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The Best Summer Reads, as Recommended by the Book Review
The Best Summer Reads, as Recommended by the Book Review

New York Times

time14-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • New York Times

The Best Summer Reads, as Recommended by the Book Review

Times Insider explains who we are and what we do and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. An exploration of New York City's past. A beloved novel about a group of women in the publishing industry in the 1950s. An oral history of an indie rock band's 'iconic' third album. No summer is complete without a scintillating read. And who better to ask for recommendations than The New York Times Book Review team? To kick off the summer, Times Insider asked writers, editors and other members of the Book Review to choose the reads they'll take to the beach, barbecue and every place in between. Below are their responses, which have been edited for clarity. Joumana Khatib, editor and writer of the Books newsletter What book are you reading this summer? 'After Julius,' by Elizabeth Jane Howard Why do you love it? I'm enjoying it so much that I am planning to graduate to Howard's 'The Cazalet Chronicles,' the multibook series for which she is best known. I stumbled upon Howard only recently — criminally recently — and admire her ruthless social observations and wit. I think she captures the experience of precarity, whether emotional, financial, social, in incredibly fine detail. Who do you recommend it for? Anyone who appreciates the dramatic potential of a weekend in the countryside. Jennifer Harlan, service editor What book are you reading this summer? 'The Best of Everything,' by Rona Jaffe Why do you love it? This novel had been in my to-read stack for years but moved to the top when both Jennifer Egan and Candace Bushnell sang its praises for our Read Your Way Through New York City project. The book was published in 1958, and there are plenty of fun midcentury details — the fashion, the luncheonettes, the shockingly cheap apartments — but it also feels remarkably modern. You follow five young women who meet while working at a publishing house, and the ways they navigate love and sex and bad dates and heartbreak and awkward office parties all feel totally at home in this century. It's moving and very funny, and perfectly captures what it feels like to be a young woman making a life for herself in the city. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on July 1
New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on July 1

Geek Girl Authority

time30-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Geek Girl Authority

New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on July 1

There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I'll help you narrow down the week's new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. This week I have 10 great new books to share with you, including tons of romantasy and plenty of stories that will make you think. Read on! The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang Born under a prophecy to become the Empress of All Empresses, Fei has spent her life isolated in a palace, destined to marry the Crown Prince. When she seizes a chance at freedom by hunting a legendary tiger, she instead encounters Yexue, a runaway prince with dangerous magic and command over vampires. As her destiny collides with desire and war looms, Fei must decide if she'll shape her fate or surrender to it. The Nightblood Prince is a thrilling romantasy from the bestselling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods. Molly X. Chang teases just enough to leave you wanting more. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out On June 24 Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone After being expelled from boarding school, eighteen-year-old Lark Arriscane returns home to find her family on the brink of ruin. To save them, she agrees to a marriage of convenience to Therion, the local god of the underworld. But when the ritual fails and she begins vanishing from the mortal world, Lark turns to her estranged first love, Alastair, and his sister Camille for help. As their entangled bond deepens, a ritual meant to save Lark awakens something darker that might destroy both her and her divine groom. Lyndall Clipstone's writing is dark, emotional and mysterious. With elements of horror, complex romantic entanglements and a sapphic romance, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a moody, YA Gothic. Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein Mia and Cricket, gifted sisters from a small Maine town, have always been inseparable—until ambition and buried family secrets begin to pull them apart. As Cricket chases soccer stardom at any cost and Mia shoulders the weight of responsibility, both must confront how far loyalty can stretch before it breaks. Beck Dorey-Stein's new book release is a moving story of sisterhood, sacrifice and the scars we inherit. The narrator unfolds gradually in Spectacular Things , showing the dark side of codependency and making for a great book club read. RELATED: Book Review: A Sharp Endless Need Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon Guinevere, a merchant's daughter destined for a noble marriage, finds her life upended when bandits attack her caravan and she's forced to flee with Oskar, a gruff, solitary half-orc. As they journey the perilous Amber Road together, sparks fly between them—challenging both of their plans for the future. Caught between duty and desire, they must choose: the paths they were meant to walk, or the unexpected love blooming between them. Critical Role fans and newcomers alike will love Thea Guanzon's addition to the franchise. Tusk Love is a cozy romantasy perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, enchanting story. Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson Kaylani, a Brooklyn girl spending the summer in Martha's Vineyard, isn't thrilled to be away from home – or her imprisoned father. But as she explores the historic Black community of Oak Bluffs, she finds unexpected connections, sunny beaches and maybe even a place she could belong. When a mysterious death shakes the town, Kaylani dives into the investigation, only to uncover secrets that could change everything she thought she knew: about the island, her family and herself. Blood in the Water is Jaws for a new generation. While her new book release is geared toward a younger audience, Tiffany D. Jackson's writing style, clever pacing and emotional depth are incredibly engaging. RELATED: Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping Wanting by Claire Jia Ye Lian has everything she thought she wanted: a successful career, a stable boyfriend, and a bright future in Beijing. But when her glamorous childhood best friend, Luo Wenyu, returns from California with alluring secrets, Lian begins questioning the path she chose. As their friendship deepens, hidden truths from the past and cracks in Wenyu's perfect life begin to surface. Faced with unsettling revelations, both women must confront what they're willing to risk for freedom, love and the lives they truly want. Claire Jia's storytelling talent shines through messy emotions and real-life challenges. Full of layers of envy and longing, Wanting is an exploration of the road not traveled. Thrill of the Chase by Kathryn Nolan Reporter Harper Hendrix is determined to land a major story by uncovering the truth behind the legendary Blackburn Diamonds. But antiques salvager Eve Bardot has her own reasons for finding the treasure, and no patience for a nosy reporter. Forced into a reluctant alliance, the two women clash at every turn…until sparks fly. As rival hunters close in and emotions run high, Harper and Eve must decide what they're really willing to risk: the diamonds or their hearts. Kathryn Nolan's debut perfectly combines romance, adventure, mystery and queer history. Read Thrill of the Chase for a fun, sapphic combination of National Treasure and The Hating Game . RELATED: 8 LGBTQ+ Books to Keep Pride Going for the Rest of 2025 The Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream In the remote island town of Ebey's End, grocer Anita Odom leads a quiet, if lonely, life. Everything changes when 14-year-old July, the recently orphaned daughter of an estranged cousin, lands unexpectedly on her doorstep. Anita doesn't think she's cut out for guardianship, but July quickly proves to be anything but ordinary. With an uncanny sense of what each customer truly needs, July's quiet gifts begin transforming lives across the island. As hearts open and secrets surface, the town must come together in unexpected ways to embrace change, healing and each other. Full of magic and quirky characters in a small-town setting, Ashley Ream's new book release explores forgiveness and family in a warm-hearted way. The Peculiar Gift of July explores heavy issues in a sensitive and compassionate way. Archive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr. In Cambridge, 2018, Ana and Luis's strained relationship drives Ana to use The Defractor, an experimental device that reveals alternate life paths. What she discovers propels them on a journey through Havana and San Salvador to uncover long-buried family histories. Decades earlier, in 1978 Havana, two Salvadoran revolutionaries, Neto and Rafael, fall in love amidst the brewing civil war. Soon, separation and danger test their bond. As past and present intertwine, both couples confront the question: can understanding what might have been change what is? Ruben Reyes Jr.'s debut novel is a sweeping, genre-bending exploration of love, loss and legacy across alternate histories. Blending speculative fiction with historical truth, Archive of Unknown Universes examines displacement, belonging and the enduring echoes of war. RELATED: Book Review: Just Emilia The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang Joan Liang never expected to end up here. After leaving Taiwan for California for a failed first marriage, she starts anew with an older, wealthy American husband. As she raises her children and searches for fulfillment, one question haunts her: will she ever be truly satisfied? Seeking meaning, Joan opens the Satisfaction Café, a space for connection and understanding. Through this bold venture, she begins shaping the legacy she's longed for. The Satisfaction Café is a vivid, comic and deeply moving novel about found family, aging and the search for fulfillment. Through the unforgettable Joan Liang, Kathy Wang explores the joys and sorrows of reinvention, legacy and connection. ​You can check out these new book releases at or your local bookstore. What July 1 new release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR. Book Review: DEATH OF THE AUTHOR

