All the new reads to bookmark this June

From poignant memoirs to thrilling mysteries, the month of June promises a list of diverse literary releases. From ubiquitous themes that invite readers to find their voices through the characters, to humorous takes, and Pride specials, this list has something for everyone. Unfold the anthology for yourself!

A Person Is a Prayer by Ammar Kalia

A Person is a Prayer crafts a binding narrative around the quest for happiness through the nuanced characters of Bedi and Sushma. What begins as a hesitant agreement to seek joy and hope soon shapes up to be an evocative story as they commence their pilgrimage to the Ganges. The journey from Kenya to India and then to England is beautifully narrated over three days, engaging both the siblings and the readers in a retrospective odyssey. Delving into the ephemeral nature of life that echoes ubiquitously, the book encourages readers to pursue a life filled with hope.

Death in the Air by Ram Murali

A disgraced politician, a greedy Hollywood star, and a meditation guru are all part of the sinister underbelly that hides beneath the Samsara, a luxurious spa amidst the Himalayas. Seeking solace after a professional debacle, the protagonist, Ro Krishna finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and murder. Treading the treacherous terrain, Murali’s debut novel offers a clever and thrilling exploration of identity and deception.

The Remains of the Body by Saikat Majumdar

An evocative release for Pride Month, The Remains of the Body highlights the themes of ambition, desire, and relationships that often ensue in the immigrant diaspora. Lauded by literary luminaries for its profound portrayal of the complexities of human emotions and identity, the novel forges a universal narrative of longing and love amidst the silently raging societal norms. The depiction of the layered characters and their respective emotional landscapes is bound to resonate with anyone who wishes to commence an intimate, introspective journey.

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden

Eager to leave her past behind, Millie ecstatically commences her dream life with her family in the new suburbs, only to encounter a series of strange events and chilling warnings. A thrilling standalone instalment in the Housemaid series, the novel is packed with explosive twists and ominous neighbours, making it your obvious suspense pick this June.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

For anyone navigating the intertwined anxieties of adulthood and motherhood and trying to find their way through life, this book promises to offer sharp insights. It does so with a blend of boldness and humor. Margo Millet, the daughter of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, finds herself pregnant after a brief affair with her English professor. At twenty, she finds herself unemployed, with a child, and on the verge of eviction. Desperate to make ends meet, she decides to start an OnlyFans account as she grapples with the cost of her newfound notoriety. This audacious story explores themes of self-reliance and empowerment, but in a humorous rendition.

Cecilia by  K-Ming Chang

Cecilia presents a unique take on desires and friendships through intense obsessions. The gripping fiction iterates the story of Seven who reconnects with Cecilia, a woman she has been obsessed with since school. The author's poetic writing blends the protagonists' past and present, unravelling the corporeal ghosts of their past. The erotic, surreal tale promises to encapsulate the reader in a state of poetic realism amidst unifying experiences.

Secrets Within by Mushtaq Shiekh

Penned by acclaimed screenwriter Mushtaq Shiekh, Secrets Within delves into the clandestine affairs that lurk beneath the opulence of the elite. The tale explores the tumultuous interplay of wealth, power, and deception, exploring how the protagonist navigates that conundrum amidst the layered backdrop of high society. A perilous narrative of hidden scandals and moral complexities, this book grips its readers, prompting them to question the true cost of luxury.

Power Within: Insights from Narendra Modi’s Journey by R. Balasubramaniam

Drawing comparisons between the global leadership landscapes, the book offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life and leadership style of one of the world's most influential figures. With unparalleled access to Narendra Modi and those who work closely with him, Balasubramaniam, a former Rhodes professor at Cornell University, provides a thorough exploration of Modi's fifty-year public life. This book promises to be a vanguard for those intrigued by public service, offering a critiqued interpretation of PM Modi’s leadership practices from both the Western and Indic lens.

How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard

Eleanor, a resilient matriarch, returns to the New Hampshire farm to care for her brain-injured son, Toby. Spanning over 15 years, the novel paints a nuanced portrait of familial complexities such as parental alienation and steadfast friendships, encapsulating the characters' upheavals and insurrections. Maynard adds her signature sensitivity to the story, crafting a powerful testament to finding home amid chaos.

These Heavy Back Bones by  Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell 

A compelling memoir, These Heavy Back Bones chronicles the author's journey from her childhood in Kenya to becoming the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain. The novel explores her path through rigorous training, media scrutiny, and the challenges of being a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. An ecstatic read centring on a historic legend, this book is an inspirational read you wouldn't want to miss. 

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