Book List

20 Best Books To Read in June

FICTION

PARADE

by Rachel Cusk

Short and intense, crammed with desperately human characters and much food for thought. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

MALAS

by Marcela Fuentes

A vibrant portrait of two strong women and their mixed feelings about home. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SWAN SONG

by Elin Hilderbrand

Though Hilderbrand threatens to kill all our darlings with this last laugh, her acknowledgments say it’s just “for now.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SANDWICH

by Catherine Newman

A moving, hilarious reminder that parenthood, just like life, means constant change. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY

by Chigozie Obioma

A top-tier war novel, inventive and cleareyed about the consequences of violence. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BEAR

by Julia Phillips

A bold and brilliant modern fable of sisterhood, class, and our relationship to the natural world. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

HOMBRECITO

by Santiago Jose Sanchez

Heart-wrenching in its realism, this novel captures the recklessness of young lust and the enduring pain of familial love. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

ONE OF OUR KIND

by Nicola Yoon

A bracing tale of the perils of groupthink and willful ignorance. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

HIP-HOP IS HISTORY

by Questlove with Ben Greenman

Questlove’s instincts as a superfan and artist take this history beyond the hype to something very special. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

WHEN THE CLOCK BROKE

by John Ganz

A significant, provocative work that joins an ugly past to an uglier present in American democracy’s continued decline. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ORIGIN STORY

by Howard Markel

Darwin’s two iconic years rendered masterfully by a highly knowledgeable chronicler. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB

by Griffin Dunne

A poignant love letter and evidence that through it all, genuine love is the backbone that keeps a family strong. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 277 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: the 200 best children’s and 100 best nonfiction books of 2024, Holiday Gift Guide, author interviews, and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview