There's something exciting about new books for the new year. When we see our favorite author starting a new series or are intrigued by a personal growth book synopsis, we hope that the book will hold the same magic and beauty that captured us in our old favorites. We found some of the coolest, most helpful, and most beautiful new books, as well as some for anyone who isn't ready to let go of their holiday spirit just yet. Whether you're heading up book club, or reading more is your New Year's resolution, sometimes all you need is the right book to motivate you. Keep reading to keep reading!
These Books Are Perfect For Spring
Brutes by Dizz Tate ($15+)
A group of 13 year old girls in Falls Landing, Florida are mesmerized by preacher's daughter Sammy. When Sammy goes missing, and they try to figure it out from a distance, they discover just how many secrets lie beneath a town obsessed with fame.
Maame by Jessica George ($15+)
Maddie is sick of being the only Black person in all of her work meetings. She can't stand her boss, and outside of work, she serves as her father's primary caretaker. When her mother returns from a trip to Ghana, Maddie is ready to experience her life on her own terms. But when tragedy strikes, Maddie has to reconcile her two homes, and figure out where she belongs.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin ($13+)
Greta and Sabine live in a 1737 Dutch farmhouse in Hudson, New York. Greta transcribes therapy sessions for a sex coach called Om, and becomes infatuated with a Swiss, stoic client she refers to "Big Swiss." When Greta recognizes Big Swiss' voice at the park one day, they strike up a relationship. The only problem? Greta never revealed her true identity.
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer ($15)
Cover Brooks feels closer to the dead than she does the living. And after the death of the grandfather who raised her, Cover becomes a Manhattan death doula in the hopes that she can user people through the end of their life in peace. When an old woman's final wish means that Clover is sent in search of a forgotten love story, she is faced with what she really wants — and whether she's brave enough to go after it.
Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell ($14+)
In Saving Time, Odell explores the way that our strained and stressful relationship with time is connected to everything from global warming to existentialism. Both startling and hopeful, this book will inspire you to live in a more humane way — with your relationships and meaning at the center.
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst ($15+)
Mickey Hayward wants to write stories that matter. While she has to deal with being overlooked and mistreated at her job, she also feels like she's starting to prove herself...until she learns she's losing her job. Mickey writes up a letter explaining both the racism and sexism in detail that she's experienced as a Black woman in media, but the letter is met with silence. She must come to terms with how fragile her current life is — and how attractive her old life looks. But when a media scandal brings Mickey's letter to the forefront, suddenly everyone wants to hear her.
Paper Names by Susie Luo ($13)
Weaving together stories from three different perspectives, during three different decades in both New York and China, Luo explores what it really means to be an American. Tony is a Chinese-born engineer who works as a Manhattan doorman, while his daughter Tammy grows up trying to figure out what a first-gen American life looks like. Oliver is a white lawyer in Tony's building who is hiding a family secret, and when an attack brings the three of them together, their lives will never be the same.
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh ($14+)
The town of Pont-Saint-Esprit collectively lost its mind in 1951, after the deadliest war in history. Historians still haven't agreed on whether the illness was a result of spoiled bread or government testing. Mackintosh explores what happened after baker's wife Elodie was welcomed into the home of the ambassador and his wife Violet — and what happens when hysteria and jealousy take over.
Happy Place by Emily Henry ($12+)
Harriet and Wyn broke up five months ago, and none of their friends know it. The plan was to spill the beans at their friend group's annual lake trip, but when a surprise wedding shakes up their plans, they have to figure out if they can fake it for an entire week.
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong ($13+)
Every year in the kingdom of Talin, the palace hosts a set of games in its capital twin cities, San-Er where competitors from across the kingdom — or at least, those confident in their ability to jump between bodies — fight to the death for more money than they'd know what to do with. Five years ago, Princess Calla organized a massacre that killed her parents, and she waits until she can finish the job. Exiled aristocrat Anton is trying to keep the love of his life alive, and the last chance he has at clearing his debt is winning the games. Along with the king's adopted son August, Calla and Anton form an alliance that will change all of their lives, for better or worse.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld ($14+)
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for the late night live show The Night Owls, focusing on her career and a relationship with her stepfather more than romance. Sally decides to start a new sketch called the "Danny Horst Rule" after Danny, her average-looking friend and co-writer, begins dating a beautiful and glamorous actor. When pop sensation Noah Brewster joins the show as both guest and host for the week, Sally wonders whether someone as charming and handsome as Noah could fall for someone like her. After all, this isn't a TV show...right?
