Books We Can't Wait to Read: Spring 2021
One of my favorite posts to write are these book previews - it makes me excited about what’s to come, and honestly, it gives me to the opportunity to pre-treat myself as I frequently preorder several books while writing the round up.
I’m going with the seasonal calendar, and spring here at She’s Full of Lit is March - June — this list will cover books released from April - beginning of July. Hopefully you find something you want to read here; regardless of whatever else is going on in the world, at least 2021 is a good year for the written word.
“The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris (Bookshop | Kindle) - I admit, I was initially drawn in only because I loved the title and the cover of this book (it’s so striking!), but after reading the description, Zakiya Dalila Harris’ debut has been on this list since January. Since reading “The Devil Wears Prada” at a formative age, I have been fascinated with the New York publishing industry, and I can’t wait to see this updated take. - out June 1, Atria Books
“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Bookshop | Kindle) - I hate to sound like a bookish hipster, but I will here - I have been a massive fan of TJR since way before even “Evelyn Hugo” (in fact, my favorite of hers is “Maybe in Another Life” — will that get me kicked off bookstagram?), and she’s one of those authors that gets added to my TBR before I even know what the book is about. Luckily for all of us, her newest looks like it’s going to be amazing: family drama, elaborate parties, a fire, and rock royalty. What more could one want in a summer read? - out June 1, Ballantine Books
“LIbertie” by Kaitlyn Greenidge (Bookshop | Kindle) - Okay, technically, this one shouldn’t have made my list because of it’s review date, but…I couldn’t not have one of my most anticipated books of the year not make a list because of my own arbitrary date rules. Libertie is a young black woman coming of age in Brooklyn, raised by her mother, who is one of the first Black female doctors in the United States. This story, which isn’t too unfamiliar, has been transformed by Greenidge’s immense talent as a writer, and I’m only a chapter in, but I’m excited to say that my hype wasn’t unfounded.- out March 30, Algonquin Books
“People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry (Bookshop | Kindle) - We all read (and enjoyed!) Emily Henry’s debut last summer, and I was pumped to see she had another one coming out this year…just in time to be a beach read. Sorry, I couldn’t help it. This one, about two friends who have (on paper) nothing in common except their annual summer vacation, seems like it’s going to combine some of what we so enjoyed about her last book — great characters, cool settings, thought-provoking writing, and some steamy love scenes — in an entirely new story. -out May 11, Berkley
“While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams (Bookshop | Kindle) - Stacey Abrams. Political Thriller. Supreme Court. Of course this is on this list. - out May 11, Doubleday
“Just Last Night” by Mhairi McFarlane (Bookshop | Kindle) - I think it was Shannon who first turned me on to the wonder of Mhairi’s books, and I’m so glad that she did. They have been a clever and heartwarming escape from the real world, and “Just Last Night” feels like it’s going to be just the same. - Out May 4, William Morrow Paperbacks
“Gone Missing in Harlem” by Karla FC Halloway (Bookshop | Kindle) - Honestly, this book is so ambitious in scope that I’m having a hard time previewing or summarizing, but that’s a huge reason why I want to read it. Touching on the Great Migration, the Spanish Flu, New York City, and somehow…Charles Lindberg?… Karla FC Halloway’s ambitious second novel tells the story of one family at the turn of the twentieth century — and in doing so, will give us all a front seat to something that could only have happened in America. - out April 15, TriQuarterly
“One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston (Bookshop | Kindle) - Y’all know I love a book about royals, and I fell in love with Casey McQuiston’s style of writing after reading her debut novel (thanks Moira for putting it on my radar!) — so her second has been on my list since late last year. I’m not sure how Casey McQuiston is going to tackle a love story where one of the protagonists is literally living in the wrong time, but I can’t wait to go on this (subway) ride with her. - out June 1, St. Martin’s Griffin
“Pride and Premeditation” by Tirzah Price (Bookshop | Kindle) - I have probably read more adaptations of “Pride and Prejudice” than is 100% healthy, but I can’t help revisiting this story I love so much. Combine it with a scandalous murder in London high society where our beloved Miss Bennett is helping to solve the crime? I’m 100% in. - out April 6, Harper Teen
“The Kingdoms” by Natasha Pulley (Bookshop | Kindle) - I am as shocked as anyone that I love books that discuss topics like string theory and physics, but here we are. In “The Kingdoms,” described as a “genre-busting captivating adventure” is the story of a young man who doesn’t know who he is or where he’s from — but most essentially, maybe, when he’s front — and only a few small clues to help him figure it out. - out May 25, Bloomsbury
“The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels” by India Holton (Bookshop | Kindle) - I’ll admit, I was initially intrigued by the title, somehwat hooked when I saw the cover, and enthusiastically adding this to my TBR when I read the short description: A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance. It looks like there’s also a crime sorority (where was that when I went through rush?) and of course, the potential for danger and assassination at every occasion. Can’t wait. - out June 15, Berkley
“Refugee: A Memoir” by Emmanuel Mbolela (Bookshop | Kindle) - While I’m not our resident memoir enthusiast, I do like to read the experiences of those who have had such a different life than I have; even more than the best fiction, it’s the best way I’ve found to expand my own personal boundaries and awareness of life outside my small bubble. Emmanuel Mbobela left his home in DRC in 2002, and spent the better part of a decade finding a new country to call his own. - out April 20, Farrar, Straus and Giroir
