The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins (Crown, June 16): This book is a mindfuck in the best way possible, asking readers to believe in a world within our world in which a group of orphans study the wisdom of the universe and eventually usurp their leader, Father, who holds god-like power over the universe. It's trippy and it's thinky and it's totally strange and please read it so we can discuss. Review to come this month in Shelf Awareness.
The Book of Speculation, by Erika Swyler (St. Martin's, June 23): I've been hearing great things about this already, and you know I can't resist a book about the power of books.
Saint Mazie, by Jami Attenberg (Grand Central, June 2): I still haven't read Attenberg's previous novel, The Middlesteins, but I've heard enough good things about that and this new one that I'm itching to pick this up. I'll be honest: I have no idea what it's about, and I'm planning to leave it that way if I can.
Project Fatherhood: A Story of Courage and Healing in One of America's Toughest Communities, by Jorja Leap (Beacon Press, June 9): An account of former gang members banding together to learn to be fathers to their children and to effect change in their communities.
Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County: A Family, a Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle, by Kristen Green (Harper, June 9): Green's account of her hometown's resistance to the desegregation of schools chronicles an important--if shameful--chapter in the United State's push for racial equality. Full review to come in Shelf Awareness.
How Did I Get Here? Making Peace with the Road Not Taken, by Jesse Browner (HarperWave, June 30): I'm fairly picky when it comes to self-help titles, but this one piqued my interest. I've got a copy waiting for me--stay tuned for thoughts.
The Star Side of Bird Hill, by Naomi Jackson (Penguin Press, June 30): Jackson's debut tells the story of two girls sent from Brooklyn to live with their grandmother in Bird Hill, Barbados. It's ultimately a story that explores the meaning of home, as the two sisters bridge their New York and West Indian identities and struggle to fit within either.
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And look for these old favorites in paperback this month:
- How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky, by Lydia Netzer
- The Monogram Murders: An Hercule Poirot Novel, by Sophie Hannah
- Tigerman, by Nick Harkaway
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What are you looking forward to reading in June?