A Good Mom’s Guide to Making Bad Choices by Erica Dickerson and Jamilah “Milah” Mapp ($15+)
Dickerson and Mapp chronicle their journeys as single mothers of color who are raising their children while they balance relationships, friendships, and finding themselves. A Good Mom's Guide is an unapologetic mix of memoir, guide, and manifesto that will help you recognize past traumas and find your way to healing.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune ($11+)
When Fern and Will spend a magical day together, they make a pact to meet up one year later. Except Will never shows up. At 32 years old, Fern runs her late mother's lakeside resort, a job that get even more chaotic when Will shows up, seemingly out of nowhere.
Don't Call Me Home by Alexandra Auder ($15+)
The daughter of one of Andy Warhol’s superstars, Auder joined her mother on adventures as a child and grew to help coparent her sister Gaby. Don’t Call Me Home is a moving look at the effect of stardom at an early age and what it looks like to grow into your own name.
Upcoming Releases
Oh My Mother!: A Memoir in Nine Adventures by Connie Wang ($16+)
Each essay in Wang's memoir explores the relationship between mother and daughter using the Chinese expression wo de ma ya (the closest thing to "oh my god") as an overarching theme. From exploring Versailles to trying edibles in Amsterdam, Wang and her mother Qing Li embark on crazy adventures all over the world and come closer together in the process. This title will be available on May 9, 2023.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren ($13+)
Fizzy Chen might have the dream career as a renowned romance novelist, but she's never actually been in love. Connor Prince is a documentary filmmaker and single father tasked with finding the perfect romantic lead for a brand new reality show. That romantic lead might just be Fizzy — if Connor can meet her list of demands, of course. This title will be available on May 16, 2023.
Oil Painting Landscapes by Sarah Mckendry ($12)
Try your hand at oil painting with these 12 projects perfect for beginners and experts alike. From beautiful forests and meadows to powerful oceans, Sarah's unique style will enchant you and give you a new way to view the world. This title will be available May 30, 2023.
A Perfect Vintage by Chelsea Fagan ($10+)
Lea turns run-down French estates into boutique hotels. When her friend Stephanie and her daughter join Lea on a summer in the Loire Valley, Lea's carefully-crafted timelines are tested. As affairs and betrayals bloom in the most unexpected ways, Lea must do everything in her power to keep her life from imploding. This title will be available on June 6, 2023.
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel ($13+)
Elise and Juliette are young mothers when they become friends in 1939. When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she hides her daughter in Juliette's bookstore. Years later, Elise returns to find that the bookstore has been reduced to rubble and bother Juliette and her daughter are missing. This title will be available on June 6, 2023.
First Position by Melanie Hamrick ($12+)
Sylvie Carter is five years into her North American Ballet career and no longer recognizes herself. When she gets blames for a troubling relationship-turned-scandal, Sylvie loses everything. When renowned dancer Alessandro Russo is NAB's featured guest artist, Sylvie has to decide whether she'll let past wounds keep her from what she really wants. This title will be available June 20, 2023.
Excavations by Kate Myers ($15+)
Four women come together on a remote archaeological site in Greece to solve the mystery of an unusual artifact. Polished Kara is put together and always makes sure to wear her sunscreen, nervous Patty is hoping for love, Z is adrift after both being dumped and fired, and Elise is an excavator who's trying to figure out her life. Add a villain and some romance, what could go wrong? This title will be available July 4, 2023.
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter ($13+)
Cassie has spent a year at her Silicon Valley dream job, and it's much less dreamy than she anticipated. Instead, it's exhausting and, at times, unethical. When her CEO's demands cross into illegal territory and Cassie ends up pregnant, she must decide how to move forward in this sharp and unsettling look into capitalist modern life. This title will be available on July 11, 2023.
Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis ($13+)
Take a look at 101 of the best (and some of the worst) recipes of the 20th century in this lively, decade-by-decade cookbook. These unique treats, including Cornflake Macaroons from the 1900s and Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake from the 1940s, are the perfect thing to mix up your meal rotation. This title will be available July 25, 2023.New Books From Winter 2022/2023
Anon Pls.: A Novel by Deuxmoi ($14+)
If you're obsessed with the @Deuxmoi Instagram account (basically the irl version of Gossip Girl), then you must read this pick. Cricket is the assistant to a notorious celeb stylist, and when she drunkenly brings her old fashion Instagram account back to life — swapping clothes for celebrity gossip — she's unprepared for how juicy the gossip is. And who's willing to give it to her.
Rainbow Power: Manifest Your Dream Life with the Creative Power of Color by Jerico Mandybur ($15)
Journey through the energy and magical frequency of the color spectrum with this guide. With colorful illustrations, this is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about why colors affect us how you can use them in self-care, your home, and your social life.
