Book enthusiasts are in for a treat this year with the release of highly anticipated titles from celebrated authors and debutants. The 10 most anticipated books of the year include “Empire of Pain” by Patrick Radden Keefe delving into the Sackler family’s business practices in selling prescription painkillers, “The Committed” by Viet Thanh Nguyen examining topics of exile, identity and political ideology, and “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, a sci-fi adventure where a lone astronaut is on a mission to save Earth from disaster. Other must-read titles include “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed, “The Plot” by Jean Hanff Korelitz, and “No One Is Talking About This” by Patricia Lockwood.
The 10 Most Anticipated Books of the Year
As book lovers, we’re constantly on the lookout for new releases from our favorite authors and exciting debuts from up-and-coming writers. This year is no exception, with a wealth of highly anticipated titles set to hit bookstores and e-readers in the coming months. Here are the 10 most anticipated books of the year.
1. “Empire of Pain” by Patrick Radden Keefe
This nonfiction book delves into the history of the Sackler family, who made billions through the sale of OxyContin and other prescription painkillers. Keefe examines the family’s rise to power, their business practices, and the devastating impact of their products on countless lives.
2. “The Committed” by Viet Thanh Nguyen
The highly anticipated sequel to “The Sympathizer”, this novel follows the protagonist as he arrives in France and grapples with his identity as a spy for a communist regime. The book explores themes of exile, identity, and political ideology.
3. “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
The author behind “The Martian” returns with another sci-fi adventure following a lone astronaut on a mission to save Earth from an impending disaster. Weir’s signature humor and attention to scientific detail are on full display in this thrilling page-turner.
4. “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed
Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. In this memoir/history hybrid, Gordon-Reed reflects on growing up in Texas, the significance of the holiday, and traces the impact of slavery and its legacy in a personal and profound way.
5. “The Plot” by Jean Hanff Korelitz
This twisty thriller follows a struggling writer who steals a plot idea from a student who dies shortly afterward. As he becomes more successful, he begins to fear that he’s being stalked and that the novel’s premise may not be entirely fictional.
6. “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green
The popular YA author debuts his first nonfiction book with a collection of essays reflecting on the human impact on the planet. Green brings his trademark wit, empathy, and insightful observations to topics ranging from high school mascots to the Taco Bell breakfast menu.
7. “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Nobel Prize-winning author returns with a novel that explores the relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. The novel follows a robot named Klara as she observes the world around her and develops an understanding of human emotions.
8. “My Year Abroad” by Chang-rae Lee
This novel follows a young American man who embarks on a life-changing journey through Asia with a charismatic businessman. As he learns about new cultures and experiences exotic locales, he must grapple with the dangers and consequences of unchecked capitalism.
9. “No One Is Talking About This” by Patricia Lockwood
This debut novel from the celebrated poet and memoirist explores our lives online and the ways in which the virtual world has blurred the line between reality and performance. The book is both a reflection on the absurdity of social media culture and a poignant exploration of family and mortality.
10. “The Sanatorium” by Sarah Pearse
This chilling thriller takes place in a remote hotel-turned-sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. When a police detective arrives at the hotel for her brother’s engagement party, she discovers that the guests are being stalked by a serial killer who may have ties to the hotel’s dark past.
These 10 books are just a small glimpse into the exciting and varied landscape of contemporary literature. Whether you’re a fan of nonfiction, science fiction, thrillers, or literary fiction, there’s something on this list to capture your imagination and keep you turning pages well into the night.