New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on June 3
New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on June 3

Geek Girl Authority

time03-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Geek Girl Authority

New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on June 3

There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I'll help you narrow down the week's new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. It's an especially big week for new releases, and I have 13 great books to share with you. Read on! Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil Queen Hara of Maynara controls the power of the earth. Her strength is waning, however, and her volatile heir, Laya, commands the skies with dangerous unpredictability. As rival matriarch Imeria Kulaw maneuvers for power, secrets and ambitions collide in a battle for the crown. Samantha Bansil's debut is set in a precolonial, Philippines-inspired fantasy world. Lovers, lies and divine magic entwine in Black Salt Queen , a fierce tale of queens, betrayal and the high cost of ruling. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on May 27 Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson manage rival bookstores on the same Boston street—hers serious lit, his romance-only. When a new owner merges the two stores and pits them in a summer-long competition to turn the most profit, sparks fly. Josie's rigid precision clashes with Ryan's laid-back chaos, but behind anonymous usernames, they're unknowingly bonding on a book forum. As real-life tension and online connection collide, they'll have to decide if love is worth rewriting their rivalry. With You've Got Mail vibes and an enemies-to-lovers romance, Battle of the Bookstores is a love letter to readers. Ali Brady's new book release is full of wit, charm and plenty of literary references. Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase After witnessing her mother's execution by her father, Princess Vita of Carca is exiled and forgotten. Her only companions are the crows at her tower window. 11 years later, she's forced back into the spotlight. She must marry the enemy general set to claim the throne or face death. But a mysterious lady-in-waiting, Soline, offers another path, one forged in unstable alchemy and forbidden magic. As their bond deepens, so does their power. Together, Vita and Soline might just burn the kingdom down. Crueler Mercies is both a political fantasy and a Rapunzel-inspired sapphic romance. This is a story of vengeance and self-discovery, and debut author Maren Chase certainly delivers. RELATED: Read Our Full Review of Crueler Mercies Flashlight by Susan Choi When ten-year-old Louisa is found barely alive on a beach in Japan, her father Serk – who couldn't swim – is missing, presumed drowned. Her family is left shattered, carrying secrets they've long tried to bury. As Louisa comes of age, she must confront what really happened that night on the beach, why her father brought them to Japan, and how to live with the things we may never fully understand. Shifting perspective across chapters from one family member to the next, Flashlight traces the trajectory of family tragedy. Susan Choi's drama is impressive in scope, with a big twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Meet Me at the Crossroads by Megan Giddings When seven mysterious doors appear across the world, offering passage to a lush and unknown dimension, curiosity quickly turns to chaos. What first seems like paradise may harbor hidden dangers. In the Midwest, twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia are captivated, but divided, by the doors' promise. When Olivia vanishes after stepping through one, Ayanna is left reeling, forced to question everything she believed about their bond and the world beyond. Meet Me at the Crossroads is a genre-blurring novel about love, loss and the search for truth. Megan Giddings explores the fragile ties of sisterhood and the risks we take in pursuit of something greater. RELATED: Book Review: The Incandescent Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales Princess Rose of Henland is focused on salvaging her reputation after a scandal cost her the public's trust, and her best friend. Distraction is not an option. But then Danni arrives. A gifted pianist on scholarship at Rose's elite boarding school, Danni expects to be an outsider. Instead, the students unexpectedly welcome her, especially by the intriguing, tightly wound princess. As sparks fly between them, so do the rumors. With the palace watching and gossip mounting, Rose and Danni must choose: keep their growing feelings hidden, or risk everything for a chance at love. Because if Rose slips up again, the crown won't hesitate to tear them apart. Sophie Gonzales knows how to write a YA romance. With a vibrant, light writing style and well developed characters, Nobody in Particular is a great way to start off Pride Month. Lady's Knight by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Gwen is tired of hiding: her blacksmithing skills, her dreams of knighthood, and especially her attraction to girls. Lady Isobelle of Avington has never had to hide anything. Everything changes when she's named the prize in a tournament where the victor wins her hand. Desperate for a way out, she strikes a deal with Gwen: Gwen