The summer of 2016 promises to be an amazing season, especially if you’re a book fan. Look to the shelves to find long-celebrated authors like Don DeLillo and J.K. Rowling, but also to witness the debut of new storytellers such as Elizabeth J. Church. Media personalities such as Bobby Bones will see summer 2016 as their emergence into the world of written word as well. This summer promises nothing short of diverse fun in all genres.
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
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For all of you Harry Potter fans, a new story in the magical world of wizards will be appearing in the form of a play co-written by J.K. Rowling and Jack Thorne. This play will combine Harry’s adult life as a member of the Ministry of Magic with the teenage struggles of his son Albus at our beloved Hogwarts. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” promises a new and exciting tale on July 31. For all of you Potterheads, getting a book on Rowling and Harry Potter’s birthday will be a dream come true. Along with this exciting return to Hogwarts, J.K. Rowling will make her screenwriting debut with the original screenplay version of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” which will be published and produced Nov. 19. Definitely worth the wait.
“The Raven King”
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Another long-awaited young adult novel is Maggie Stiefvater’s “The Raven King,” which premiered April 26 and concluded her beloved series, “Raven Cycle.” Stiefvater made a name for herself in the young adult genre with books like “Shiver” and “The Scorpio Races.” Stiefvater’s latest series combines her patented love for automobiles with Welsh mythology and Southern ghost stories. This shocking and emotionally-wrought finale to the “Raven Cycle” series will satisfy all of Stiefvater’s long-time and newfound fans alike. Will Gansey find the Welsh king? Will Blue and Gansey both be able to overcome the prophecies surrounding their shared doom? Will Ronan’s crush find a happy end? Find out soon.
“The Atomic Weight of Love”
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In another story buried in the importance of time and space, Elizabeth J. Church’s “The Atomic Weight of Love” brings elements of historical fiction together in a beautiful debut examining youth counterculture in World War II era Chicago and New Mexico. Main character Meridian Wallace looks to further her scientific career, despite the expectations of her society, in a world where change for women and minorities is about to explode onto the page. Church’s first novel will hit the shelves May 3 and is anticipated by many acclaimed authors, such as Tara Conklin and Caroline Leavitt.
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“Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely if You’re Reading This Book”
“Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book” is the stirring story of country radio star Bobby Bones, host of The Bobby Bones Show. Bones is famous for running the most popular country music show in America, but he came from humble beginnings in Arkansas. Bones regales with stories from his childhood, ranging from laughs when his grandmother taught him how to play poker, to the more sobering memories, like his mother shoplifting to keep food on the table. Bones’s poignant memoir doesn’t shy away from the trials of his struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder either. This memoir, appearing May 17, promises to be heart-warming in the best way.
“Finders Keepers”
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If you’re looking for something suspenseful and exciting, look no further than Stephen King’s most recent novel, “Finders Keepers.” King’s most recent addition to his collection of horror and thrills is the second book in his Bill Hodges trilogy and hit the shelves on March 22. It sees the obsessed-reader-haunted-writer storyline back to life and is sure to keep its readers up all night throughout this summer.
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“Zero K”
And for those of you looking for something especially serious and thought-provoking, Don DeLillo is delivering once again with his highly-anticipated novel “Zero K,” which came out May 3. A blurb released on Amazon describes everything the book encapsulates about humanity’s struggle with death and the afterlife: “We are born without choosing to be. Should we have to die in the same manner? Isn’t it a human glory to refuse to accept a certain fate?” If you’re looking for heavy subject matter to ponder on your porch, Don DeLillo’s “Zero K” is the summer book for you.
Whether it’s long-awaited YA conclusions, historical fiction or thought-provoking literary fiction, all your favorite authors old and new will deliver. Between the summer blockbusters and Netflix marathons, make sure you take an afternoon to indulge in some good reading. This summer will have it all.
