Today marks National Book Lovers Day, the annual day when bibliophiles celebrate their love of literature. So, put away your smartphone and join us by picking up one of these new must-read books. Whether you’re itching for a thought-provoking non-fiction tome on politics or a light beach read to while away an afternoon under the sun, we’ve got you covered. And in a season when our plans aren’t looking quite like we they thought they would—exotic vacations replaced by socially distanced picnics, anyone?—there’s no better time than now to dive into a good book. We promise a day spent reading is one plan that Covid-19 can’t touch.
A Burning by Megha Majumdar
In this powerful literary debut from author Megha Majumdar, three characters in contemporary India (a young Muslim girl wrongly accused of being involved in a terrorist attack, a right-wing leaning gym teacher, and an irresistible outcast) find their lives entangled in an unexpected and catastrophic way. The pages will turn themselves in this thrilling narrative.
Intimations: Six Essays by Zadie Smith
In the early months of lockdown, essayist Zadie Smith began reflecting on the extraordinary times we were living through, questioning the idea of a new reality, of isolation, and of how we can compare relative suffering—thoughts that have been on all our minds lately. This timely new essay collection is the product of those ruminations and is an absolute must-read.
Rodham: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld
This book-of-the-moment from Curtis Sittenfeld tells the irrespirable what-if story of a Hillary Rodham who never married Bill Clinton. Instead, the budding young law school student and women’s rights activist declines the handsome southerner’s marriage proposal and goes on to have a stunning career of her own.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
This compelling historical novel from Alka Joshi transports readers back to 1950s India, where a young woman flees her village and her marriage. She makes her own way to the city of Jaipur and cultivates a life of independence as a henna artist to the wealthy woman of the upper-class, trying to keep her past behind her.
We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib
Although published a year ago now, this bestselling memoir should still be on your radar. Since winning Canada Reads 2020 this summer, Samra Habib’s honest and intelligent commentary on breaking down the barriers between faith, feminism, and queer sexuality is having a renaissance. And for good reason.
You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie
In this suspenseful thriller by Catherine McKenzie, it goes from bad to worse for a young investigative journalist who goes on vacation after being fired for plagiarism, only to return to find that her bank account has been emptied by a strange imposter with the exact same name as her.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
In this thought-provoking social history, Isabel Wilkerson argues that a rigid caste system has shaped America. She draws fascinating comparisons between the caste systems present in America, India, and Nazi Germany, linking the past with the present.
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
You’ll want to toss this one into your beach bag. The latest from the author of Crazy Rich Asians gives E.M. Forster’s classic novel A Room With A View an update by telling an entertaining cross-cultural modern love story.
