7 Books and 1 series to Look for this June

This month sees the launch of a new series of books by a name that seems to be on the cover of more books than you can count: James Patterson. June sees the launch of a new series by Patterson called Bookshots. The books are short, high action titles that are aimed at people who aren’t regular readers, those whom a New York Times article noted have abandoned reading for television, video games, movies and social media.” His website for the books asks “What if someone wrote novels without any of the boring parts?” The first titles are released on June 7th —Cross Kill (set in the world of Patterson character Alex Cross) and Zoo 2 (which follows Patterson’s early novel Zoo).

If you follow these monthly posts, I guessing that, like me, you’re reading lots of novels “boring parts” and all. Below are some new ones that I’m excited about this month. These books aren’t trying to speed you through them, but in the spirit of Patterson’s new publishing initiative, I’ll keep the descriptions short and sweet. (If you want to know more, click on the link to go to the library catalogue.)

For the Love of Mary by Christopher Meades (June 1st): Laugh-out-loud novel of teenage love, angst and small-town church politics.Author Christopher Meades is from Vancouver.

Barkskins by Annie Proulx (June 14th): Fans of the Shipping News take note. Set over 300 years and beginning in New France Barkskins weaves a story “about the taking down of the world’s forests.”

I’m Just a Person by Tig Notaro (June 14): A very funny lady starts a comedy set with a very unfunny personal revelation and the video of the performance goes viral. Four years later, this book puts it all in perspective (and keeps you laughing).

Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov: World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond by Larry Loftis (June 14): Sometimes the title tells you everything you need to know.

The Girls by Emma Cline (June 14th): Lots of hype and big  print run for this first novel. Press coverage everywhere from The New York to Vogue: even Stephen King tweeted he loved it.

All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda (June 28th): Everyone is reading chick noir these days. Here’s the latest that compares itself to The Girl on the train.

Chronicle of a Last Summer by Yasmine El Rashidi (June 28th): “A young Egyptian woman recounts her personal and political coming of age in this brilliant debut novel.” Last year I was gripped with the lives of Elena Ferrante’s women of Naples: perhaps this year I’ll shift my reading to Cairo.