And now it’s July. Most of the time, when we assemble these lists, there are one or two themes that stand out across the books selected. This time out, it’s a little more of a grab bag: a little experimental fiction here, a little translated comics there. Still, we’re very enthusiastic about what the month has in store, including new books from some longtime favorites — and a few Sunday Stories alumni.
In our morning reading: a literary award for John Edgar Wideman, interview with Nicole Dennis-Benn and Kathleen Alcott, and more.
In our morning reading: Laura van den Berg on Sarah Gerard’s latest, a look at how the independent film world has evolved, and much more.
In our afternoon reading: talking comics with Margaret Atwood, new writing from Jim Ruland, interviews with Kathleen Alcott and Warren Ellis, and more.
In our afternoon reading: new writing from Daniel Saldaña París and Kathleen Alcott, Jason Diamond on The Empty Bottle, and more.
In our afternoon reading: interviews with Rachel B. Glaser and Stephen King, fiction from Sasha Fletcher, an excerpt from Victor LaValle’s new novella, and more.
In our afternoon reading: a discussion of the writings of Lucia Berlin, a look at Joan Didion’s political evolution, an interview with Adam Johnson, and more.
Looking at the books due out this month, one can find an impressive array of styles, genres, and aesthetics on display. Do you like incisive essays about American society and culture? How about well-received debut fiction, or collections spanning decades of work? Regardless of what you’re seeking, August holds an abundance of literary riches. Here are some of the books due out this month that we’re most excited about.