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Unveiling the 16 Must-Read Books That Will Define Your Summer!

BBG News

Regardless of whether you’re dreaming about globe-trotting adventures or preferring a peaceful staycation, relax with an engaging book this summer. Highly anticipated titles include R.F. Kuang’s fantasy novel that has everyone waiting in anticipation, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s romantic tale set among the stars, and Gary Shteyngart’s latest work following his 2021 publication of Our Country Friends.

Over the summer, a variety of intriguing books will be published, ranging from memoirs to queer romances to historical fiction. V.E. Schwab’s upcoming release is a century-encompassing vampire fantasy that follows the lives of three women yearning for something beyond the ordinary. Xenobe Purvis’ debut novel, reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s style, revolves around five sisters in 1700s England who are accused of transforming into dogs. Susan Choi, author of “Trust Exercise,” presents a mystery about a missing father as seen through the distorted recollections of his young daughter. Lastly, Leila Mottley, who published “Nightcrawling” in 2022, returns with a tale of growth for a group of mothers living in Florida three years later.

16 books penned by authors such as Melissa Febos from her new memoir “Girlhood” and S.A. Cosby for his recent crime thriller, should definitely find their way onto your summer reading list.

Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3)

In the 1980s, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel “Atmosphere” chronicles the journey of physics professor Joan Goodwin as she strives to become one of the first women in NASA’s space shuttle program. Throughout her training, she encounters casual sexism, struggles to form bonds with her fellow female trainees, and develops affection for a compassionate pilot named Hank Redmond. Faced with a potentially dangerous situation during mission STS-LR9 that threatens the lives of her crew, Joan must devise a plan to ensure their safe return.

The Catch, Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3)

Following the disappearance of their mother in the River Thames when they were mere infants, twin sisters Clara and Dempsey found themselves raised by separate families, with minimal contact throughout their childhood years. Fast forward to later life, Clara, a renowned author struggling with alcoholism, encounters a woman on the streets of London who strongly resembles her mother on the fateful day she vanished. This encounter reignites Clara’s desire to reconnect with her long-lost sibling and unravel the truth behind their mother’s mysterious disappearance all those years ago.

The Dry Season, Melissa Febos (June 3)

Melissa Febos’ fifth book is an intriguing narrative of her year abstaining from sexual relationships. Around 2016, following a heartbreaking breakup, the author of “Body Work” made an unconventional choice: she chose to abstain from dating and embark on a journey of celibacy. Blending feminist history with personal insights, “The Dry Season” delves into what Febos, a serial monogamist since her teenage years, discovered about sex, love, and art by prioritizing herself for the first time.

Flashlight, Susan Choi (June 3)

Based on Susan Choi’s 2020 short story titled Flashlight, this work offers a compelling depiction of a family grappling with turmoil. When Louisa was ten, she joined her father for a trip to the beach in Japan, only to find herself semi-conscious and deserted on the shore afterwards. Over the years, she has been haunted by the memories of that fateful day, searching for any hints that might lead to her father’s whereabouts as his body was never discovered. The narrative shifts between various perspectives, including Louisa’s mother who is battling a perplexing illness, delving into each family member’s tangled web of emotions linked to the disaster that has left indelible scars on their lives.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V. E. Schwab (June 10)

In a different phrasing: Victor LaValle Schwab’s lesbian vampire romance story unfolds, starting in 16th century Spain where a resilient young bride named Maria seeks freedom from her affluent husband. With the aid of an enigmatic widow, she finds an escape route that demands a sacrifice: her immortal life. Fast forward to the year 2019, a solitary student at Harvard University named Alice awakens from a passionate one-night stand with fangs, an intolerance for daylight, and an unquenchable thirst for blood. In this captivating narrative that explores desire, fury, and desertion, Alice embarks on a quest to locate her elusive hook-up in order to preserve her humanity.

Great Black Hope, Rob Franklin (June 10)

Rob Franklin’s initial work, “Great Black Hope,” is a captivating blend of a mystery-driven coming-of-age tale that tackles themes of race, class, and drug addiction. Following the enigmatic death of his friend, Smith – an intellectually gifted, queer African American alumnus of Stanford University – finds himself in handcuffs for cocaine possession in the Hamptons. Compelled to undergo compulsory drug rehabilitation, Smith initially leverages his impressive education to his advantage. However, he soon recognizes the boundaries of his privilege as he navigates the deeply flawed American criminal justice system. In this journey, Smith seeks not only justice for his deceased friend but also salvation for himself.

King of Ashes, S.A. Cosby (June 10)

Following a potentially fatal car accident involving his father, Roman Carruthers from S.A. Cosby’s novel “King of Ashes“, finds himself once again involved with the family funeral home business. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Roman’s younger brother is indebted to ruthless drug dealers who are determined to retrieve their money by any means necessary. With no other choice but to collaborate with these criminals, Roman refuses to engage in their illicit activities. In this gripping tale of penance, retribution, and redemption, Roman must confront the inner demons that have haunted him for years in order to safeguard his cherished loved ones.

