Blog Post

Explore These New Books on Fable in July

Alex PoseyJul 16 2024

We celebrate new books every Tuesday on Fable.

New books released in July 2024

Happy new releases Tuesday! This month, we’re excited to read the latest books by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Laura van den Berg, Anton Hur, Kevin Berry, as well as several exciting debuts. Let us know in the comments what you’re reading this week!

“Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

In "Long Island Compromise," New York Times bestselling author Taffy Brodesser-Akner delivers a darkly funny and poignant saga of the Fletcher family. When a 1980 kidnapping shatters their suburban paradise, the repercussions echo through generations. This exhilarating novel expertly blends sharp wit with profound insights, exploring wealth, trauma, and the complexities of family bonds against the backdrop of American Jewish life. Brodesser-Akner's keen eye for social satire and deep understanding of human nature make this an unforgettable, must-read tale of survival, ambition, and the unspoken love that ties a family together.

“The Coin” by Yasmin Zaher

In "The Coin," debut author Yasmin Zaher crafts a bold and provocative tale of a wealthy Palestinian woman navigating life in New York City. This enthralling novel follows its narrator as she grapples with her identity, inheritance, and the complexities of belonging. From her unorthodox teaching methods at an underprivileged school to her involvement in a Birkin bag reselling scheme, Zaher's protagonist defies expectations at every turn. With sensory prose and wry humor, "The Coin" explores themes of cultural displacement, obsession, and self-discovery, culminating in an unforgettable denouement. A daring and thought-provoking read that announces the arrival of a compelling new literary voice.

“Grown Women” by Sarai Johnson

In her stunning debut novel, Sarai Johnson weaves a powerful tale of four generations of complex Black women grappling with motherhood, daughterhood, and generational trauma. "Grown Women" explores the intricate relationships between Evelyn, Charlotte, Corinna, and Camille as they navigate love, resentment, and the quest for healing. With the birth of Camille, the family sees a chance for reconciliation and redemption. Johnson's masterful, elegant prose paints a rich portrait of these women's lives, following Camille's journey from rural Tennessee to Washington, DC. This moving exploration of Black womanhood, family bonds, and self-discovery promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

“This Great Hemisphere” by Mateo Askaripour

In "This Great Hemisphere," Mateo Askaripour crafts a thrilling speculative epic. This inventive novel follows Sweetmint, a young invisible woman in a futuristic world, as she embarks on a high-stakes mission to find her brother, now the prime suspect in a political assassination. Askaripour masterfully blends elements of suspense, social commentary, and world-building, creating a narrative that's both immersive and thought-provoking. With echoes of N.K. Jemisin's captivating worldbuilding and Naomi Alderman's defiant spirit, this page-turner explores themes of identity, power, and the strength to rewrite one's own story. A must-read for fans of speculative fiction and social critique alike.

“The Dallergut Dream Department Store” by Miye Lee

In "The Dallergut Dream Department Store," bestselling author Lee unveils a whimsical world where dreams are bought and sold. This enchanting debut novel invites readers into a mysterious town hidden within our collective subconscious, where a magical department store offers an array of dreams for every desire. Through the eyes of Penny, an eager new employee, we explore this fantastical realm and its colorful cast of characters. With echoes of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," this cozy fantasy blends magical realism with heartwarming storytelling. A captivating escape for those seeking respite from everyday life, this first book in a beloved duology promises to leave readers spellbound and yearning for more.

“State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg

In "State of Paradise," Laura van den Berg crafts a mesmerizing and unsettling tale set in a small Florida town teetering on the edge of reality. This heart-racing novel follows a ghostwriter's investigation into mysterious disappearances, including her sister's brief venture into another dimension. Van den Berg masterfully blends the uncanny with the every day, weaving together sinkholes, virtual reality, and expanding belly buttons into a tapestry of surreal intrigue. With her signature style and thrilling prose, she explores the blurred lines between self, storytelling, and reality. "State of Paradise" promises to be an unforgettable, page-turning journey into the bizarre, perfect for readers who crave a brilliantly original and atmospheric literary experience.

“Toward Eternity” by Anton Hur

In "Toward Eternity," acclaimed translator Anton Hur delivers a mesmerizing speculative novel that probes the boundaries of humanity and technology. Set in a near-future world where nanotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and immortality, the story follows Yonghun, a literary researcher who creates an AI named Panit. As Yonghun mysteriously vanishes and reappears, and Panit gains an android body, the novel explores profound questions about consciousness, identity, and the nature of existence. Hur's elegant prose and thought-provoking narrative echo the works of Kazuo Ishiguro and Emily St. John Mandel, offering a haunting meditation on love, progress, and what it truly means to be human. A must-read for fans of intelligent, philosophical science fiction.

