One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months is by immersing yourself in an enthralling book. Whether you love non-fiction, romance, or want to hear unique stories from empowered voices, we’ve listed some new releases that will captivate any reader through the creative potential of the imagination.
Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
A coming-of-age story nuanced with sociopolitical strife, Somebody’s Daugther: A Memoir chronicles Ford’s journey through puberty, while also dealing with her father’s incarceration. In her quest to reveal the truth surrounding her father’s guilt and navigating hormonal changes, Ford paints a moving portrait of a working-class young black woman trying to thrive in rural Indiana. This memoir delivers a powerful message surrounding the tenacity of the human spirit, while also exposing the skewed and degraded position that women of colour hold within American society.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Malibu Mansion tells the fictional story of the famous Riva family and the massive fire that destroyed their home in the summer of 1983. While they may seem picture perfect on the outside, the mystery as to how the fire started remains unsolved, bringing into question the true motives and identity of each member of the Riva clan. The ensuing prose examines the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on how and what to communicate to those around you.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Soon to be adapted into a Netflix series backed by the Obama’s production company, Firekeeper’s Daugther spotlights eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine’s journey to help her community overcome corruption induced by drug abuse and coercion. Navigating life between her Ojibwe reserve and her hometown, Daunis acts as a beacon of hope for both communities, attempting to eliminate the corruption in both areas, while also crafting an identity for herself as a young Ojibwe woman in America. This novel reveals the harrowing truth of systemic trauma that plagues Indigenous communities to this day.
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Named Oprah Magazine’s Most Anticipated Book of 2021, this heartfelt romantic comedy tells the story of Grace, a successful woman who has spent her entire life trying to live up to her parents’ expectations. Things take a dramatic turn when she marries a woman she doesn’t know during a drunken spree in Las Vegas. She spends the summer in New York with her new wife who is still a stranger to her, and reflects on hard-hitting issues such as family scars, acceptance, and her yearning for genuine connections.
Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey Stein
Rock the Boat highlights the importance of remaining grounded in a chaotic world, as the protagonist Kate reverts back to her seaside hometown after her career in New York implodes. She is reunited with her former love Miles and his friend Ziggy, and the three attempt to make the most of their time together, unintentionally revisiting former feelings and creating an emotional dilemma that informs the subsequent narrative.