talking about COVID-19 and Medicare. 

Even some of Biden's Democratic supporters felt his freeze on stage and his somewhat wooden performance tipped the scales in Trump's favor.

Trump sought to highlight Biden’s slower responses, at one point saying, “I really don't know what he said at the end of this, and I don't think he knows what he said, either."

Thomas Whalen, a presidential historian and professor at Boston University, said Biden was “looking his age,” while Trump was “more controlled and sticking to his talking points.” 

Aaron Kall, director of Debate for the University of Michigan Debate Program, suggested Biden’s pauses “could spur endless news cycles about (his) age and fitness to serve another term in office.” 

New debate format aimed to decrease chaos

If seeing Trump and Biden on stage together again didn’t provide enough deja vu, their matchup also marked the first time since 1960 that a presidential debate was held without a live audience . The last time was when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon clashed.

The format was designed to eliminate immediate reactions to candidates’ remarks. Aaron Kall, director of debate for the University of Michigan, suggested it forced genuine responses rather than scripted statements from the candidates. 

Rather than rely on audience energy, Trump and Biden had to “trust their guts and instincts and previous debate experiences,” Kall said. 

The  use of muted microphones in the debate also nearly eliminated the type of candidate crosstalk that has plagued past debates, including most recently during the GOP primary. 

Georgia voters are central focus  

Trump and Biden weren’t the only ones in the spotlight Thursday night. All-important Georgia voters were, too. 

The location of the debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta underscored Georgia’s role as crucial swing state in the election and served as a reminder that the candidate's messages − and bickering − will echo far beyond the stage. 

Biden won Georgia by just under 12,000 votes in 2020. But recent polling this year has shown Trump with a slight edge over his competitor in the key battleground territory. 

And the side-by-side comparison of the two candidates Thursday could very well sway the minds of undecided voters in the state. It was one of few opportunities the public will have to hear from the two men directly and judge for themselves who is the better pick for the country. 

Not to mention that the location gave both candidates an opportunity to campaign around the Atlanta suburbs. Trump called in to a local barbershop on Wednesday to talk with a group his campaign called the Black American Business Leaders Barbershop Roundtable. And Biden’s campaign said the president planned to attend watch parties across the city after the debate to talk with voters.  

Also of significance: The debate occurred only a few miles from the jail where Trump was booked last year on charges related to claims that he conspired to overturn the 2020 election.  

A major money boost for Democrats and Republicans  

Both major parties are expected to raise big dollars off Thursday’s affair. Similarly well-watched events have brought in the green for the two candidates.  

Biden’s campaign said he raised $10 million in the 24 hours after the State of the Union address. After Trump’s felony conviction in his New York hush money trial, his campaign said it raised $34.8 million in small-dollar donations.  

And both groups we’re leaning into their fundraising.  

Hours before the debate began, Biden’s team sent out a message telling supporters that he was “counting on” them to donate at least $30.  

“Tens of thousands of new supporters stepped up following my debates against Trump in 2020. And tonight, can’t be any different,” the message said.  

The Democratic Party of Georgia also hosted a watch party charging $24 per advance ticket. Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was similarly hosting a high-dollar event for Trump the night of the debate.  

Biden’s campaign said it had its best grassroots fundraising hours of the entire campaign leading up to the debate. 

False claims abound

Ashley Koning, director of the Rutgers Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, argued that “facts and truth” were the biggest losers of the night.  

Both Trump and Biden made false comments throughout the debate that largely went unchecked by the moderators.  

Trump repeated claims that the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s fault. Trump claimed he offered Pelosi “10,000 soldiers” to stop the attack. Pelosi’s office has said, however, that she never received such an officer and that she wouldn’t have had the power to refuse either way.  

The former real estate mogul also claimed the U.S. southern border is the most dangerous place in the world. There is no evidence to suggest this.  

Biden also made incorrect claims. At one point, he claimed he was “the only president this century ... that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world.”  

In 2021, during Biden’s presidency, 13 U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan as thousands tried to flee the Taliban’s takeover of the country. 

RFK and third-party candidates absent from the conversation  

Noticeably absent from the CNN stage? Robert F. Kennedy Jr .  

Kennedy didn’t meet the qualifications for the debate, which required candidates to appear on a “sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote thresholds to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four qualifying national polls, according to CNN.  

In a three-way matchup with Biden and Trump, Kennedy receives 10.7% of the vote, according to a Real Clear Politics average of polling .  

