From sweeping literary adventures to gripping psychological suspense and deeply personal cultural exploration, these five new releases showcase the powerful ways stories help us understand identity, relationships and belonging. Spanning fantasy, contemporary fiction, thriller and nonfiction, each book offers a unique lens on the choices that shape our lives and the connections that define us. Whether you’re looking for an immersive escape or a thought-provoking read, these titles deliver unforgettable journeys across worlds, families, friendships and the meaning of home.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
A rich fantasy journey about the power of stories is presented by best-selling author Kate Quinn. Foster care and working several jobs have hardened Alexandria “Alix” Watson, who seeks comfort in books at the Boston Public Library. Her life changes when she learns about the secret Astral Library, where readers can enter their favorite books. Alix must travel through literary worlds under the guidance of an enigmatic Librarian to defend the Library and her hope for the future from a perilous foe endangering the enchanted haven.
Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis
Lily Webb’s future is ruined in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, when her loyal quarterback lover takes a mistake that destroys them both. Lily eventually establishes a stable life with Marshall, a committed ornithologist, despite already grieving the loss of her mother and her sister Jane’s battles with addiction. When her first love reappears years later, Lily is forced to face up to unsolved issues and unpleasant memories. In this poignant tale of love, grief, forgiveness and healing, she is forced to choose between renewed desire and long-lasting security as the past and present collide.
So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder
The lives of six college buddies are chronicled across twenty years and five memorable parties in Grant Ginder’s incisive and poignant novel. Though time and change put their friendship to the test, Marco, Mia, Sasha, Theo, Richie and Adam think it can withstand jobs, marriages, moves and parenthood. Their relationships change in surprising ways as they go from wild city parties to milestone celebrations. This generational tale, which is both funny and moving, examines friendship, love, death and how aging changes who we are and what we cling to.
Adrift by Will Dean
Will Dean, a master of suspense, writes a terrifying psychological thriller about a family that is falling apart due to ambition and loneliness. In search of a new beginning, aspiring authors Peggy and Drew relocate to a secluded canal boat with their teenage son. However, Drew’s bitterness grows as Peggy’s literary career takes off, further isolating the family from society. Devastating outcomes arise when underlying trauma and poisonous behaviors come to the surface as a result of Drew’s increasing manipulation. Adrift is a gripping, character-driven examination of control, marriage and the lengths people will go to in order to keep their family together.
Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth by Daisy Hernández
In this potent synthesis of history, cultural critique and personal, Daisy Hernández explores the complex meaning of American citizenship. Using the immigration narratives of her family—her father was a Cuban political refugee, and her mother was Colombian—Hernández questions the reality and myths forming national identity. She provides a profoundly intimate and pressing analysis of inclusion and exclusion by examining the laws, language and cultural attitudes that define membership. Citizenship is a bold, provocative investigation of what it really means to be an American.
