What We’re Reading: Summer 2021

"I can’t wait to settle in with Maggie Shipstead’s new novel, Great Circle. She’s a wonderful novelist. I loved her previous two novels, Seating Arrangements and Astonish Me, and have been waiting a long time for a new novel from her. This one sounds ambitious, moving, and filled with adventure — the perfect immersive summer read." –Jamie Raab, President

"I can’t wait to read Joan Silber’s Secrets of Happiness. The reviews have been extraordinary, and a new book by this writer is a good read in any season, summer or winter!" –Deb Futter, Publisher and Senior Vice President

"Like most of my friends in publishing, I’m dying to get my hands on The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris! Stories about our business are always intriguing, but the positioning of this book as 'Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada' has completely piqued my interest." –Christine Mykityshyn, Senior Publicity Director

"I’m currently listening to Eddie Izzard’s memoir in audiobook. It’s an incredible experience to hear this story in her voice, recounting very serious struggles surrounding the untimely death of her mother, dealing with dyslexia, and coming out as transgender — as well as the rise to international comedy star status. Plus, there is a huge amount of bonus material ad-libbed (I assume) for the audiobook." –Jaime Noven, Senior Marketing Manager

"I’ve been waiting a long while to reread a favorite of mine, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. It’s about a pandemic that wipes out most of humanity...and about a traveling band of actors in the aftermath whose motto is 'Survival is not enough.' It’s really a tribute to humanity and art, and I’ve been waiting for some sense of normalcy to return before I jump back into that world. With summer on the horizon, it feels like it’s finally time!" –Randi Kramer, Assistant Editor

"This summer I am excited to dig into Ariadne by Jennifer Saint. I have been on quite the Greek mythology kick lately, thanks to The Maidens by Alex Michaelides and Circe by Madeline Miller, so I am looking forward to this feminist retelling of Ariadne’s story." –Lauren Dooley, Marketing Assistant

"I absolutely cannot wait for this adorable comic book/cookbook! Even though I will probably spend my summer drinking cold beverages outside, I love the idea of taking the time to learn a new culinary skill from such joyous illustrations! (And, truly, who doesn’t love dumplings any time of the year?)

Also, I am probably the last person in the world who hasn’t had a chance to read Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, but I’m so excited to tuck into this memoir! I’ve heard such incredible things about this writer." –Heather Orlando-Jerabek, Associate Publicist

"I’m on a little bit of Greek mythology kick right now, thanks to Alex Michaelides. I read The Silent Patient and am almost finished with The Maidens — I’d like to keep the theme going this summer. I’ve only heard great things about The Song of Achilles, so I’m excited to dive in!" —Audine Crosse, Publicity Assistant