At the best of times, August is a weird month. (Ask our managing editor to tell you about his childhood experience of insomnia, which could also be described as an allergy to the month in question.) When looking at books due out this month, you’ll see an unexpected assemblage of titles: surreal fiction juxtaposed with incisive sociopolitical commentary; harrowing memoir abuting existential horror. Read on for ten books we’re looking forward to this month.
In our weekend reading: a playlist from Joni Murphy, an interview with Lucy Sante, and more.
In our morning reading: exploring Cole Pulice’s ambient jazz, revisiting a novel by John Langan, and more.
In our morning reading: thoughts on books by John Langan and Gabino Iglesias, nonfiction by Elaine Castillo, and more.
In our afternoon reading: fiction by Usman T. Malik, the music of John Lurie, and more.
In our weekend reading: a playlist from Vanessa Veselka, an interview with John Langan, and more.
In our afternoon reading: Caroline Leavitt on writing, a playlist from Matthew Salesses, and more.
Apparently it’s August now. Apparently summer has turned the corner and is beginning its slow approach into autumn. Nominally these things are happening, but the passage of time has gotten a bit strange lately. Still, there are plenty of books, and that’s an excellent thing. Do you like powerful, resonant nonfiction? August has that covered. What about surreal, high-concept fiction? Also around. Here are a few of the books we’re most excited about that are due out this month.