Kennedy counterprogrammed the prime-time debate by answering the same questions as Biden and Trump live on a social media stream and on his website. But he remained largely out of sight for most voters on a night that centered on the two major party candidates. 

Ray Kurzweil is (still, somehow) excited about humans merging with machines

In ‘The Singularity Is Nearer,’ the tech guru says we’re getting closer to transcending our biology

There is a meme, popular among tech world insiders, that distinguishes between two types of people: wordcels and shape rotators. Wordcels are humanists, effete creatures who trade in anachronisms like writing and philosophy. Shape rotators, in contrast, are staunchly modern, possessed of a ruthlessly practical intelligence. They are the movers and shakers — the engineers and programmers who congregate in Silicon Valley in hopes of remaking the world.

The wordcel/shape rotator dichotomy — a 21st-century update of the right-brained vs. left-brained taxonomy — may appear laughably reductive, but it is only half ironic. When tech billionaire, venture capitalist and Silicon Valley darling Marc Andreessen tweeted disparagingly about the other half — the wordcels — he was expressing a view that he seemed to hold sincerely. His cohort of digital disrupters is disdainful of an entire domain of human endeavor, which may explain why its denizens are so eager to shed their personhood and transform into machines.

Computer scientist and famed transhumanist Ray Kurzweil is less openly scornful of the arts than his peers are, but he is still a shape rotator — and by all accounts, an adept one. His not-so-subtle title at Google is “principal researcher and AI visionary,” and he is the author of a number of nonfiction books beloved by the technology fetishists of Silicon Valley. In “The Age of Spiritual Machines” (1999) and “The Singularity Is Near” (2005), he offered controversial prognostications about a strange near-future in which machines take over, solving all of the world’s ills and perhaps even having transcendent experiences along the way.

His impressive grasp of computing is on display once again in his disjointed and occasionally delusional new book, “ The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge With AI .” Kurzweil is a refreshingly lucid expositor of complex technical concepts, but he suffers from the shape rotator’s characteristic deficiency: an incapacity to recognize the limits of his own understanding.

“The Singularity Is Nearer” is daunting to summarize — even for a wordcel like me — because it is so careless and careening. Kurzweil makes strident assertions about a wide range of subjects, from personal identity to the nature of consciousness to the future of medicine. Far from the sort of disciplined treatise we might expect from a veteran programmer, this book is a welter of free associations and shameless simplifications.

That is not to say every piece of it is sloppy or misguided. Kurzweil’s basic thesis — that “information technologies like computing get exponentially cheaper because each advance makes it easier to design the next stage of their own evolution” — is sensible, even wise. As he points out, “One dollar now buys around 600 trillion times as much computing power as it did when the GPS was developed.”

Unfortunately, Kurzweil rarely restricts himself to claims about the mechanics and history of AI. Instead, he ventures into foreign territory, with unfortunate results. History, he announces in the book’s first chapter, is nothing but the evolution of information processing, and it can be neatly and unproblematically delineated into “six epochs, or stages, from the beginning of our universe.” At the sixth and final stage, “our intelligence spreads throughout the universe, turning ordinary matter into computronium, which is matter organized at the ultimate density of computation.” Kurzweil is spared the indignity of attempting to explain what this means, because the sixth epoch and its mysteries remain in the distant offing. At present, we are approaching the fifth, when “we will merge with AI and augment ourselves with millions of times the computational power that our biology gave us.”

One chapter of “The Singularity Is Nearer” is devoted to the thesis that life has been “getting exponentially better” for centuries, but Kurzweil expects that life will improve even more dramatically when the singularity occurs: when machines surpass their human makers. In this brave new world of super-intelligent computers, 3D printers will enable us to produce enough clothing and housing for everyone, and AI will pioneer techniques that allow us to grow crops more efficiently. Meanwhile, sophisticated machine-learning programs will design innovative new medicines, and nanorobots will enter our bodies and kill all the wayward cells, effectively curing cancer. “As AI unlocks unprecedented material abundance across countless areas,” Kurzweil writes, “the struggle for physical survival will fade into history.” There will even be a remedy of sorts for death itself: We will go on chatting with the robot analogues of our loved ones after they pass away.

Kurzweil graciously concedes that there may be a few growing pains through these final epochs. Jobs will be automated before new forms of markets emerge, and violence may erupt in the interim. Humans struggling to adapt might be plagued by a sense of uselessness or inferiority. Eventually, however, we will stop complaining and rejoice at our liberation from the burdens of physicality: “Once our brains are backed up on a more advanced digital substrate, our self-modification powers can be fully realized.” And when we incorporate AI directly into our brains, it will not be a competitor but “an extension of ourselves.”

