41 New Books We Can’t Wait to Read this Summer

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Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst

<i>Homebodies</i> by Tembe Denton-Hurst” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680615862-homebodies-642c298b302fa.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1838″ height=”2775″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Homebodies</i> by Tembe Denton-Hurst</h2> </p> <p>Now 10% Off</p> <p>Credit: Harper</p> <p>First up, we have <em>New York Magazine</em> writer Tembe Denton-Hurst’s debut novel <em>Homebodies</em>. The protagonist, a young Black writer named Mickey, returns to her hometown after being fired from her New York City media job. Things begin to take an interesting turn when she publicly calls out the racism that she experienced at her former workplace. <em>—Juliana Ukiomogbe</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 2.</em></p> <p><h2><i>Hula</i> by Jasmin Iolani Hakes</h2> </p> <p><img alt=Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680615957-hula-91-642c29f21b699.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1838″ height=”2775″ />

Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

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Credit: HarperVia

Set in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Jasmin Iolani Hakes’ debut is a proud, vibrant coming-of-age tale, in which a young woman competes to win the Miss Aloha Hula competition. But as she whittles this generations-old craft, so she gets a sharper, unflinching view into her own family history and the tensions eating at her island community. —Lauren Puckett-Pope

Out on May 2.

You Are Here by Karin Lin-Greenberg

<i>You Are Here</i> by Karin Lin-Greenberg ” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680616250-642c2b275124b.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1400″ height=”2114″ /></p> <p><h2><i>You Are Here</i> by Karin Lin-Greenberg </h2> </p> <p>Now 10% Off</p> <p>Credit: Counterpoint</p> <p>Look at this gorgeous cover. If that doesn’t immediately entice you, perhaps the premise might: In a small town, a popular shopping mall—once home to bustling businesses—is scheduled to be shut down. <em>You Are Here </em>brings together a diverse group of friends and strangers as they reckon with their ever-changing environment.<em> —JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 2.</em></p> <p>Advertisement – Continue Reading Below</p> <p><h2><i>August Blue</i> by Deborah Levy</h2> </p> <p><img alt=August Blue by Deborah Levy” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1679667665-41Fb4PqSm5L._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”326″ height=”500″ />

August Blue by Deborah Levy

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A new Deborah Levy novel is cause for celebration. August Blue takes place in picturesque Athens, Greece, and follows a pianist named Elsa as she travels around Europe in search of herself. —

JU

Out on May 4.

Oh My Mother! by Connie Wang

<i>Oh My Mother!</i> by Connie Wang” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680616153-642c2aca56ceb.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1688″ height=”2550″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Oh My Mother!</i> by Connie Wang</h2> </p> <p>Now 15% Off</p> <p>Credit: Viking</p> <p>In Chinese, the expression <em>oh my god</em> is translated to <em>wo de ma ya, </em>which literally means, <em>oh my mother. </em><em></em>In this part-memoir, part-essay collection, the journalistConnie Wang immortalizes the life of her mother as she reminisces on their favorite moments together. Think: taking edibles in Amsterdam and seeing a Magic Mike strip show in Las Vegas. <em>—</em><em>JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 9.</em></p> <p><h2><i>A Life of One’s Own</i> by Joanna Biggs</h2> </p> <p><img alt=A Life of One’s Own by Joanna Biggs” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1679667743-41AZ3a-M34L._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”331″ height=”500″ />

A Life of One’s Own by Joanna Biggs

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In A Life of One’s Own, author Joanna Biggs, a recent divorcée, clings to the lives of her favorite writers as she navigates her newly single life. Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Elena Ferrante are just a few of the women that she turns to for solace and inspiration. —JU

Out on May 11.

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Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

<i>Quietly Hostile</i> by Samantha Irby” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617406-9780593315699-1-25-642c2fa12ef0e.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1556″ height=”2400″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Quietly Hostile</i> by Samantha Irby</h2> </p> <p>Now 10% Off</p> <p>Credit: Vintage</p> <p>The bestselling author of <em>We Are Never Meeting in Real Life</em> and <em>Wow, No Thank You.</em> is back with her new essay collection, <em>Quietly Hostile</em>. Jia Tolentino said that it’s a “stay-up-all-night, miss-your-subway-stop, spit-out-your-beverage out” type of funny. Consider that sentiment co-signed. <em>—</em><em>JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 16.</em></p> <p><h2><i>The Three of Us</i> by Ore Agbaje-Williams </h2> </p> <p><img alt=The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams ” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680616718-642c2cdc30572.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”3188″ height=”4725″ />

The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams

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Credit: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

What’s more dramatic than the weird tension—cough, hatred—between a husband, his wife, and her best friend? Told over the course of one day, The Three of Us is split into three parts—signifying each main character—and investigates the inherent drama of their domestic life. —JU

Out on May 16.

