Your summer book preview. Three book covers are pictured: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus.
All book cover images courtesy of their publishers / All book cover images courtesy of their publishers.
Your summer book preview. Three book covers are pictured: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus.
All book cover images courtesy of their publishers / All book cover images courtesy of their publishers.

Get ready to add a LOT of new titles to your TBR list this summer! Three of the best readers around came on to talk about the books they’re extra excited about: Liberty Hardy, senior contributing editor and podcast host at BookRiot, Lupita Aquino, who is on Instagram and Substack as Lupita Reads, and Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks. We’re branching out beyond the “beach read” in the best possible way!

The People Who Report More Stress by Alejandro Varela. Men in suits jump from cliffs to try to get onto another cliff edge, as if they're in a video game.
Penguin Random House

The People Who Report More Stress by Alejandro Varela (April 4)

Lupita calls this the “THE BEST” short story collection that she has ever read. Alejandro Varela, who has a background in public health, weaves together stories about people who live on the margins and experience the stress from microaggressions and homophobia. “It’s hilarious and also so smart and so good,” Lupita says.

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. An illustration of an axe chips away at the letters of the title of the book. Colorful flames emerge from it.
Penguin Random House

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (May 2)

This novel is Liberty’s favorite of 2023! In an alternate version of a near-future America, the US prison system has become totally privatized and includes a for-profit gladiator-style TV show where the incarcerated fight to the death. The story follows two of the fighters, Loretta and Hurricane, who are also in love. “It is brilliant, it is brutal,” Liberty says, “this book is going to win so many awards!”

Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus. The title of the book is written in mustard.
Macmillan

Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus (May 23)

Traci declares this book “the summeriest summer s*** ever!” Jamie Loftus, host of the acclaimed podcasts My Year in Mensa and Aack Cast, among others, takes readers on a raucous road trip tasting hot dogs across America. It’s part culinary history, part capitalist critique that will make you laugh out loud. Get ready to never look at a hot dog in the same way again!

My Murder by Katie Williams. The cover of the book shows a woman's head peaking out from behind abstract lines.
Penguin Random House

My Murder by Katie Williams (June 6)

My Murder is a near-future thriller where a woman must solve her own murder. In this world, people’s consciences can be uploaded into a new body after death. As one of the newly-revived victims of a serial killer, the protagonist must adapt to her life all over again while confronting the trauma of her death. “It’s a really great examination of our fascination of the murder of women in true crime,” Liberty says.

When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey. The cover shows a Black man leaning on a playground.
Penguin Random House

When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey (June 11)

This is the book that Traci is most excited about reading this summer. It’s a gripping, accessible account of the far-reaching ramifications of the crack epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. “It’s giving you journalism. It’s giving you narrative non-fiction,” Traci says. This well-researched book gives voice to the survivors of the epidemic and shines a light on an often overlooked part of American history.

Loot by Tania James. The cover has an ornate background that looks like wallpaper. A tiger leaps across it.
Penguin Random House

Loot by Tania James (June 13)

Loot is a historical novel based in India during British colonization in the 18th century. Greta says she was “compelled from page one.” There’s a love story, a hero’s quest and a heist, all wrapped into one riveting tale.

Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva. The book cover shows the US-Mexico border stitched together in red thread.
Penguin Random House

Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva (June 20)

In this memoir, Alejandra Oliva, a translator on the US-Mexico border, recounts her experience preparing migrants for their credible fear interviews. Lupita called this a “page-turning” look at the injustices embedded in the American immigration system.

American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress by Wesley Lowery. The book cover shows the title in dramatic font.
HarperCollins

American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress by Wesley Lowery (June 27)

From Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery, American Whitelash explores the rise of white supremacy after President Barack Obama’s historic win in 2008. Through his on-the-ground-reporting, Lowery uncovers the violence that occurs in response to each milestone of racial progress in the US.

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei. The book cover shows a mysterious, galactical streak of color across it and the legs of a bird.
Macmillan

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei (July 18)

Liberty categorizes this sci-fi thriller as a part of the “our planet really sucks, we need a new one” subgenre. It takes place on a spaceship on a mission to find a new planet. After a lethal explosion, the surviving crew members must seek out the mysterious bomber, making everyone on board a suspect.

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec. The book cover shows two women in Middle Ages garb.
Titan Books

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec (July 25)

After reading Genevieve Gornichec’s novel The Witch’s Heart, Greta cannot wait to dig into this one. Two women, one of whom wants a quiet life while the other wishes for power, are bound to each other emotionally and magically. It’s a fantasy novel about magic, history and sisterhood.

