Notable Summer 2026 Book Releases From David Sedaris, Mary H.K. Choi and More

Wondering what to read this summer? This season’s list of anticipated releases contains a story for everyone. From classic beach-ready reads to historical literary fiction and a buzzy celebrity memoir, here’s a look at the titles you’ll want to add to your list for the warm months ahead.

“The Land and Its People,” David Sedaris, out May 26

Humorist David Sedaris’ newest collection of personal essays are populated by a familiar cast of characters from his life, from husband Hugh and sister Amy Sedaris. With his trademark voice on full display, David Sedaris weaves themes of family, grief and aging through stories of chance encounters (inviting a stranger at an airport in Maine to ride along to the Upper East during a rainstorm); obsessions old and new (logging hours on his FitBit or climbing the Duolingo leaderboard), and tributes to longtime friendships.

“Land” by Maggie O’Farrell, out June 2

This past film awards season, “Hamnet” introduced new readers to author Maggie O’Farrell. For her latest novel, the Irish writer has crafted another historical family epic rooted in tragedy, this time inspired by the landscape of her home country. Set in 1865 — and the aftermath of the devastation of the Great Famine — “Land” opens with a father-and-son duo away from home, working on an Ordnance project to map the entirety of the Island. An unexpected encounter with ancient spirits leaves the young son to navigate the project’s completion, and help reunite his family.

“Transcendent: A Memoir,” Laverne Cox, out June 9

Trailblazing actress Laverne Cox is releasing her first memoir, which traces her journey from childhood trauma to history-making Emmy winner. The “Orange Is the New Black” star became the first openly trans woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy for acting, and was the first to win a daytime Emmy in 2015 for her TV-documentary “The T Word.” Cox’s book promises to offer an intimate look at her life, career and work as an activist championing LGBTQIA+ rights.

“Villa Coco,” Andrew Sean Greer, out June 9

Andrew Sean Greer, who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his satirical 2017 novel “Less” (which was followed by a sequel, “Less Is More,” in 2022) transports readers to the Italian countryside in his latest book. In “Villa Coco” a young college graduate arrives in the Tuscan hills to work as the assistant to Coco, a wealthy widowed Baronessa. He’s soon introduced to the cast of characters in Coco’s orbit — and a love affair with a married man — in this sunny coming-of-age story.

“Pool House,” Mary H. K. Choi, out June 9

YA author Mary H. K. Choi is dipping her toe into the adult fiction market with her new novel. Set in Los Angeles, “Pool House” centers on a mother-daughter relationship, exploring the challenges of motherhood, family and life on the periphery of Hollywood.

“The Shampoo Effect,” Jenny Jackson, out June 30

After releasing her anticipated debut novel “Pineapple Street” in 2024, the publishing executive — Jenny Jackson currently works as vice president and editorial director of fiction at Alfred A. Knopf — is introducing her follow-up in time for prime beach-read season. While her first book was set within a wealthy section of Brooklyn Heights, “The Shampoo Effect” brings readers to the WASP-y coastal world of Greenhead, Mass. Longtime relationships are tested after a newcomer weaves her way into a tight-knit group of childhood friends, as Jackson explores themes of motherhood, marriage and friendship on the page.