“Of Women and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia (Bookshop | Kindle) - If you’re reading this preview, I feel confident you’ve seen “Of Women and Salt” posted all over bookstagram, and maybe it makes me a bit basic, but I also had to include it on my list. I’m fascinated by Cuba and the related diaspora, and I cannot wait to read this one that touches on all that an more. - out March 30, Flatiron Books
“White Magic” by Elissa Washuta (Bookshop | Kindle) - Short story and essay collections aren’t something that I usually seek out, but when I read the description of this anthology, I knew it was going to have to make it onto the list. I have a hard time resisting any book about magic, much less one that weaves everyday life with everyday small mysticism (both ancient and modern). - out April 27, Tin Hat Books
“Whereabouts” by Jhumpa Lahiri (Bookshop | Kindle) - “The Lowland” is one of my favorite novels, and I (like many others) think that Jhumpa Lahiri is a singular talent, and so of course, I can’t resist her first book she’s written in Italian and then translated to English. The description of this new work doesn’t give much away, but I’d read a receipt written by Lahiri. - out April 27, Knopf
“Good Company” by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (Bookshop | Kindle) - Maybe it’s just because of my current life situation, but I love any book description that stresses the love of friends that become family, rather than just romantic love — and to see Sweeney take that on, in the context of a mysterious summer five years ago, sounds just fab for me. Add in New York City and Hollywood as our main settings, and I’m totally in. What did happen to that wedding ring?! - out April 6, Ecco Books
“The Five Wounds” by Kirstin Valdez Quade (Bookshop | Kindle) - One of the first “adult” authors I remember reading that wasn’t on my school reading list is Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and since that day, I have gone out of my way to pick up similar authors who combine lyrical storytelling with just a big of magic. Valdez Quade’s debut is definitely on that list, and #spoileralert - I’ve started it, and it is wonderful so far. - out March 30, W.W. Norton and Company
“Dial A for Aunties” by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Bookshop | Kindle) - Okay, anything described as “Crazy Rich Asians” meets “Weekend at Bernies” is immediately going on my TBR list. In this sure-to-be-hilarious new release, our heroine is out on a blind date that ends in accidental murder (?) and help from some meddling aunts. I cannot wait to see how this one ends. - out April 27, Berkley
“My Broken Language” by Quiara Alegria Hudes (Bookshop | Kindle) - Yes, I’m adding a second memoir to my list; I’m as surprised as anyone — but when I saw Hudes’ story, how could I not? She’s a writer, award-winning playwright, “barrio feminist,” and West Philadelphia born and raised, and here, she tells her story of leaving Philly and her Puerto Rican family behind to find herself and her voice. - out April 6, One World
“The Chosen and the Beautiful” by Nghi Vo (Bookshop | Kindle) - While Gatsby isn’t my favorite 1920s era novel, I do admit that the story is enticing, and I love seeing it revisited by other authors. Here, Nghi Vo transports a queer, Asian protagonist to the jazz age with a bit of magic (who doesn’t want to burn a man’s heart out of his chest?) — I am more than excited about this story that features an Immigrant, Socialite, and Magician, all at once. - out June 1, Tordotcom
“Great Circle” by Maggie Shipstead (Bookshop | Kindle) - It wouldn’t be a list that I wrote if I didn’t include one novel of women in World War II; however, Maggie Shipstead’s newest has an entirely different setting than what I’m used to - the American West. This story of a daredevil female pilot who disappears on the adventure of a lifetime and, a century later, the actress who is playing her on screen, is one of the most ambitious I’ve put on this list. However, if it’s done correctly, it’s bound to be a masterpiece. - out May 4, Knopf
“To Love and to Loathe” by Martha Waters (Bookshop | Kindle) - Okay, somehow, my copy of this arrived from Bookshop last week, so I didn’t realize it wasn’t actually released until April 6. So, I have actually read this one — full review to come! — and it is adorable. I loved Martha Waters’ first, but I may have enjoyed her second foray at regency romance even more! It feels more mature, and it’s definitely steamier, but it’s still fun and well-written. I hope we get to revisit her world again soon - I need to know what happens to this group of characters next. 10/10, would banter again. - out April 6, Atria Books
“The Forest of Stolen Girls” by June Hur (Bookshop | Kindle) - I insist over and over again that I don’t like to scare myself on purpose, but somehow, that doesn’t stop me from adding psychological thrillers to by TBR. It does stop me from turning out the lights when I go to sleep, though. June Hur’s newest, about an island off the coast of Korea that is host to fourteen strange disappearances over the course of a few decades — is one that I am sure will scare me in the best way possible. - out April 20, Feiwel & Friends
“The Bomber Mafia” by Malcolm Gladwell (Bookshop | Kindle) - I’ve spoken on here before about how I love a good microhistory, and I’ve read my fair share of them concerning World War II (yes, I am very cool, how did you know?), so I’m excited to add this one about the “longest night” of World War II to my list. Gladwell turns his eye to the bombing of Tokyo and considers whether or not this scorched earth campaign was actually “worth it.” - Out April 20, Little, Brown, and Company
Very very close to making the list:
“Caul Baby” by Morgan Jerkins (Bookshop | Kindle) | “We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This” by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Bookshop | Kindle) | “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides (Bookshop | Kindle) | “Life’s Too Short” by Abby Jimenez (Bookshop | Kindle) | “Hot Stew” by Fiona Mozzley (Bookshop | Kindle) | “What’s Not to Love” by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (Bookshop | Kindle) | “Where Secrets Lie” by Eva V. Gibson (Bookshop | Kindle) | “Tokyo Ever After” by Emiko Jean (Bookshop | Kindle) | “The Ivies” by Alexa Donne (Bookshop | Kindle) | “Second First Impressions” by Sally Thorne (Bookshop | Kindle) | “To Sir With Love” by Lauren Layne (Bookshop | Kindle) | “The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren (Bookshop | Kindle) | “The Last Night in London” by Karen White (Bookshop | Kindle)
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