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August’s Most Anticipated New Releases
In these strange days of quarantine and isolation, books can be a mode of transport. We may have to stay home and stay still, but through the abiding magic of the written word, we can travel to all kinds of different places. Look, just because it’s corny doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
New this month: Charlotte McConaghy chronicles a Greenland ocean expedition in Migrations. Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi takes us to Africa in The Death of Vivek Oji. And Carole Stivers fast-forwards to the year 2049 in The Mother Code. Also: the perils of an open marriage, the dark allure of Hollywood, and a new installment in the Twilight series.
Each month the Goodreads editorial team takes a look at the books that are being published in the U.S., readers’ early reviews, and how many readers are adding these books to their Want to Read shelves (which is how we measure anticipation). We use the information to curate this list of hottest new releases.
New this month: Charlotte McConaghy chronicles a Greenland ocean expedition in Migrations. Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi takes us to Africa in The Death of Vivek Oji. And Carole Stivers fast-forwards to the year 2049 in The Mother Code. Also: the perils of an open marriage, the dark allure of Hollywood, and a new installment in the Twilight series.
Each month the Goodreads editorial team takes a look at the books that are being published in the U.S., readers’ early reviews, and how many readers are adding these books to their Want to Read shelves (which is how we measure anticipation). We use the information to curate this list of hottest new releases.
Debut author Raven Leilani revives the old-fashioned transgressive novel for a new millennium with the story of restless 20-something artist Edie. Navigating the treacherous waters of race and sex in New York City, Edie finds herself involved with a couple in an open marriage—an open marriage with rules. That sound you hear is alarm bells going off. Oh, and the wife is an autopsist.
Read our interview with Leilani here.
Read our interview with Leilani here.
After a series of escalating crises, a violent death in southeastern Nigeria threatens to destroy a close-knit family and an entire community. Recently named one of the year’s most anticipated books by The New York Times, The Death of Vivek Oji is the latest from celebrated Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi (Freshwater) and promises a dramatic story, unforgettable characters, and an ultimate arc of transcendence.
Recommended for fans of Station Eleven and Flight Behavior, Migrations is the first foray into straight contemporary fiction from veteran SF&F author Charlotte McConaghy. Franny Stone calibrates her internal rhythms to the cadences of wild things—wild things that are now disappearing fast. On an expedition to remote Greenland to find the planet’s last flock of Arctic terns she discovers why birds are often mythological heralds of doom.
A science fiction story for those who enjoy plausible conjecture, The Mother Code imagines a future where genetically engineered children are incubated inside automated, AI-powered robotic systems. In the American Southwest circa 2049, the human child Kai and his robotic Mother, Rho-Z, try to survive against factions who want all robots destroyed. Where does Kai’s ultimate loyalty reside? Another reminder, if you need one, to be polite with your AI-powered phones and smart speakers. They may be in charge soon.
When teenage actress Grace Turner suddenly disappeared from the Hollywood scene—at the height of her career—she left the paparazzi with nothing to go on. Her exile was immediate, complete, and self-directed. Now she’s back, and she’s got a story to tell. Ella Berman’s debut novel toggles between two timelines as Grace comes to grips with sobriety, predatory power dynamics, and the relentless uncertainty of young adulthood.
The long-awaited new installment of the Twilight Saga series, Midnight Sun puts readers behind the eyes of vampire Edward as he contemplates his love for the beautiful and mysterious Bella. The book is being angled as a kind of companion novel to the original series, switching the point-of-view around to Edward. You think love is hard to navigate? Try immortal love, with its critical omission of the “death do we part” clause.
In the early decades of the 20th century, millions of Black Americans left their rural homes in the South for city jobs in the North, West, and Midwest. Known to historians as the Great Migration, this movement changed the very trajectory of a nation. Acclaimed cultural critic Morgan Jerkins (This Will Be My Undoing) traces her ancestors’ journey through interviews, photos, memories, and dreams.
Read our interview with Jerkins here.
Read our interview with Jerkins here.
Sometimes, love just happens. A frank and vulnerable memoir about identity, desire, family, and attendant complications, The Fixed Stars tells of author Molly Wizenberg’s experience falling in love with another woman at age 36. Married to a man and mom to a toddler, Wizenberg finds her way through to a new place of understanding. What happens when all the labels and definitions no longer fit?
Which new releases are you looking forward to reading? Let’s talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent articles, including:
The Most Anticipated Romances of August
August’s Most Anticipated YA Books
Readers’ Top 40 Book Club Picks
Check out more recent articles, including:
The Most Anticipated Romances of August
August’s Most Anticipated YA Books
Readers’ Top 40 Book Club Picks
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Just heard an interview of the author of Wandering in Strange Lands on Public Radio. This sounds like a really interesting book.