“Ray Kurzweil is the best person I know at predicting the future of artificial intelligence,” Bill Gates gushes in a blurb on the back cover of “The Singularity Is Nearer.” Despite this endorsement, it is reasonable to wonder whether the oracle of Silicon Valley is really so reliable. At one point, he goes so far as to speculate that, “as nanotechnology takes off, we will be able to produce an optimized body at will: we’ll be able to run much faster and longer, swim and breathe under the ocean like fish, and even give ourselves working wings if we want them.” At times, Kurzweil’s prophecies read like passages from messianic religious texts.

Yet even if his most outrageous technological predictions came true — even if we could cure cancer with nanobots and program ourselves to grow gills — paradise would remain elusive. Suppose 3D printers really did disgorge enough food to sustain the world’s population, or AI really did devise cures for the most obstinate diseases. Why should we expect these lifesaving goods to be distributed equitably, given that our already ample supply of food reaches so few and that so many of us lack access to the most basic health care? Kurzweil’s insipid answer — “we’ll need smart government policies to ease the transition and ensure that prosperity is broadly shared” — is not satisfying or particularly surprising.

From the first page of “The Singularity Is Nearer,” it is clear that, for Kurzweil, technological problems are the only ones that matter. Questions of political will and even ethical permissibility are afterthoughts. If a technology is available, then Kurzweil regards its adoption as not just inevitable but probably advisable. Progress is cast as an unstoppable force, rather than a product of effort and ingenuity.

He observes, for instance, that renewable-energy sources “accounted for about 1.4 percent of global electricity generation” in 2000 and 12.85 percent in 2021 — then sanguinely announces, “This progress will continue exponentially.” Never mind that reactionary regimes, many of them in denial about climate change, are poised to take (or have already taken) power in much of the Western world. Or that scientists warn that we are already past the point of no return. As long as the line on the graph has been climbing, Kurzweil believes it will go on climbing.

“History gives us reason for profound optimism” when it comes to the expansion of the political franchise, too, as illustrated by a neat little chart tracking the “Spread of Democracy Since 1800.” But this crude quantitative measure does not register the many qualitative reasons for alarm, among them the erosion of LGBTQ rights and expanding restrictions on abortion . Democracy is a fragile achievement, a perpetual work in progress, not the sort of thing that can be vouchsafed by a trend line — and certainly not the sort of thing that technology automatically generates.

It is, however, an obvious good, unlike many of the more disturbing advances that Kurzweil welcomes with open arms. What if Kurzweil and his Silicon Valley peers are alone in finding the prospect of merging with computers appealing? What if the rest of us are horrified by the idea of chatting with AI facsimiles of our dead loved ones? Indeed, many people have already chosen to abandon even the technologies this book heralds as irresistible, such as the Metaverse . Though Kurzweil frets over the most dramatic and fanciful ways that AI could betray us — by enabling bioterrorists to engineer a deadly pathogen, by self-replicating until nanobots take over — he never spares a thought for the million banal ways that recent technological breakthroughs have already made life unbearable. To him, it is irrelevant that misinformation spreads like wildfire, or that neo-Nazis are radicalized on YouTube, or that teenage girls swept up in a stream of diabolically addictive images often develop eating disorders. We can use all of these radical new technologies — and by his lights, that is enough to prove that we should.

There is no question that AI will soon outstrip humans in many respects, and Kurzweil is right to suspect that society will change considerably when computers can do our laundry, diagnose our diseases and conduct trials of new drugs. A sober assessment of what computers can and cannot contribute to the human project is long overdue, but unfortunately “The Singularity Is Nearer” is no such thing. A better guide to the future will have to take stock of the many aspects of personhood that Kurzweil ignores or dismisses. He is right that life has improved in many ways, of course, but what’s left out of his relentlessly futuristic picture are the many precious things that cannot be said to “advance.”

What about art? Kurzweil’s answer is that it, too, will benefit from an upgrade. “Actors can now convey what their character is thinking only through their words and external physical expressions,” but in virtual reality we will “have art that puts a character’s raw, disorganized, nonverbal thoughts — in all their inexpressible beauty and complexity — directly into our brains.” If he had been paying attention for the last century, he might have realized that modernist novelists employing stream-of-consciousness methods, among them Marcel Proust and Virginia Woolf, solved this problem long ago.

