SHELF-CARE
FIND A LITTLE RESPITE IN THIS SEASON’S MOST EXCITING NEW READS
The latest must-read books to hibernate with.
HOW DO WE KNOW WE’RE DOING IT RIGHT? by Pandora Sykes
Pandora Sykes, co-host of the beloved The High Low podcast, makes her literary debut with this collection of essays that thoughtfully pull apart – then cleverly piece back together – modern life. From millennial burnout to fashion and more, Sykes ultimately assures us that we are not alone in navigating any of it. $35, Hutchinson; out July 21
YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN FUN AROUND HERE by Frances Macken
In this contemporary coming-of-age novel, three friends navigate life — and each other — in rural Ireland, exploring the complexities of female friendships and the yearning for something bigger that often comes from growing up in a small town. With her cutting observations and witty dialogue, Frances Macken has been tipped as the new Sally Rooney. $29.99, Oneworld; out June 2
THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett
Following the plights of twin sisters who have found themselves living wildly different lives, The Vanishing Half is an enthralling and deeply thoughtful story about family, racial identity and the ways we look to untether ourselves from our roots. We’re anticipating a screen adaptation… $32.99, Dialogue Books; out June 9
WANT by Lynn Steger Strong
Elizabeth is a mother, wife and teacher who’s going through the motions – and struggling to keep herself and her family afloat in the face of bankruptcy – when she rekindles a long-lost childhood friendship. A scorching representation of desire and discontent and the many forms they take, Want is the story of how we can lose ourselves in the fight to have it all. Suggest it for your virtual book club. $53.99, Henry Holt & Co; out July 7
KOKOMO by Victoria Hannan
When her agoraphobic mother suddenly leaves the house after 12 years, Mina is forced to return home to figure out why, and confront her childhood in the process. Taking out the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award For An Unpublished Manuscript, this debut novel from Australian writer Victoria Hannan is an emotive look at whether we can ever truly know someone. $32.99, Hachette; out July 28
RODHAM by Curtis Sittenfeld
What if Hillary had turned down Bill? In this subversive tale of female ambition,
New York Times-bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld brilliantly reimagines a life for Hillary Rodham without her formerpresident husband – and instead, entirely of her own. Puzzling together a new (largely fictionalised) trajectory, Sittenfeld takes a deeper look at the sacrifices that women make to negotiate a seat at the table all with her trademark wit and compassion. $32.99, Doubleday; out now
LITTLE EYES by Samanta Schweblin
It’s watch or be watched in Argentinian author Samanta Schweblin’s prophetic thriller, which is equal parts terrifying and eerily familiar. An imagining of a world where “kentukis” – small mechanical stuffed animals that can be controlled remotely – are everywhere,
Little Eyes shines a spotlight on the extreme interconnectedness of our digital world (and at times reads like an episode of Black Mirror). $29.99, Oneworld; out July 2