Still Born: A Novel by Guadalupe Nettle. The book cover has warm pink tones. The images of birds overlap one another.
Bloombsury

Still Born by Guadalupe Nettel (August 8)

Still Born follows the close relationship between two women: one who has chosen to have a child and one who has sworn off parenting. It’s about motherhood and the power of community. The novel is already out in Spanish, and Lupita can’t wait to compare it to the English translation. It’s also on the shortlist for the 2023 International Booker Prize!

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. The book cover is abstract. Images of a river, forest scene peak through a ribbon shape.
Penguin Random House

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (September 5)

Greta, Liberty, and Lupita absolutely loved this novel from Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek. A dad disappears and the only witness was his son who has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means he cannot speak. It’s a riveting, page-turner about the investigation that will be sure to spark conversation around ableism and disability justice.

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. The book cover shows a dilapidated tree.
Penguin Random House

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff (September 12)

Liberty declares that this novel is Lauren Groff’s best! Lauren is also the celebrated author of the novels Matrix and Fates and Furies, among others. It follows an unnamed girl as she runs through the woods after fleeing from a colonial settlement in Virginia. “The hardships and horrors are matched by the beauty of her surroundings and the girl’s thoughts on faith and love and the world,” Liberty says. It’s engrossing in the best possible way.

Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias. The book cover is adorned with tropical plants.
Macmillan

Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias (September 19)

A family has a deadly secret. A mother and daughter must pick up the pieces on a banana plantation in Costa Rica. Do we need to say more to hook you? Lupita is especially excited to add this debut from Costa Rican, queer author John Manuel Arias into the Latine literary canon.

24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of the Stand Against White Supremacy by Nora Neus. The book cover includes the title in dramatic lettering.
Penguin Random House

24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of the Stand Against White Supremacy by Nora Neus (July 18)

Emmy-nominated CNN journalist and former Charlottesville resident Nora Neus recounts the day that armed, neo-Nazi demonstrators took to downtown Charlottesville in 2017. Through the voices of counter-protesters and community leaders, Neus gives a gripping narrative of what happened, including new details from activists and government officials.

Your summer book preview. Three book covers are pictured: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus.
All book cover images courtesy of their publishers / All book cover images courtesy of their publishers.
Your summer book preview. Three book covers are pictured: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus.
All book cover images courtesy of their publishers / All book cover images courtesy of their publishers.

Get ready to add a LOT of new titles to your TBR list this summer! Three of the best readers around came on to talk about the books they’re extra excited about: Liberty Hardy, senior contributing editor and podcast host at BookRiot, Lupita Aquino, who is on Instagram and Substack as Lupita Reads, and Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks. We’re branching out beyond the “beach read” in the best possible way!

The People Who Report More Stress by Alejandro Varela. Men in suits jump from cliffs to try to get onto another cliff edge, as if they're in a video game.
Penguin Random House

The People Who Report More Stress by Alejandro Varela (April 4)

Lupita calls this the “THE BEST” short story collection that she has ever read. Alejandro Varela, who has a background in public health, weaves together stories about people who live on the margins and experience the stress from microaggressions and homophobia. “It’s hilarious and also so smart and so good,” Lupita says.

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. An illustration of an axe chips away at the letters of the title of the book. Colorful flames emerge from it.
Penguin Random House

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (May 2)

This novel is Liberty’s favorite of 2023! In an alternate version of a near-future America, the US prison system has become totally privatized and includes a for-profit gladiator-style TV show where the incarcerated fight to the death. The story follows two of the fighters, Loretta and Hurricane, who are also in love. “It is brilliant, it is brutal,” Liberty says, “this book is going to win so many awards!”

Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus. The title of the book is written in mustard.
Macmillan

Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus (May 23)

Traci declares this book “the summeriest summer s*** ever!” Jamie Loftus, host of the acclaimed podcasts My Year in Mensa and Aack Cast, among others, takes readers on a raucous road trip tasting hot dogs across America. It’s part culinary history, part capitalist critique that will make you laugh out loud. Get ready to never look at a hot dog in the same way again!

My Murder by Katie Williams. The cover of the book shows a woman's head peaking out from behind abstract lines.
Penguin Random House

My Murder by Katie Williams (June 6)

My Murder is a near-future thriller where a woman must solve her own murder. In this world, people’s consciences can be uploaded into a new body after death. As one of the newly-revived victims of a serial killer, the protagonist must adapt to her life all over again while confronting the trauma of her death. “It’s a really great examination of our fascination of the murder of women in true crime,” Liberty says.