“The Heart in Winter” by Kevin Barry

In "The Heart in Winter," Kevin Barry crafts a savage yet achingly romantic tale set against the rugged backdrop of 1890s Montana. This gripping novel follows Tom Rourke, a hard-living Irish poet, and Polly Gillespie, a newly-arrived bride, as they embark on a passionate and dangerous journey across the American West. Barry's masterful prose combines lyrical beauty with raw, visceral energy, creating a narrative that is both profane and profoundly moving. With echoes of Cormac McCarthy and a distinctly Irish flair, this love story on the lam is propelled by Barry's unrivaled wit and deep understanding of the human heart. A must-read for those who crave a thrilling, unconventional romance set in the untamed American frontier.

“The Sky on Fire” by Jenn Lyons

In "The Sky on Fire," acclaimed author Jenn Lyons delivers a thrilling fantasy heist adventure that will captivate fans of “Fourth Wing.” Set in a world dominated by dragons, this standalone novel follows Anahrod, a lone survivor of the harsh Deep, as she's thrust into a daring plot to steal from a dragon's hoard. Lyons masterfully blends elements of survival, intrigue, and romance, creating a rich tapestry of high-stakes action and witty banter. With echoes of beloved dragon-centric series like "Temeraire" and "Dragonriders of Pern," this soaring tale offers a fresh take on dragon lore, political machinations, and unlikely alliances. A must-read for fantasy enthusiasts craving a perfect blend of adventure, dragons, and a touch of heat.

“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore

In this gripping mystery set in the Adirondacks, a teenager vanishes from her family's summer camp, echoing her brother's disappearance 14 years prior. Liz Moore's "The God of the Woods" weaves a complex tale of secrets and second chances, exploring the tension between the wealthy Van Laar family and the local community they employ. Critics compare it to Donna Tartt's "The Secret History," praising its immersive storytelling and riveting plot. With its layered narrative and ambitious scope, this novel promises to be a must-read summer mystery that will keep readers breathless until the very last page.

“Pink Slime” by Fernanda Trías

In this haunting US debut, award-winning Latin American author Fernanda Trías presents "Pink Slime," a dystopian tale set in a plague-ravaged city. The narrator navigates a world of poisoned air, mysterious food shortages, and deadly windstorms while clinging to her remaining relationships. As society crumbles, she faces the conflict between love, duty, and survival. This intimate, melancholic novel explores human resilience amidst environmental collapse, blending dark humor with poignant observations. A Dakota Johnson book club pick, "Pink Slime" offers a thought-provoking look at the fragility of our connections and the world we take for granted, appealing to fans of literary fiction and speculative narratives.

“The Road to the Salt Sea” by Samuel Kolawole

"The Road to the Salt Sea" is a gripping tale of survival and migration by a promising new literary voice. The story follows Able God, a Nigerian hotel worker whose life is upended after he delivers a late night room service order to a sex worker. Fleeing danger, he joins a group of migrants led by a charismatic figure, embarking on a perilous journey towards Europe. The novel vividly portrays the harsh realities of human trafficking, starvation, and the struggle for freedom. Through Able's harrowing experiences, the author explores themes of class, religion, and the pursuit of a better life. This suspenseful and illuminating narrative offers a poignant look at the global migration crisis, appealing to readers of thought-provoking literary fiction.

“The Presidents and the People” by Corey Brettschneider

This new book by Corey Brettschneider offers a compelling look at five American presidents who challenged constitutional boundaries and the citizens who resisted them. This accessible history explores how John Adams, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Woodrow Wilson, and Richard Nixon pushed presidential power to its limits, often with dire consequences for democracy and civil rights. Brettschneider highlights the crucial role of citizen movements in safeguarding democratic principles, featuring influential figures like Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells. This timely book provides valuable insights into the fragility of democracy and the power of citizen activism, appealing to readers interested in American history, politics, and constitutional law.

“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan

J. Courtney Sullivan weaves a captivating tale of secrets, ghosts, and homecoming set on Maine's coastal cliffs. Jane Flanagan, a Harvard archivist, returns to her hometown and becomes entangled in the mystery of a Victorian house she once used as a teenage refuge. Now owned by Genevieve, who believes it's haunted, Jane is hired to research the property's history. As she uncovers stories of lost lovers, artistic awakening, and colonial legacies, the novel explores themes of family, alcoholism, and the enduring connection to place. Sullivan's richly imagined narrative promises a deeply moving exploration of women's lives across generations, appealing to readers who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven fiction with a touch of the supernatural.

“Broiler” by Eli Cranor

Edgar Award-winning author Eli Cranor delivers a gritty noir thriller set in the unforgiving world of an Arkansas chicken processing plant. The story follows undocumented workers Gabriela and Edwin, whose lives collide with plant manager Luke Jackson and his wife Mimi. When Edwin is fired, his quest for revenge ignites a explosive chain of events, exposing the stark power imbalances in American society. Cranor's edge-of-your-seat narrative delves into the brutal realities of life on the margins, exploring themes of immigration, labor exploitation, and the dark underbelly of the American Dream. This taut, unflinching thriller promises to captivate readers who appreciate socially conscious crime fiction with a Southern twist.

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Editorial at Fable.