20 New Books to Look Forward to in the New Year

Neon in Daylight by Hermione Hoby

Hermione Hoby’s first novel is the dazzling story of a shy UK expat who decides to live in New York City. There, she becomes obsessed with her two new oddball friends and gazes into the garish lifestyles of those around her. (January 9)

When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors

Co-founder of the black lives matter movement, Patrisse Khan-Cullors reflects on the change she has helped create in this important reflection on humanity and justice. Hear Patrisse speak on January 16th at the Schomburg Center in partnership with the Strand. (January 16)

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden: Stories by Denis Johnson

This long-awaited last great work by Denis Johnson was finished just shortly before his death. A haunting and witty collection, Largesse of the Sea Maiden contains five stories told in first-person that explore death and the mysteries of the universe. Reflect on these great stories with Alexander Chee, Min Jin Lee and Deborah Treisman at Strand on January 17th. (January 16)

It Occurs to Me That I Am America by Joyce Carol Oates, Michael Connelly, Neil Gaiman, and Richard Russo

Making a debut in time for the one year anniversary of number 45’s inauguration, over 30 authors elaborate on fundamental ideals of a free, just, and compassionate democracy — through fiction. Introduced by Viet Thanh Nguyen , this anthology includes Joyce Carol Oates, Neil Gaiman, Lee Child, Mary Higgins Clark and many more. Meet contributors Lee Child, James Hannaham, Susan Minot, Angela Flournoy, Michael Cunningham, Eric Fischl and Jonathan Santlofer at the Strand on January 16th. (January 16)

Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi

Protagonist Hadi creates a corpse from body parts found in a semi-demolished Baghdad with the intent of getting a proper burial for the victims. However, the body goes on a murderous rampage to seek revenge and quench his craving for human flesh. (January 23)

BRAVE by Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan was listed in Time Magazine’s Person of the Year issue as a silence breaker for her bravery in coming forward about her experience with sexual abuse. Her revealing memoir pulls back the curtain on hyper-sexualization in Hollywood and what it was like to have her entire personal life exposed in the media. (January 30)

The Healing Self by Deepak Chopra

Internationally known public speaker and alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra joins forces with Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi for this revealing new book. The authors lead you through taking charge of your health in revolutionary ways. Join the Strand on January 30th for special event with Deepak Chapra. (January 30)

This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins

Morgan Jerkins weaves the personal with the public and political in compelling, challenging ways to demonstrate the challenges of being a black woman today. She does so in a way that doesn’t seek to placate her race and gender, but is nuanced so smartly that it is a must read for everyone. (January 30)

Still Me by JoJo Moyes

In Still Me, the beloved heroine Louisa Clark from Me Before You and After You confidently takes on a new life in New York while keeping the romance alive long-distance with Ambulance Sam. Quite suddenly, she finds herself elbow to elbow with New York’s elite, and the old and new start to collide. (January 30)

Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith has proven she is as strong of an essayist as she is a fiction writer, writing pieces for The New Yorker and now releasing her latest work. Smith stuns once again with this collection of previously unpublished essays that discuss social media, public spaces, global issues, and more. (February 6)

Sadness Is a White Bird by Moriel Rothman-Zecher

This heart-wrenching debut focuses on the life of Jonathan, a soon-to-be Israeli soldier who befriends two Palestinian siblings. The three are inseparable, sharing adventures and laughs that bring them closer. This friendship only makes Jonathan’s impending draft date all the more nerve-wracking, as he has been appointed to oversee occupied Palestinian territory. (February 13)

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

Zarin is the girl that everyone talks about behind her back, but when she and Porus are found dead in a car accident, everyone begins to question what they thought they knew. Tackling the complicated issues of race, identity, class, and religion, this debut paints a portrait of teenage ambition, angst, and alienation that feels both inventive and universal. (February 27)

She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History by Chelsea Clinton

Following the recent hit and New York Times bestseller She Persisted, Chelsea Clinton is back to extend the knowledge of strong and determined women worldwide. This delightful collection, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger, is a wonderful addition to the bookshelf for the mini-feminist in your life. (March 6)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Tomi Adeyemi has us so excited for the first book in the fantasy world of Orïsha. In it, we meet Zélie Adebola, who can remember a world in her childhood where magic thrived, and her mother was a great maji. When a new regime unjustly annihilates all magic and kills her mother, she is lost. Zélie has the chance to bring magic back, but can she do it under the reign of an evil prince with her own unpredictable magic thriving in her veins? (March 6)

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer

From the author of The Interestings comes a new novel about an unlikely friendship between a college freshman named Greer and an older woman heavily involved in the women’s movement. Her newfound friendship leads to brand new opportunities for Greer, but it also makes her question her relationship with her boyfriend because it may be at odds with the future she dreams up for herself. (April 3)

Heads of the Colored People: Stories by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

This is a wonderful collection of stories by newcomer Nafissa Thompson-Spires focuses on the concept of black identity in our current era. Giving a fresh voice to the contemporary literary canon, the author shares poignant and darkly humorous stories. (April 10)

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee

Masterful novelist Alexander Chee shares his first collection of essays that relay his lessons and struggles in life. From his views on politics to his identity in American society, to his heartbreaking life experiences, Chee does not hold back. This nonfiction work dazzles as it explores one man’s education and his life in art. (April 17)

Creative Quest by Questlove

Questlove is the iconic co-founder of The Roots, currently most well-known as the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. His unique musical sound and successful career as a musician across TV and Film has ran over into the work of books. Questlove shares the lessons he’s learned for finding creativity and how to pursue it. (April 24)

Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture edited by Roxane Gay

Edited and introduced by beloved author Roxane Gay, this anthology of personal accounts attest to the very real culture of rape and harrasment, and the unbelievable norm of second-guessing victims. Contributors include Ally Sheedy, Gabrielle Union, Amy Jo Burns, Lyz Lenz , Claire Schwartz and Bob Shacochis. (May 1)

Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

This important story chronicles one teen’s journey from loss to resistance as he copes with his father’s unjust murder at the hands of an Oakland police officer. Moss Jefferies suffers from anxiety after his father’s untimely death and the media’s portrayal of his dad after. To make matters worse, Moss and his friends are constantly treated like criminals and subject to random checks. Despite the fear he faces, Moss finds a way to organize and resist. (May 22)

Honorable Mentions

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin, January 9
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, January 16
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, February 6
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi, February 13
What Are We Doing Here: Essays by Marilynne Robinson, February 20
The Elizas by Sara Shepard, April 17
The Destiny Thief: Essays on Writing, Writers and Life by Richard Russo, May 8
Florida by Lauren Groff, June 5
The Winds of Winter by George R.R. Martin (fingers crossed!)

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