will enter the tournament disguised as a knight, and if she wins, they'll both get what they want—freedom and glory. But as sparks fly and dragons loom, one thing becomes clear; love was never part of the plan, but it might just change everything. An irresistibly fierce, laugh-out-loud queer feminist romp through medieval England, Lady's Knight delivers an epic quest full of valor, freedom and unexpected love. Bestselling authors Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner bring sharp wit and big heart to a story that's part A Knight's Tale and part My Lady Jane , with a splash of The Great . RELATED: Sapphics With Swords: 6 Books Featuring Queer Lady Warriors The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King Monica Tsai is a reclusive college freshman and coder. She spends her days journaling online and worrying about her fading grandmother, Yun, a woman who survived war-torn China but rarely speaks of her past. When Monica's digital matchmaking program connects her with a stranger and a mysterious pencil, she uncovers a hidden family history rooted in Shanghai's Phoenix Pencil Company, where Yun and her cousin Meng once discovered the power to Reforge a pencil's words. As Monica delves into Yun's forgotten memories and wartime secrets, a tale of espionage, betrayal, and intergenerational magic unfolds. The Phoenix Pencil Company is a luminous debut about legacy, connection, and the stories that refuse to be erased. Allison King combines a cross-generational family saga with the epistolary form to create a truly unique new book release. Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare Tressa Fay Robeson, a confident hairstylist and social media star, leads a cozy, if uneventful, life filled with clients, close friends and a grumpy cat. Everything changes when a flirty text exchange with a stranger named Meryl ends in a ghosted meetup…and a shocking revelation. Meryl has been missing for a month. What begins as a case of mistaken identity unravels into a mind-bending temporal paradox. As Tressa Fay and her friends uncover the truth about multiverses and missed connections, they realize this isn't the first time their paths have crossed – and time is running out. With Meryl's disappearance looming once again, can they finally break the cycle, or will this September be their last? Full of sapphic yearning, beautiful chemistry and emotional dialogue, Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon is a fantastic new read. Annie Mare's newest novel is full of real heart. RELATED: 6 Time Travel Movies That Get Time Travel Right Ten Incarnations of Rebellion by Vaishnavi Patel In a city built from the ashes of Bombay, Kalki Divekar grows up amid occupation and unrest. When her father vanishes in the British hunt for rebels and her city turns on itself, Kalki and her friends hatch a daring plan: infiltrate the empire to destroy it from within. Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is a sweeping, speculative tale of friendship, sacrifice and what it truly means to be free. Set in an alternate version of India that was never liberated from the British, Vaishnavi Patel tells an epic and daring story. Kill Creatures by Rory Power Last summer, Nan's three best friends vanished in Saltcedar Canyon. She's spent the year grieving – and hiding the truth. Because Nan knows what no one else does: she's the one who killed them. Now, on the anniversary, their families gather for a memorial. But the vigil is shattered when one of the missing girls returns…alive. Everyone is thrilled. Everyone, that is, except Nan. Kill Creatures is an atmospheric, fast-paced thriller about secrets, jealousy and revenge. I love Rory Power's work, and her new book release is perfect for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and Gone Girl . RELATED: 6 Great Books to Help Satisfy Your Yellowjackets Cravings Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Joan Goodwin is on track to become one of the first women scientists in space. During training, she bonds with the other new astronauts and soon finds a passion and love she never imagined. Dramatic events, however, lead her to question everything she knows about her place in the universe, and the extraordinary lengths she'll go to for love. Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , is back with another fantastic read. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s space Shuttle program, Atmosphere will leave you breathless. Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove Demeter just wants to shuttle humans across the stars. Instead, she's dealing with a string of paranormal murders caused by an ancient vampire. With her crew of supernatural misfits – a werewolf, a reanimated engineer, a grudge-holding vampire and a cheerful army of spider drones – Demeter must stop Dracula before she's decommissioned for good. Of Monsters and Mainframes is the queer love child of pulp horror and classic sci-fi. Barbara Truelove's mainstream publishing debut is a sharp, heartfelt odyssey about what it means to be monstrous, and the unlikely friendships that save us. ​You can check out these new book releases at or your local bookstore. What June 3 new release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR. Book Review: JUST EMILIA

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