Book List

16 Best Books for June

FICTION

LORNA MOTT COMES HOME

by Diane Johnson

Doing what she does best, Johnson shows us why she's been compared to writers like Henry James, Jane Austen, and Voltaire. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

FILTHY ANIMALS

by Brandon Taylor

Taylor tackles a variety of taboos and articulates the comfortless sides of the soul, and it's thrilling to watch. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE GREAT MISTAKE

by Jonathan Lee

A highly satisfying mix of mystery and character portrait, revealing the constrained heart beneath the public carapace. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

THRILLER & SUSPENSE

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL

by Zakiya Dalila Harris

A biting social satire–cum-thriller; dark, playful, and brimming with life. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

LAST BEST HOPE

by George Packer

A thought-provoking study in civics, history, and the decline and fall of self-government. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE SECOND

by Carol Anderson

An urgent, novel interpretation of a foundational freedom that, the author makes clear, is a freedom only for some. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE PLAGUE YEAR

by Lawrence Wright

Maddening and sobering—as comprehensive an account of the first year of the pandemic as we’ve yet seen. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

HOW THE WORD IS PASSED

by Clint Smith III

A brilliant, vital work about “a crime that is still unfolding.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

MY CONTRARY MARY

by Cynthia Hand & Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

Fast-paced, well-plotted, frequently hilarious—as delicious as the finest French pastry. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

ALL OUR HIDDEN GIFTS

by Caroline O'Donoghue

An immersive tale of brave, vulnerable teens facing threats both real and fantastic. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DANCING

by Nicola Yoon

A remarkable, irresistible love story that will linger long after readers turn the final page. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

FARAWAY THINGS

by Dave Eggers ; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

An evocative picture-book bildungsroman with equally atmospheric illustrations. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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