The beginning of spring doesn’t only mean the arrival of green trees and more sunlight; it also means there’s a whole new set of books to pique your interest. Of the eight books that follow, one is sure to grab your attention.
1. For the mystery reader: “The Match” by Harlan Coben (available on March 15)
The new thriller from Harlan Coben, creator of the Netflix series “Stay Close,” follows a protagonist named Wilde as he learns about his history and uncovers the secrets of his genetic makeup. Wilde has spent years living in the woods, detailed in Coben’s novel, “The Boy from the Woods.” Here, Wilde decides to send a DNA sample to a genealogy website to find out information about his long-lost family. As Wilde finds answers to his questions, many more arise in this gripping tale from the acclaimed suspense writer.
2. For the history reader: “Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine” by Olivia Campbell (available on March 15)
This book describes the inspiring story of three women from the Victorian era who rebelled against social expectations and revolutionized the medical field by becoming the first female doctors. Elizabeth Blackwell, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Sophia Jex-Blake fought for better medical care for women, who often died young in the early 1800s due to avoidance of painful examinations from male doctors or stigma surrounding the illness. Campbell’s book details the complete history of these women, including rich research and archival documents, and shares their incredible journey earning medical degrees against many obstacles and describes how they helped to irrevocably shape the medical landscape.
3. For the #BookTok reader: “The War of Two Queens” by Jennifer L. Armentrout (available on May 24)
Continuing a popular series, Armentrout follows her fantasy-romance “Blood and Ash” books with this next installment. In a complicated world of vampire and werewolf variations and ancient gods, the protagonist and former Maiden, Poppy, sets out to free her husband and king of Atlantia, Casteel Da’neer, and fight against the Blood Queen in this epic novel. Poppy must convince the Atlantians to go to war under her command, protect her loved ones and the future peace of the two kingdoms, and undergo drastic transformations herself to survive and destroy the Blood Queen and the ancient forces that have awakened. Armentrout continues her romantic and lush series with more impressive world-building, sizzling chemistry and crackling wit as readers embark on yet another adventure with Poppy.
4. For the romance reader: “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry (available on May 3)
Fans of Emily Henry’s popular books, “People We Meet on Vacation” and “Beach Read,” will undoubtedly enjoy her charming new romance novel about characters who adore books. “Book Lovers” follows literary agent Nora Stephens, who at the behest of her sister unintentionally spends the summer with her rival, book editor Charlie Lastra, who has decided to spend his summer vacation in the same North Carolina hamlet. Only trouble and romance can ensue in equal measure for the enemies with a shared passion for literature. As Nora tries to become the heroine of her own story, she learns more than she bargained for about herself, love and books during an unforgettable summer in Sunshine Falls. Readers will become even more voracious book lovers after finishing Henry’s tender, witty and heartfelt book.
5. For the memoir reader: “Still Just a Geek” by Wil Wheaton (available on April 12)
Child actor and star Wil Wheaton, of “Stand by Me” and “Star Trek” fame, annotates his collection of 2004 blog posts in this electric memoir. Wheaton opens up about his struggle with depression and how it impacted his career, his relationship with his family, and the true purpose he discovered: his passion for writing. In this book, Wheaton writes comments on his old posts and includes brand new material that will surely inspire fans, writers and readers alike and remind them that looking at the past with fresh eyes can be an excellent way to get to know yourself better.
6. For the nature reader: “The Life and Death of a Minke Whale in the Amazon: Dispatches from the Brazilian Rainforest” by Fábio Zuker (available May 10)
In a series of essays, journalist Fábio Zuker shares remarkable interviews and tells stories about the indigenous peoples of Brazil in the home of a lost minke whale that garnered a lot of attention in the early 2000s. Zuker explores the subjects of deforestation, capitalism, and the concept of ancestral land while including real human stories that captivate and inspire, especially for anyone who loves reading about the majesties of nature and the many ways people, animals and the Earth will forever be intertwined.
7. For the young adult reader: “Forging Silver into Stars” by Brigid Kemmerer (available on May 3)
Young adults or fans of the popular “Cursebreaker” series will love this lively and daring novel, which expands the fantasy world that Kemmerer established in her previous series and provides the perfect young adult recommendation for something fun, flirty and adventurous. In a world where magic remains outlawed, best friends Jax and Callyn must learn to navigate dangerous waters as magic seeps into the fabric of their lives and threatens their most profound bonds.
8. For the drama reader: “Summer at the Cape” by RaeAnne Thayne (available on April 12)
This novel uplifts the spirit with the story of Cami Porter, older sibling to identical twins Violet and Lily. Cami spent her life feeling like an outsider and the odd-sister-out until one of the twins, Lily, drowned saving a child. Cami returns home to help her family and sister Violet handle their grief and adjust to life after tragedy, and as she begins to know the girl Lily died saving, an old flame makes an appearance in Cami’s life. In this novel, Thayne weaves a tale full of joy and wisdom that any reader who loves family drama, romance and beautiful storytelling will surely devour.
