Reading Material: The 2019 Releases We’re Itching To Read

Of all the things you could possibly do in your spare time (catch up on laundry, shave your legs, rewatch the chili episode of The Office), nothing beats sitting back and taking in a really good book. Whether it’s discovering a new author or delving into the words from an old favorite, with so many new titles on the horizon, the perfect read is surely in your near future. Choosing the right one is another story. So much boils down to synopses, word of mouth, or even a clever book cover. A roundup of all shapes and sizes in every genre, our list of 2019 releases is a mix of all the above. Some highly anticipated, and others coming in just under the radar, but each of them worthy of a weekend well spent, nose deep.

READING MATERIAL

Elaine Welteroth More Than Enough

"Teen Vogue’s former Editor-In-Chief, Elaine Welteroth, is the latest celebrity to jump on the memoir bandwagon. The highly anticipated More Than Enough follows the newly minted Project Runway judge’s rise to success and all the lessons along the way. Forwarded by the acclaimed filmmaker Ava Duvernay, this book is on the road to becoming the next bestseller."

Elaine Welteroth , $17

Helen Oyeyemi Ginger Bread

"This fantastical book, as written by award-winning author Helen Oyeyemi, is a fairytale set against the theme of friends, family, and womanhood. Written in almost lyrical prose, Gingerbread pulls you in with every turn of the page."

Helen Oyeyemi , $16

Elizabeth Gilbert City Of Girls

"Set over the span of 76 years, City of Girls by famed author of bestseller Eat, Pray, Love, tells the charming story of Vivian Morris as she looks back over her life and recounts her journey to discover the person she was always meant to become."

Elizabeth Gilbert , $19

Margaret Atwood The Testaments

"One of the most anticipated books of the year also happens to be the counterpart of the eponymous novel-turned-series The Handmaid’s Tale by celebrated author Margaret Atwood. The Testaments, coming after a fifteen-year hiatus, finally (we hope) tells us what happens to Offred. Its release date is set for September."

Margaret Atwood , $19

Samantha Downing My Lovely Wife

"Samantha Downing’s My Lovely Wife has been described as Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets Dexter — how could anyone not be sold? Released last month, MLW tells the story of a husband and wife’s unconventional way to nurture their relationship. This comes in the form of daily meals together, movie nights, putting away their phones, and the occasional murder. "

Samantha Downing , $17

Neil Gaiman American Gods Volume II: My Ainsel

"Following the success of its predecessor, American God’s Volume 2: My Ainsel, written by Neil Gaiman continues the quest of Shadow and Mr. Wednesday to form alliances for the upcoming clash of the gods. The book is set to be released later this month."

Neil Gaiman , $20

Glendy Vanderah Where The Forest Meets The Stars

"Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah tells the unique story of a little girl who shows up at the home of a stranger claiming to be an alien à la The Martian Child. The book has a few emotional and stereotypical hiccups, but is definitely worth the read."

Glendy Vanderah , $10

Fatimah Asghar If They Come For Us

"If They Come for Us is the achingly beautiful collection of poetry written by Fatima Asghar that captures her experiences of being a young Pakistani Muslim in America."

Fatimah Asghar , $11

Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & The Six

"Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid explores the heady life of a fictional rock band and all the things that '70s rock and roll encompasses. Although the book only debuted last month, it has garnered substantial buzz, including that of Reese Witherspoon, leading fans to wonder if a movie may be in its future."

Taylor Jenkins Reid , $18

Oyinkan Braithwaite My Sister, The Serial Killer

"Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister, the Serial Killer tells the compelling story of two sisters. One’s an unrepentant serial killer and the other’s a straitlaced nurse who does everything in her power to cover for her. It’s a witty, fun read that’s hard to put down."

Oyinkan Braithwaite , $16

Alex Michaelides The Silent Patient

"The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller surrounding a woman with a picture-perfect marriage who suddenly kills her famous photographer husband and refuses to utter a word afterward. The story unfolds after an obsessed therapist is finally allowed to work the case, leading him down a maddening path to uncover the truth."

Alex Michaelides , $14

Greer Hendricks An Anonymous Girl

"An Anonymous Girl is a psychological novel by the bestselling authors of The Wife Between Us. Following student Jessica Farris after she signs up to be a part of a study on ethics and morality, the story begins to blur the lines on what’s a part of the study and what’s not."

Greer Hendricks , $17

Jen Beagin Vacuum In The Dark

"Jen Beagin’s Vacuum in the Dark — part hilarious, part cringey — is the follow-up to the author’s hit debut novel Pretend I’m Dead. Following adrift house cleaner Mona and her inability to make wise decisions, the book is as frustrating as it is edgy."

Jen Beagin , $17

Samira Ahmed Internment

"Next on the list is Samira Ahmed’s Internment. Although Samira has stated this isn't a dystopian novel — possibly given its present-day timeline — a world where Muslim Americans are placed in internment camps isn’t a world I would want to think of as possible. With 17-year-old Layla Amin as our protagonist the book, although heartbreaking, seamlessly pulls you into a reality that makes you realize why fighting for everyone’s civil liberties is so important."

Samira Ahmed , $11

Chloe Benjamin The Immortalists

"The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin seemingly answers what would happen if you knew the date of your death. Following the different paths a group of adolescents take after seeking out a psychic, this is a story of destiny, free will, and the power of words."

Chloe Benjamin , $12

Nora McInerny No Happy Endings

"Terrible, Thanks for Asking podcast host Nora McInerny’s new novel No Happy Endings reminds us of the chaotic, hilarious, and relatable moments we experience in life. Dealing with love and loss, Nora draws you in with her comedic voice and unwavering realism."

Nora McInerny , $18