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

<i>Dances</i> by Nicole Cuffy” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617346-642c2f6f99797.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1838″ height=”2775″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Dances</i> by Nicole Cuffy</h2> </p> <p>Credit: One World</p> <p>In her debut novel, Nicole Cuffy follows a 22-year-old ballerina named Cece. When she’s promoted to principal at the New York City Ballet, she becomes the first Black ballerina in the company’s history. As her new celebrity status sends her into a frenzy of imposter syndrome, she also attempts to reclaim the parts of herself that she’s desperately tried to leave behind. <em>—</em><em>JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 16.</em></p> <p>Advertisement – Continue Reading Below</p> <p><h2><i>Yellowface</i> by R.F. Kuang</h2> </p> <p><img alt=Yellowface by R.F. Kuang” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617822-yellowface-hc-99-642c313ca4bb8.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1848″ height=”2784″ />

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Now 26% Off

Credit: William Morrow

Known for her brilliant, artfully constructed works of fantasy including Babel and The Poppy War, R.F. Kuang is turning her attentions closer to home in this summer novel. Yellowface follows authors June Hayward and Athena Liu. One is white, the other is Asian; one’s drowning in obscurity, and the other’s writing hits. When Athena dies unexpectedly, June snaps up her peer’s manuscript to pass off as her own, even adopting an ethnically (and, uh, ethically) ambiguous pen name. Drama ensues. —LPP

Out on May 16.

A Renaissance of Our Own by Rachel E. Cargle

<i>A Renaissance of Our Own</i> by Rachel E. Cargle” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617549-642c3035129fa.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1650″ height=”2475″ /></p> <p><h2><i>A Renaissance of Our Own</i> by Rachel E. Cargle</h2> </p> <p>Now 16% Off</p> <p>Credit: Ballantine Books</p> <p>In her memoir and manifesto, Rachel E. Cargle charts her transformation from a small-town Christian wife to a well-known queer feminist activist. If you’re unfamiliar with her work, her Instagram account—followed by 1.6M and counting—is a good place to start while you wait for the May release. <em>—JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 16.</em></p> <p><h2><i>The Late Americans</i> by Brandon Taylor</h2> </p> <p><img alt=The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617645-9780593332337-1-642c307a8e96d.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1686″ height=”2550″ />

The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor

Now 15% Off

Credit: Riverhead Books

A story about lovers and friends will always be on our TBR list. In Iowa City, a group of loosely connected artists and blue-collar workers—including Seamus, Ivan, Fatima, and Noah—weave through one another’s familiar haunts. The core foursome eventually embark on a cabin trip to officially say goodbye to their former lives as they now try to find themselves in a new world. If you love novels about chosen families, you’ll really enjoy this one. —JU

Out on May 23.

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The Art of Ruth E. Carter by Ruth E. Carter

<i>The Art of Ruth E. Carter</i> by Ruth E. Carter” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1679668025-51BhKf33FdL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”367″ height=”500″ /></p> <p><h2><i>The Art of Ruth E. Carter</i> by Ruth E. Carter</h2> </p> <p>Now 10% Off</p> <p>As the only Black woman who’s won two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter certainly has a story to tell. In this new deluxe art book, the award-winning costume designer shares her sketches, mood boards, and various memories of dressing some of the most iconic actors of all time, including Chadwick Boseman, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, and Eddie Murphy. <em>—JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 23.</em></p> <p><h2><i>Sing Her Down</i> by Ivy Pochoda</h2> </p> <p><img alt=Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617737-642c30ec24d8b.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”900″ height=”1350″ />

Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda

Now 10% Off

Credit: MCD

A haunting noir thriller stretching from Arizona up to the California coast, Sing Her Down follows prison cellmates Florida and Dios, and the dark truths Dios hopes to draw from her new friend. When both women are released, Dios chases Florida to Los Angeles in this hot, propulsive new book from the author of These Women. —LPP

Out on May 23.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

<i>Bad Summer People</i> by Emma Rosenblum” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683150611-81VbjW2ZrbL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”1684″ height=”2560″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Bad Summer People</i> by Emma Rosenblum</h2> </p> <p>Now 31% Off</p> <p>Two couples and their mutual friend plan to spend a relaxing summer on Fire Island, until a body is discovered face down on the boardwalk. Come for the twisted murder mystery and stay for the guaranteed drama amongst the group. <em>—JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on May 23.</em></p> <p>Advertisement – Continue Reading Below</p> <p><h2><i>Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea</i> by Rita Chang-Eppig</h2> </p> <p><img alt=Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680617932-642c31a410f01.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”568″ height=”863″ />

Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig

Now 10% Off

Credit: Bloomsbury Publishing

An refreshingly vivid adventure tale, perfect for long days by the ocean’s edge, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea follows Chinese pirate queen Shek Yeung as she builds her empire on the water following the death of her husband. As her new family—and her own name—become increasingly notorious on land and sea, Shek Yeung must carefully weigh her roles as leader, mother, and legend. —LPP

Out on May 30.

Pageboy by Elliot Page

<i>Pageboy</i> by Elliot Page” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680618012-642c320640463.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”900″ height=”1391″ /></p> <p><h2><i>Pageboy</i> by Elliot Page</h2> </p> <p>Now 15% Off</p> <p>Credit: Flatiron Books</p> <p>Celebrity memoirs are inescapable these days, but this is one likely to live up to the hype. In <em>Pageboy</em>, Elliot Page finally shares his truth as he interrogates Hollywood, love, and queerness. <em>—JU</em></p> <p><em>Out on June 6.</em></p> <p><h2><i>All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive</i> by Rainesford Stauffer</h2> </p> <p><img alt=All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive by Rainesford Stauffer” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680618149-9780306830358-1-1-642c3277cbc06.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”447″ height=”675″ />

All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive by Rainesford Stauffer

Credit: Hachette Go

A clever, informative, even—dare I say—life-altering twist amongst the ever-growing pile of self-help books, All the Gold Stars is journalist Rainesford Stauffer’s guide (and plea) to help us come to terms with reality: Work will not love us back. Ambition is a, not the, motivator. And “success” will never be enough. Perhaps we know these things intuitively, but Stauffer’s well-articulated anecdotes and arguments pave the path for real, lasting recognition of their truth. —LPP

Out on June 6.

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The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

<i>The Whispers</i> by Ashley Audrain” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680618289-642c33088cfdd.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”3675″ height=”5550″ /></p> <p><h2><i>The Whispers</i> by Ashley Audrain</h2> </p> <p>Now 10% Off</p> <p>Credit: Pamela Dorman Books</p> <p>The author of <em>The Push </em>returns this summer with <em>The Whispers</em>, a twisted family tale that begins on one fateful late-summer evening. At a catered barbecue of polished suburbanites, a woman screams at her disobedient child; soon after, that child takes a supposedly accidental tumble through a window. What exactly happened that night, and who is really at fault? <em>—LPP</em></p> <p><em>Out on June 6.</em></p> <p><h2><i>Open Throat</i> by Henry Hoke</h2> </p> <p><img alt=Open Throat by Henry Hoke” src=”https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1680618410-642c3397275ac.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*” width=”900″ height=”1318″ />

Open Throat by Henry Hoke

Credit: MCD

The premise alone makes Henry Hoke’s startling achievement worth the purchase: A queer mountain lion makes their home in the Hollywood hills, where they protect a nearby homeless encampment until a wildfire pushes them into the streets of Los Angeles. Philosophical and heartfelt, Open Throat is the ultimate immersion into the mind of an unlikely protagonist. —LPP

Out on June 6.

Headshot of Juliana Ukiomogbe

Juliana Ukiomogbe is the Assistant Editor at ELLE. Her work has previously appeared in Interview, i-D, Teen Vogue, Nylon, and more.  

Headshot of Lauren Puckett-Pope

Culture Writer

Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. 

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