When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey. The cover shows a Black man leaning on a playground.
Penguin Random House

When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey (June 11)

This is the book that Traci is most excited about reading this summer. It’s a gripping, accessible account of the far-reaching ramifications of the crack epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. “It’s giving you journalism. It’s giving you narrative non-fiction,” Traci says. This well-researched book gives voice to the survivors of the epidemic and shines a light on an often overlooked part of American history.

Loot by Tania James. The cover has an ornate background that looks like wallpaper. A tiger leaps across it.
Penguin Random House

Loot by Tania James (June 13)

Loot is a historical novel based in India during British colonization in the 18th century. Greta says she was “compelled from page one.” There’s a love story, a hero’s quest and a heist, all wrapped into one riveting tale.

Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva. The book cover shows the US-Mexico border stitched together in red thread.
Penguin Random House

Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva (June 20)

In this memoir, Alejandra Oliva, a translator on the US-Mexico border, recounts her experience preparing migrants for their credible fear interviews. Lupita called this a “page-turning” look at the injustices embedded in the American immigration system.

American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress by Wesley Lowery. The book cover shows the title in dramatic font.
HarperCollins

American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress by Wesley Lowery (June 27)

From Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery, American Whitelash explores the rise of white supremacy after President Barack Obama’s historic win in 2008. Through his on-the-ground-reporting, Lowery uncovers the violence that occurs in response to each milestone of racial progress in the US.

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei. The book cover shows a mysterious, galactical streak of color across it and the legs of a bird.
Macmillan

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei (July 18)

Liberty categorizes this sci-fi thriller as a part of the “our planet really sucks, we need a new one” subgenre. It takes place on a spaceship on a mission to find a new planet. After a lethal explosion, the surviving crew members must seek out the mysterious bomber, making everyone on board a suspect.

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec. The book cover shows two women in Middle Ages garb.
Titan Books

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec (July 25)

After reading Genevieve Gornichec’s novel The Witch’s Heart, Greta cannot wait to dig into this one. Two women, one of whom wants a quiet life while the other wishes for power, are bound to each other emotionally and magically. It’s a fantasy novel about magic, history and sisterhood.

Still Born: A Novel by Guadalupe Nettle. The book cover has warm pink tones. The images of birds overlap one another.
Bloombsury

Still Born by Guadalupe Nettel (August 8)

Still Born follows the close relationship between two women: one who has chosen to have a child and one who has sworn off parenting. It’s about motherhood and the power of community. The novel is already out in Spanish, and Lupita can’t wait to compare it to the English translation. It’s also on the shortlist for the 2023 International Booker Prize!

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. The book cover is abstract. Images of a river, forest scene peak through a ribbon shape.
Penguin Random House

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (September 5)

Greta, Liberty, and Lupita absolutely loved this novel from Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek. A dad disappears and the only witness was his son who has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means he cannot speak. It’s a riveting, page-turner about the investigation that will be sure to spark conversation around ableism and disability justice.

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. The book cover shows a dilapidated tree.
Penguin Random House

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff (September 12)

Liberty declares that this novel is Lauren Groff’s best! Lauren is also the celebrated author of the novels Matrix and Fates and Furies, among others. It follows an unnamed girl as she runs through the woods after fleeing from a colonial settlement in Virginia. “The hardships and horrors are matched by the beauty of her surroundings and the girl’s thoughts on faith and love and the world,” Liberty says. It’s engrossing in the best possible way.

Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias. The book cover is adorned with tropical plants.
Macmillan

Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias (September 19)

A family has a deadly secret. A mother and daughter must pick up the pieces on a banana plantation in Costa Rica. Do we need to say more to hook you? Lupita is especially excited to add this debut from Costa Rican, queer author John Manuel Arias into the Latine literary canon.

24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of the Stand Against White Supremacy by Nora Neus. The book cover includes the title in dramatic lettering.
Penguin Random House

24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of the Stand Against White Supremacy by Nora Neus (July 18)

Emmy-nominated CNN journalist and former Charlottesville resident Nora Neus recounts the day that armed, neo-Nazi demonstrators took to downtown Charlottesville in 2017. Through the voices of counter-protesters and community leaders, Neus gives a gripping narrative of what happened, including new details from activists and government officials.