Here Are the 10 New Books You Should Read in February

As winter’s cold sets in, many of us crave a good book and a cozy spot to read—whether it’s by a fireplace or under a warm blanket. February is the perfect time to escape the icy weather and immerse ourselves in new stories. This month’s most anticipated books offer something for everyone, spanning genres like stories about people displaced from their homelands, imaginative adventures, deeply moving life stories, and even interpretations of classic literature by a Nobel Prize winner.

Here, the 10 new books you should read in February.

The End of Romance, Lily Meyer (Feb. 3)

I was completely captivated by Sylvie Broder, the central character in Lily Meyer’s novel. She’s running from a really difficult past – an abusive marriage and a family history marked by the Holocaust – and she tries to find freedom through casual relationships, things that don’t ask much of her. While studying at UVA, she allows herself to explore, enjoying connections with different men. But things get complicated when she unexpectedly falls for two people at once: the incredibly kind Robbie, and the magnetic Abie. Meyer creates such a vivid world – a passionate academic setting mixed with the energy of political unrest – all as Sylvie searches for a way to truly accept herself.

Language as Liberation, Toni Morrison (Feb. 3)

Toni Morrison, the celebrated Nobel Prize-winning author and insightful critic, is presented here as a scholar. This collection features lectures she gave at Princeton University, complete with her handwritten notes, offering a fascinating glimpse into her brilliant thought process. Morrison explores how American literature has been profoundly influenced by cultures and people from around the world – a diverse mix of ideas and styles that mirrors the energy and complexity of the nation itself. She examines the works of authors like Herman Melville, William Faulkner, and Gertrude Stein, focusing on the significant impact of African American characters, language, and storytelling within the established literary tradition.

Good People, Patmeena Sabit (Feb. 3)

Patmeena Sabit’s first novel follows the Sharaf family as they flee war-torn Afghanistan and build a seemingly perfect life in the wealthy suburbs of northern Virginia – good jobs, a beautiful home, and excellent schools. Their eldest daughter, Zorah, becomes a shining example within their Afghan-American community. However, a sudden tragedy threatens everything they’ve worked for. Instead of a straightforward story, Sabit weaves together different viewpoints and writing styles – like a detective story and an immigrant’s tale – to capture the instability of modern life and expose hidden contradictions in how people behave.

The Renovation, Kenan Orhan (Feb. 10)

Dilara, who immigrated from Istanbul to Italy, is overwhelmed with caring for her aging father and sensitive husband, all while managing a bathroom renovation – a chaotic process filled with the noise of tools. When the work is done, the finished bathroom feels more like a stark jail cell, reminding her of a prison back home in Istanbul. Though her family and apartment seem normal for a moment, a sense of unease quickly returns. Author Kenan Orhan crafts a haunting and symbolic story that connects experiences across Eastern and Western cultures.

Rebel English Academy, Mohammed Hanif (Feb. 17)

In 1979 Pakistan, following the execution of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the country was in turmoil under military rule and political uncertainty. Rumors spread that Bhutto was still alive and would restore order, and this belief gripped the town of OK. At an English-language school, the headmaster is hiding a woman pursued by Captain Gul, a government official trying to suppress dissent. However, Gul’s own ambitions complicate his mission. Mohammed Hanif’s novel is a beautifully crafted fable that explores the lasting effects of colonialism and feels remarkably relevant today.

American Struggle, Jon Meacham (Feb. 17)

With the nation nearing its 250th anniversary, historian Jon Meacham has assembled a collection of writings that explore the American story. It includes voices from a wide range of people, such as the poet Phillis Wheatley, who was enslaved and later freed; Abraham Lincoln, who preserved the Union; and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress. Meacham also doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts of U.S. history, showcasing troubling words from figures like Charles Lindbergh and George Wallace, as well as some present-day politicians. He believes that as citizens, we have a responsibility to understand and deal with the anxieties and challenges that shape our country.

A Hymn to Life, Gisèle Pelicot (Feb. 17)

In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic spread rapidly, Gisèle Pelicot faced a devastating discovery: her husband of fifty years, Dominique, had arranged for multiple men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. In her memoir, translated by Natasha Lehrer and Ruth Diver, Pelicot describes her shock when viewing police photos and her simple desire to return to her quiet life in the South of France – a “little yellow house with blue shutters” – and her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Four years later, she chose to reveal her identity in court to support other survivors of sexual violence. Her story is a journey from deep betrayal and heartbreak to becoming a powerful advocate for significant legal reforms.

The Astral Library, Kate Quinn (Feb. 17)

Alix Watson, a young woman who grew up in foster care and is skilled at making do with very little, works part-time at the Boston Public Library. When she finds a hidden portal within the library’s stacks, she discovers a network of worlds accessible through its books. Guided by the mysterious Astral Librarian, Alix travels to iconic literary settings like Sherlock Holmes’ London and the world of Huckleberry Finn. But her adventures aren’t without danger. This new novel from the author of The Alice Network is a captivating celebration of the magic found within books.

Unread, Oliver James (Feb. 24)

Literacy levels in the US have risen and fallen over time, often tied to access to good schooling. Surprisingly, millions of American high school graduates currently struggle to understand basic sentences. Oliver James, a fitness trainer, hid his illiteracy until 2021, when he revealed it in a TikTok video saying, “I can’t read.” The video quickly became popular, and James began sharing his experience of learning to read. In his book, Unread, he details his journey of self-discovery through 21 books that helped him understand reading, including classics like E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.

Kin, Tayari Jones (Feb. 24)

Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage, delivers a compelling and nuanced story centered on the deep connection between Vernice and Annie, two Black women who grew up without mothers. Raised in rural Louisiana, they each embark on different paths – one seeks the mother who abandoned her, while the other attends Spelman College. Through their journeys, both women discover that despite changes in the South, racial and class inequalities persist. Jones beautifully portrays their search for love and acceptance, and the secrets that shape their lifelong friendship.

2026-02-02 20:06