What about physical experience? In the “digital universe,” Kurzweil effuses, “many products won’t even need a physical form at all, as simulated versions will perform perfectly well in highly realistic detail.” Among these: “a sensory-rich virtual beach vacation for the whole family.” Only someone with no regard for sensory pleasures could imagine that digital simulations will ever be adequate substitutes for luxuries we can taste or touch.

The smug conclusion that “computers will be able to simulate human brains in all the ways we might care about” only serves to reveal which parts of the brain Kurzweil himself does not care about. Perhaps the shape rotators are convinced that computers can outthink us because their own minds are so impoverished. If they have ever encountered a painting or a poem, they no doubt blinked at it with affable perplexity, wondering how it might be optimized.

The Singularity Is Nearer

When We Merge With AI

By Ray Kurzweil

Viking. 419 pp. $35

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editors’ choice

6 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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Our recommended books this week lean toward the multinational: a historical novel set on a Swedish island, a World War II account of American military pilots navigating a treacherous route over the Himalayas, a novel about migrants flooding into a small Sicilian town and Joseph O’Neill’s new novel, “Godwin,” about a Pittsburgh man on the hunt for a rumored soccer superstar in West Africa. Also up, we recommend Carvell Wallace’s moving, joyful memoir and Kimberly King Parsons’s novel about grief and desire. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

GODWIN Joseph O’Neill

This globe-trotting novel from the author of “Netherland” chronicles the quest of a man named Mark Wolfe to find a mysterious soccer prodigy in West Africa and the unraveling of his workplace back in Pittsburgh. Mark shares narratorial duties with his colleague Lakesha Williams, who speaks first in “Godwin” and also gets the last word.

“Uses sports as a window on global realities that might otherwise be too vast or too abstract to perceive. … The book bristles with offhand insights and deft portraits of peripheral characters. It is populous, lively and intellectually challenging.”

From A.O. Scott’s review

Pantheon | $28

THE SILENCE OF THE CHOIR Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

Seventy-two migrants settle in a small Sicilian town in this polyphonic novel, which won France’s most prestigious literary prize in 2021 and is here translated into English by Alison Anderson. Sarr not only follows the newcomers, but also considers the inner lives of the villagers, whose reactions vary considerably.

“Sarr points honestly and often brilliantly to the divisions between us and the world’s ragazzi, and in that empty space he offers a dozen different ways of seeing not only the other side, but ourselves as well.”

From Dinaw Mengestu’s review

Europa | Paperback, $18

SKIES OF THUNDER: The Deadly World War II Mission Over the Roof of the World Caroline Alexander

After the loss of a land route through Burma in 1942, Allied forces had to fly supplies over a treacherous stretch of the Himalayas to support the Nationalist Chinese government in its war against Japan. Alexander’s vivid retelling of this aerial feat is matched only by her exquisite rendering of the pilots’ fear.

“Riveting. … What unites this book with the author’s previous work is a fascination with human behavior in extremis.”

From Elizabeth D. Samet’s review

Viking | $32

WE WERE THE UNIVERSE Kimberly King Parsons

Reeling from the sudden death of her sister, a young Texas wife and mother lets her mind run freely to the siblings’ shared rebellious past — and her own present catalog of pansexual longings — in Parsons’s witty and profane debut novel, a tender, exuberant and often profoundly moving follow-up to her lauded 2019 story collection, “Black Light.”

“The ride could not be more rewarding; Parsons’s transgressive boldness allows us to feel the soul in places that moderation simply cannot reach.”

From Alissa Nutting’s review

Knopf | $28

ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE: A Memoir Carvell Wallace

Wallace, a gifted journalist and essayist who came to writing in midlife, explores what it means to be a Black man, partner and parent in the world. While he is unstinting on the tribulations of his unstable childhood, — a troubled single mother, intermittent homelessness and mental health struggles — the reflections here are threaded through with rare, soulful vulnerability and a persistent sense of joy.

“Each anecdote continues to move the reader and implore us all to remember to connect. … This book is funny and heartbreaking, religiously vivid and lovingly open.”

From James Ijames’s review

MCDxFSG | $28

THE BLUE MAIDEN Anna Noyes

This haunting debut novel explores the sinister effects of a legacy of century-old witch hunts on a remote island in Sweden. At its center are a pair of sisters descended from one of the few women to be spared. Left to their own devices, Ulrika and Bea piece together their legacy and, over time, inflame their pastor father’s paranoia

“It isn’t until Bea marries and becomes a mother that her family’s secrets will be fully revealed. By then, of course, the damage has already been done.”

From Alida Becker’s historical fiction column

Grove | $26