Amazing, thanks for sharing! I love Japanese authors.Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami.
But you people don't like Japanese authors."
lol this list (as this site) is brazenly biased towards women, well... that indeed looks desperate
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
I think it's less a case of that and more that these books are expected to be big hits. Stephanie Meyer's new Twilight book, even if it's horrible, will be a big seller. At the end of the day, Goodreads is owned by Amazon, and they tend to highlight books that will sell more. The author you mentioned's most popular book only has 14,000 ratings and not many influential people in the literary scene are discussing that book, so it's unlikely Amazon would make much money from promoting it.
Daniel wrote: "Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
I think it's less a case of that and more that these books are expected to be big hits. S..."
Intersting to know. I do see a lot of authors that dont get "promoted" on here like i had hoped.
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
Thanks for the tip! Right now, I'm reading The Nakano Thrift Shop by Kawakami. Great to hear another one of hers is coming out!
And I guess I'm not "you people," because I've read novels by more Japanese novelists than I could list here. :)
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
Thanks!! I'll add it to my tbr.
😑 I think I will go back to the classics on my bookshelves.
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
I like Jap authors!
Will check this out! Thanks!
Daniel wrote: "Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
I think it's less a case of that and more that these books are expected to be big hits. S..."
And let' s add that nothing stops us from reading and following less visible authors. The more people read them the more visible they will become. No need to get mad at us or Goodreads.
Betsy wrote: "😑 I think I will go back to the classics on my bookshelves."Betsy are you rereading them?
I cannot wait to read Luster!
I have "Doubt on a Limb" by Rickie Blair pre-ordered ETA Aug 30/20
Daniel wrote: "Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
I think it's less a case of that and more that these books are expected to be big hits. S..."
Carrie wrote: "The Fixed Stars sounds fantastic 🧡" I enjoy her books and will keep an eye out for this one. Thanks.
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
Oh, but I do! Will add it to my list right away!
I can't wait for "The Lions of Fifth Avenue" by Fiona Davis. All of her books are great, and this one sounds like her best yet.
Luster sounds amazing, Migration and The Comeback too. Also, thanks for the rec above for "People From my Neighbourhood", have added it to my list as I love Japanese authors as well!
Barbara wrote: "Don't men write books anymore?" Yes, they do. I wholeheartedly recommend you this one. You can feel a man's touch in his writing <3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
I recommend This Tender land by William Kent Krueger set in the time of the Great Depression and Ordinary Grace by the same author, both well written books and yes i agree that this site is top heavy with female authors
Barbara wrote: "Don't men write books anymore?"We do we just get ignored because it's not PC or trendy to talk about male authors.
As usual, nothing on this list I'm looking forward to although there are a number of books coming out in August I am looking forward to reading.
Liam wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Don't men write books anymore?"We do we just get ignored because it's not PC or trendy to talk about male authors." I've been wondering the same thing for some time! I know most of the ones coming out in August that I'm interested in reading are by males, but I guess guys don't count any more. But, even the ones by women that I'm looking forward to don't make this elitist list.
Richard wrote: "Liam wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Don't men write books anymore?"We do we just get ignored because it's not PC or trendy to talk about male authors." I've been wondering the same thing for some time! ..."
Richard are you a Gregory Maguire fan? Not important just curious.
Ann wrote: "Richard wrote: "Liam wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Don't men write books anymore?"We do we just get ignored because it's not PC or trendy to talk about male authors." I've been wondering the same thing..."
Afraid I'm not familiar with the name. (This is in response to a question asked, God knows where it will wind up since this whole thing looks like its fouled up!)
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
Oh, the book does sound interesting!
Thanks!
Richard wrote: "But, even the ones by women that I'm looking forward to don't make this elitist list.."
Oh come on, you can't think a list that features Stephenie Meyers latest book is elitist!
I am seeking any authors recommendations for Newbery books ... 5th grade and up ...
Must be from an author in order to complete my library's "Bookopoly" game ..
Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
"You people?" Readers are readers and love good stories. Offer your suggestions freely and without judgement.
Vicki wrote: "Liam wrote: "People From my Neighbourhood - Hiromi Kawakami. But you people don't like Japanese authors."
"You people?" Readers are readers and love good stories. Offer your suggestions freely an..."
I dont know any Japanese authors
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But you people don't like Japanese authors.