For many, summer is a chance to finally take a break and unwind from a busy year of school and work. Reading is a great way to de-stress and learn new things, and there is no shortage of exciting new books hitting the shelves this summer. Check out these new and upcoming books, from romance to horror, there’s something for every reader to enjoy.
Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison
This historical romance set in the 1940’s follows a woman named Hazel who, after the end of WWII, loses her job building planes for the war and finds herself adrift and purposeless. She decides to move to Laguna Beach where she becomes heavily involved in the local art scene, finding love and becoming involved in a scandal while she’s there. Critics have called this the quintessential beach read for 2023, with its coastal scenery and breezy romance, this is not a novel you want to miss this summer. The release date for “Hotel Laguna” is set for June 20.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
Published on June 6, this long anticipated memoir by one of the most prominent actors of today is a must read for the summer. Page shares his experiences as one of the most famous trans people in the world, diving into his experiences navigating love, fame and identity, as well as the challenges of being queer in the film industry. The memoir promises laughter and tears and is sure to be a memorable read.
Prom Mom by Laura Lippman
For lovers of mystery and crime fiction, “Prom Mom” is a thrilling novel that will keep you hooked until the end. The story follows a teen mother who gives birth at prom and then is accused of the murder of her child, and now 20 years later is reunited with her ex-lover who abandoned her that night. She is roped into an elaborate crime scheme to save him from ruin, but sinister secrets from the past threaten to bring it all crumbling down. Based on a true story, this novel is set to hit the shelves on July 25.
Money, Power, Respect by Macaela Mackenzie
For anyone interested in reading some non-fiction this summer, “Money, Power, Respect: How Women in Sports are shaping the future of feminism” is sure to be eye-opening and interesting. This is the debut novel from journalist Macaela Mackenzie who is known for covering women’s equality, and the book investigates the role that female athletes play in the fight for women’s rights in today’s society. The book features years of research and interviews with prominent female athletes and will be released on June 27.
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
Bridgerton meets CSI in this new period drama set in the 19th century, the novel explores the ins and outs of high society in England, but with a murderous twist. Perfect for lovers of romance, mystery, and historical fiction, this book has it all, plus a witty heroine that readers will be enamored with. Look out for this fun novel at your local bookstore or library starting on June 27.
The Sweetest Revenge by Lizzy Dent
In this gut-busting rom-com, a woman’s career is derailed after a disastrous attempt to get revenge on an ex-boyfriend, and her life proceeds to spiral dramatically. But sometimes failure can lead to new opportunities, and she soon meets a similarly down-on-his-luck neighbor who starts to turn into something more as they both work to put their lives back together. Described as both hilarious and heartbreaking, this novel, which hits shelves on July 25, is sure to be the breezy rom-com that keeps you laughing all summer.
This Bird has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
Former Bangles member and pop artist Susanna Hoffs has stepped into the literary world with her first novel “This Bird has Flown”. A personal favorite of mine, this novel follows a burnt-out pop star who is struggling to make a name for herself on her own after a one hit wonder. Along the way, she falls in and out of love and gives readers some fascinating insight into the world of the music industry. Published in April of this year, this novel is hilarious, insightful and full of swoon-worthy romance, making it a must-read for the summer.
From From by Monica Youn
This poignant poetry collection came out earlier this year and centers around the challenges and complications of Asian American identity in a society that often is biased against Asian Americans. The poems explore everything from history to geography to language, and critics have described this as Youn’s most ambitious collection yet.
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]