Bake Anime: 75 Sweet Recipes Spotted In―and Inspired by―Your Favorite Anime by Emily J Bushman ($11+)
Eat your way through Japanese animation with this fun and colorful cookbook. With everything from Nerikiri from Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card to Japanese Strawberry Shortcake from Ouran High Host Club, you can bring your favorite foods to life *and* learn about history and culture in the process.
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto ($12+)
Vera is an old lady living above her Chinatown tea shop. She usually spends her time drinking tea and keeping tabs on her son but when she finds a dead man in her tea shop, her life turns upside down and she finds herself growing closer to her neighbors as she plans to catch the killer.
A Christmas Memory by Richard Paul Evans ($11+)
The year is 1967 and it feels like Richard's world is ending. His brother is killed in Vietnam, the family moves to his grandmother's abandoned Utah home, and his parents separate. His elderly neighbor Mr. Foster becomes his friend and confidante, and with the older man's wisdom and kindness, Richard learns how forgive and how to love.
American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide by Susan Barba ($12+)
With poems, essays, and letters from the 18th century onward, this collection focuses on wildflowers and draws from a variety of experiences. From international writers speaking on American plants (and vice versa) to rural writers who understand their plants like the back of their hands, any flower lover will want to read this.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama ($17+)
Discover an honest dialogue with First Lady Michelle Obama as she uncovers what it takes to find steadfastness. By sharing stories, reflections, and deep truths from her personal experiences, she encourages us to work through fear and dive headfirst into community.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry ($15+)
Any fan of Friends will want to get their hands on this memoir. Exploring his childhood desire for recognition and stories from the people he's met in his career, Matthew Perry tells the story of his childhood, overnight A-list status, and his struggle with addiction in a funny and heartfelt way.
How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle ($9+)
Learn how to heal and reclaim your peace with techniques from Alexandra Elle. Self-healing, setting boundaries, and inner child work are all a part in becoming your full self again. Not only does this book feature these techniques, but it also includes stories from voices like Morgan Harper Nichols and Dr. Thema Bryant.
The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering by Leslie Iwerks ($16+)
If you're a big fan of Disney, then this behind-the-scenes book (which complements the Disney+ series) takes a peek at the work that goes into designing the parks and some funny stories into what inspired parts of the park. When you see just how much intention and imagination are used in the process, you might just come away feeling more creative.
Five Survive by Holly Jackson ($11+)
Red and five of her friends are on a spring break roadtrip, but when their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they realize that someone's set them up — and that someone wants one of them dead. The six friends have eight hours until dawn, and as secrets come to light, only time will tell if all of them survive.
The Whittiers: A Novel by Danielle Steel ($15+)
When the Whittier parents' solo "Wintermoon" ski trip ends in tragedy, their adult children find themselves at home without their parents for the first time. With their own personal issues and struggles, the siblings must figure out how to come together and whether selling the Manhattan mansion is just another loss.
The Princess Bride: The Official Cookbook by Jenn Fujikawa ($16+)
Make dishes seen in (and inspired by) this iconic film with a cookbook that includes a Farm Boy Breakfast, Iocane Powder Punch, and Six-Fingered Sandwiches. Make this for your next The Princess Bride movie night or just for fun.
French Kissing in New York by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau ($9+)
Margot spent a dreamy night in Paris with Zach last year, and today, she's entering the Manhattan restaurant scene and she's ready to reconnect with Zach, who she's convinced is her soulmate. But when she gets line cook Ben to help her, Margot realizes that the universe might have different plans.
Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex ($18+)
This is a must-read for anyone who follows the royal family. This memoir is a look at the past and the present with honesty, insight, and self-examination that showcases the power that love has over grief.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith ($15+)
Learn how to take care of your mental health during difficult times and get a better understanding of how your brain works with expert advice and healthy coping mechanisms. Not only is the content helpful, but the format of small, easy-to-read entries makes finding information easy and quick.
New Vegan Baking: A Modern Approach to Creating Irresistible Sweets for Every Occasion by Ana Rusu ($12+)
You don't have to sit out on dessert anymore with this vegan cookbook, which makes tasty desserts allergy- and diet-friendly. From Dulce de Leche Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze to Lemon Posset Tart with Raspberry and Whipped Cream, everyone will fall in love with these easy-to-follow recipes.
Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim ($11+)
Everyone thinks that Imani is the next great Shield to battle the monsters that hide across Qalia. When her brother disappears after stealing the nation's secret spice magic, Imani discovers that he might be spreading the magic to outsiders and sets out with other warriors to bring him back before it's too late.
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This story has been updated.
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