Ordinary Love, Marie Rutkoski (June 10)

Marie Rutkoski’s next book after her 2022 adult debut, titled Real Easy, explores a woman who is prepared to jeopardize everything for a shot at genuine love once more. In the opening pages of Ordinary Love, Emily appears to have an idyllic life: a luxurious townhouse on the Upper East Side, two lovely children, and a prosperous hedge fund husband. However, beneath her polished exterior lie numerous fissures that could potentially shatter her current reality. One of the most pressing issues is the precarious state of her marriage, which has become perilous. When Emily unexpectedly meets up with her former high school girlfriend, now a successful Olympic track athlete, she starts questioning the decisions that led her to this point in time. Primarily, she ponders whether she can change the past in order to seize control of her future.

These Heathens, Mia McKenzie (June 17)

Mia McKenzie’s third novel tells a heartfelt story about a young woman from a disadvantaged background, Doris Steele, who embarks on a journey during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1960s Georgia, inspired by her beloved teacher Mrs. Lucas, Doris travels to Atlanta seeking an abortion. Upon arrival, she stumbles upon a Black utopia teeming with local heroes, civil rights leaders, and queer artists who share her identity. This discovery challenges Doris’ beliefs about her humble upbringing in the rural south, making her question whether it limits her ability to pursue her dreams as a writer. Encouraged by this newfound community, Doris starts defying her strict religious beliefs and conservative family to carve out an extraordinary life for herself.

The Compound, Aisling Rawle (June 24)

20-something Lily, eager for a change from her monotonous life, signs up for the reality TV show titled “The Compound,” similar to “Love Island.” Initially hesitant, she finds joy in the friendships formed with other contestants and is thrilled at the prospect of earning cash prizes. However, as the competition intensifies, it starts resembling the sinister games of “Squid Game” rather than the survival-based challenges of “Survivor.” Faced with tough choices involving potential sacrifices, Lily must consider what she’s prepared to give up—or perhaps let go of—to emerge victorious in this darkly humorous portrayal of when reality TV crosses over into toxic territory.

The Girls Who Grew Big, Leila Mottley (June 24)

Leila Mottley’s upcoming novel after her 2022 hit, “Nightcrawling,” revolves around a band of teen mothers residing in the Florida panhandle. Finding herself sixteen and expecting, Adela Woods is forced out of her Indiana family home and relocated to Padua Beach, Florida, to live with her grandmother. In this new setting, she encounters a sisterhood of fellow young mothers who are jointly rearing their children under the scrutiny of a disapproving neighborhood. Together, they help Adela cope with the solitude of new motherhood and the surrender of her own youthful freedom, offering a heartfelt portrayal of adolescent parenthood.

I Want to Burn This Place Down, Maris Kreizman (July 1)

In her first collection of essays, Maris Kreizman explores the potency of disenchantment. Spanning 10 politically provocative pieces, she pens her thoughts on the erosion of trust in American institutions, the fallacy of the “good” Democrat, navigating a capitalist system while battling Type 1 diabetes, and shifting leftward in her political beliefs as she enters her 40s. Blending personal narratives, cultural critique, and social political analysis, I Want to Burn This Place Down inspires readers to channel their indignation into rebuilding a shattered world.

Vera, or Faith, Gary Shteyngart (July 8)

In Gary Shteyngart’s sixth novel, the story unfolds from the perspective of their sharp and thoughtful 10-year-old daughter, Vera, or Faith, as she grapples with the turmoil within her family, the Bradford-Shmulkins. This precocious girl is concerned about her Russian immigrant father’s impending divorce from her WASP stepmother, and she yearns to locate her Korean birth mother who she believes can help her comprehend her place in this troubled family dynamic. The story unfolds into a witty and poignant tale of an apprehensive young girl embarking on a journey to discover her roots and identity.

Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar, Katie Yee (July 22)

Title of Katie Yee’s first novel, “Maggie; or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar,” might initially sound like the start of a humorous setup, but it delivers a powerful emotional blow instead. The main character, who remains unnamed, finds out that her husband is leaving her for another woman, only to later discover she has cancer. She names the tumor after his mistress, Maggie, and converses with “her” about her ex-husband, even creating a guide on how to handle him. This dialogue helps her reassess her bond with her children and her Chinese American heritage. The book offers a witty exploration of grief, recovery, and reclaiming one’s identity.

The Hounding, Xenobe Purvis (Aug. 5)

In Xenobe Purvis’ captivating debut “The Hounding”, I find myself drawn into the enigmatic lives of five extraordinary sisters who might just as easily be canines in disguise. The story unfolds in a quaint 18th-century English hamlet, where eerie howls echo through the night. As carcasses mysteriously appear around town, a suspicious ferryman swears he’s witnessed the Mansfield girls metamorphosing into wild hounds. Before long, they are blamed for every ill that befalls the village. This chilling narrative delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of fear, desire, and female strength. The suspenseful question that lingers is whether this is an instance of witchcraft—or a misguided pursuit of witches.

Katabasis, R.F. Kuang (Aug. 26)

In 2023, R.F. Kuang’s sequel to her satire titled “Yellowface” delves into a gripping dark academia mystery that draws inspiration from Dante’s “Inferno.” The protagonist, Alice Law, a magician, suspects she may have inadvertently taken the life of her esteemed, yet despised academic advisor. In an attempt to redeem his soul and secure a highly sought-after job endorsement, Alice embarks on a perilous journey through eight sinister realms of the underworld. However, she won’t be venturing into these depths alone; her rival, Peter Murdoch, is also making this descent, albeit with questionable motives. As they navigate the treacherous underworld together, they must learn to set aside their differences and forge a tenuous alliance if they hope to endure the trials that lie ahead.

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2025-05-22 18:17

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