Escape can be found in many forms, but my favourite by far comes courtesy of a book. Stories do it all: They offer comfort, humour, validation and magic. They make people feel seen and help us understand one another more deeply. This is why books are powerful enough to be deemed dangerous by those who fear change—and it’s why authors need our support. These 15 books include stories about marginalized people, rich historical fantasy (a rapidly growing sub-genre), classic fast-paced thrillers, lush literary debuts and tales of desire, friendship and connection.
Millie Cousins, a Black senior resident assistant at a college in Arkansas, becomes entangled with an alluring visiting professor. Reid’s follow-up to Such a Fun Age explores academia, privilege and how desire can lead to bad decisions, no matter how smart you are. (Out now)
Florist Ricki flees her wealthy Atlanta family for New York City and meets Ezra, a soulful jazz musician with mysterious longstanding ties to their Harlem neighbourhood. A dreamy time-travel romance rich with historical details about the Harlem Renaissance. (Out now)
Imagine you could change your life whenever you wanted until you found the perfect fit. Unmarried Lauren’s London attic is producing husbands, and while she should be thrilled, the endless choice is confusing. A quirky and charming genre mash-up. (Out now)
After arriving in California from India, the Shahs work hard to build a beautiful life. Then their 12-year-old son is arrested, and any feeling of belonging in America evaporates. A timely read that will leave you with lots to think about. (Out now)
An addictive thriller set on an idyllic Greek island, the home of Lana Farrar, a reclusive yet still-famous movie star. When a windstorm cuts her and her so-called friends off from the mainland, secrets spill and someone ends up dead. (Out now)
A heartfelt romance about grief and healing. Helen Zhang’s bestselling books are being adapted for television, and she’s wrangled a spot in the writers’ room, which is run by a man with whom she shares a tragic and still-raw secret. (Out now)
Bardugo’s latest historical fantasy is set during the Spanish Inquisition. A noblewoman who is nearing ruin exploits her young kitchen maid’s talent for magic to please her former peers. When the games turn political, the girl must use all her skills to survive. (Out now)
Lucy visits P.E.I. every summer to reset, relax and (inevitably) hook up with Felix—no strings attached. There's only one catch: He's her best friend's little brother, and Lucy can't bring herself to tell Bridget what's going on. A beachy, sexy romance-slash-friendship novel with personality—and a happy ending. (May 7)
Read an exclusive excerpt of This Summer Will Be Different.
In the 1960s, 15-year-old Daisy has been raised to follow the strict Mormon rules of her community—but then she flees a forced marriage. Years later, she returns to help an old friend, but will she be able to escape twice? (Out now)
While she’s able to conceal it at work and on dates with random women, Enid can’t always tell the difference between reality and her imagination. When she thinks she’s being followed, her paranoia triggers a warm-hearted journey of self-realization. (Out now)
When straitlaced Stella’s aloof mother dies, she leaves a note that says “Go to Paris”—and Stella decides to listen. Reichl, the former editor of Gourmet and a bestselling author of food memoirs, writes a whimsical novel about self-discovery at any age. (Apr. 23)
Millicent is a young reporter who’s new to Whitehorse when she meets Pascal, an eccentric older man—but their heady affair turns toxic. As the sun returns to the North, Millicent must decide how to extricate herself from his dangerous charms. (Out now)
Culinary legend Maren Winter struggles to open a new restaurant that her daughters worry will tarnish their legacy forever. An emotional family drama about three sisters and their cold and often cruel mother (Out now)
Kenetria’s career was derailed after a diagnosis of dissociative personality disorder, so she’s grateful to have finally found a new job as the caretaker for a historic estate. When a group of strangers arrive, however, Kenetria and her personalities must survive a killer. (Out now)
A tightly plotted whodunit about a small town’s sad secrets. A down-on-her-luck Toronto journalist chases the truth when a legendary theatre actor is murdered onstage—and everyone has a motive. (Out now)
Want more book recommendations? Here‘s our summer 2024 reading list.
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Alicia Cox Thomson has worked for 20 years as an editor, writer and content producer for some of Canada's biggest lifestyle brands. Today, she writes about culture, business and the arts for Chatelaine, the Globe and Mail and more. She also speaks about books as a columnist for CBC Radio's The Next Chapter.