Summer Reading Picks: Dive into New Books This July

As summer arrives, a fresh stack of books awaits to provide the perfect escape, whether your destination is a beach, a park bench, or a daily commute. Several enticing reads are hitting shelves this month, offering a diverse range of stories and perspectives.

Minnesota Authors Take Center Stage

Two highly anticipated books come from Minnesota authors, including one with a recommendation from celebrated mystery writer William Kent Krueger. Another explores the human mind in an engaging way. Here are some noteworthy titles to consider as the season heats up.

Ruben Reyes Jr., the author of “Archive of Unknown Universes,” builds upon the popular multiverse concept. The novel follows Ana, who uses a machine to view alternate lives. She then discovers other versions of herself in different realities. The story spans from California to El Salvador and Cuba, exploring love’s impact during times of war.

Thomas Maltman’s “Ashes to Ashes” offers a touch of Minnesota magical realism. This novel is set in Andwhen, Minnesota, where a mysterious event occurs after Ash Wednesday, with smudges on foreheads that will not wash off. William Kent Krueger praises it as the “best novel I’ve read this year.” The story also includes the discovery of Viking explorer remains.

Delving into the Mind and Beyond

Also on the list is “The Headache” by Tom Zeller Jr., with a glowing review from Mary Roach. This book takes a humorous and researched approach to a common ailment.

“Required reading for anyone with a head.”

—Mary Roach

Did you know that headaches affect nearly 50% of adults worldwide? (“Source: World Health Organization, 2024”)