Wondering what to read now? If you’re looking for book suggestions, look no further! Here all the hot new June 2019 book releases for you. I’ll let you know what I’ve read, what I can’t wait to read, and what’s getting all the attention this month.
Welcome, summer! I’m so glad you are here.
Can I admit how much I’ve missed you? I’ve already got my summer plans all lined up. We’ve got swimming lessons, camping and a list of every park and splash pad in the area. Yet my summer agenda would not be complete without plenty of books to read.
Next week, I’m sharing my 2019 summer reading list with you, full of tons of amazing books to read this summer. But until then, let’s take a moment to drool over some June 2019 book releases.
If you happen to be looking for hot new June 2019 book releases to pack for your summer vacation, you’ve come to the right spot. This month, we’ve got plenty of nonfiction, sci fi, and contemporary fiction to keep your summer reading list overflowing.
The highlights of the month:
- Two big-name science fiction novels
- Two fun summer thrillers
- One of my favorite books of the year
- A highly anticipated book from a famous author
Have I got you interested? Then keep scrolling to see our picks for the best of the June 2019 book releases.
June 2019 Book Releases – Advance Review Copies
FKA USA
Reed King
Have you ever started reading a book only to realize you didn’t read the description very closely? That’s how I feel about Reed King’s FKA USA. In 2085, Truckee Wallace lives in the country formerly known as the USA, a land ravaged by environmental disasters and corporate greed. A typical teenage factory worker, Truckee is tapped by the President to deliver a talking goat across the continent, thus beginning a comedic road trip.Frankly, I have no idea how I missed the part about the talking goat. I try to only request ARCs for books I really want, and I missed the mark by a wide margin on this one. I blame the fact that I like sci fi, and I thought the cover was cool. Plus, Reed King is a pseudonym for some unnamed New York Times bestselling author, definitely upping the intrigue.
Save it to say, FKA USA was not for me at all, and I did not end up finishing it. But if you like the comedic style of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy mixed with a little of William Gibson’s cyberpunk and the language styling of A Clockwork Orange, maybe you’ll enjoy Reed King’s new novel. Else, if you are like my typical reader, I would strongly suggest you steer clear of this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Flatiron Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Making Space, Clutter Free
Tracy McCubbin
If you want to declutter your life but aren’t really into Marie Kondo’s method, Tracy McCubbin has a solid new approach. Aimed towards decluttering and not minimalism, McCubbin’s greatest strength lies in her analysis of the various “clutter blocks” people have that prevent them from decluttering. As a minimalist myself, I found her method and explanations solid. Plus, she describes in detail how to adapt decluttering for downsizing and divorce – two categories oft-neglected in the minimalism texts. All in all, a middle of the road book on minimalism that gave solid advice for attacking your clutter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’ll Never Tell
Catherine McKenzie
Twenty years ago, Amanda Holmes’ body was found in a rowboat at Camp Macaw. Now the McCallister siblings must figure out which of them were responsible. Each of them has lied about what happened that day. But was it out of self-preservation or in an attempt to protect a family member? A fun thriller that catches just the right insight into the complex sibling relationships. I found myself glued to the page trying to guess whodunit (which I didn’t, by the way.) The perfect murder mystery for a summer vacation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book of the Month -June 2019 Book Releases
I just joined The Book of the Month Club this year, and I’m so excited to start getting books every month. Here’s how it works – each month, they pick 5 books and you get to choose one book. If you want to add any extra books, then you get them at a discounted price. Each month is usually a mix of new releases and advance copies of unreleased books.
Join Book of the Month and get a discount on your first book!
Recursion
Blake Crouch
Taking a break from my typical women’s fiction picks, among the June 2019 book releases is Black Crouch’s new science fiction thriller which is getting plenty of buzz this month. America has fallen victim to False Memory Syndrome – a disease where victims are driven mad by memories of a life they never lived. It’s up to NYPD cop Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith to figure out how to stop this epidemic, even as reality is shifting all around them. Reviewers have mentioned they had a hard time putting this one down, so you’ll certainly want to pick up a copy before the film adaptation hits Netflix.
Ask Again, Yes
Mary Beth Keane
I know this was technically a May 2019 book release, but since it only came out last week and Book of the Month chose it among their June selections, I couldn’t resist mentioning it again. Just listen to this premise: NYPD cops Francis and Brian happen to move next door to each other in the suburbs. Though their children Kate and Peter become the best of friends, Francis and his wife have learned to keep their distance from Brian’s wife due to her precarious mental health. When tragedy strikes between the two families, Brian’s family moves away in shame. But when Kate and Peter fall in love, the two families must learn to confront the tragedy that ties them together. A story of love and forgiveness, Ask Again, Yes serves up the perfect blend of family drama and character study to win it all the stars in my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Scribner through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Nearly Normal Family
M. T. Edvardsson
Picked by Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek is M. T. Edvardsson’s new legal thriller. Pastor Sandell and his wife, a criminal defense lawyer, are shocked to find their 18-year-old daughter Stella accused of murder. Why would Stella even have a reason to know, much less murder, a shady businessman fifteen years her senior. Told from a unique three-part point-of-view structure, reviews indicate that you’ll either find this story extremely compelling or feel like you lost the suspense in the translation.
The Most Anticipated June 2019 Book Releases
City of Girls
Elizabeth Gilbert
From the author of the bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love comes one of the hottest June 2019 book releases. In 1940, Vivian Morris has just been expelled after only 1 year at Vassar. Frustrated, her parents send her to Manhattan to live with her Aunt Peg, the owner of a struggling small theater. There, Vivian dives into a world of sexuality and promiscuity where one mistake creates a scandal that follows her for years. Elizabeth Gilbert is one of the most talked-about artists right now, so we are curious to see if her new book lives up to the hype.
The Long Flight Home
Alan Hlad
What list of June 2019 book releases would be complete without at least one World War II novel? Inspired by true events, Alan Hlad tells the tale of Susan Shepherd, an English girl who loves raising homing pigeons. When Susan is recruited to help with a covert mission using homing pigeons, her world expands as she meets a handsome American pilot. After he is shot down in occupied France, she must use all her wits to communicate with him. If you love WWII historical fiction as much as I do, this one might be worth the read.
The Most Fun We Ever Had
Claire Lombardo
Claire Lombardo’s debut novel is sure to dazzle with a multi-generational look at Marilyn and David Sorenson’s family. Still madly in love after 40 years, the Sorensons seem to be an almost unachievable example of marriage to their four grown daughters. Although the lives of each daughter have turned out differently, each struggles to find love as easy as their parents, not realizing how much work their parents’ marriage has required. Being compared to Celeste Ng and Elizabeth Strout, The Most Fun We Ever Had is strong competition for the best of the June 2019 book releases.
Mrs. Everything
Jennifer Weiner
Jennifer Weiner’s sweeping novel follows the lives of two sisters as they struggle to find their own way in the world. Bethie becomes a free-spirited nomad while Jo settles into the role of a traditional American housewife. Despite their differences, each sister is searching for happiness in this ever-changing world. The world needs more stories of women becoming who they are meant to be, so this novel would be a great book to read this summer. Thus far the reviews are looking great, and we anticipate great things from this June 2019 book release.
Searching for Sylvie Lee
Jean Kwok
Let me just add in one final novel to my list of intriguing June 2019 book releases. Sylvie Lee, the successful daughter of Chinese immigrants, flies to Amsterdam for one final visit with her dying grandmother. Then, she vanishes. Determined to find her older sister, Amy sets off to retrace Sylvie’s steps. But she will find more than she is anticipating – the truth of her sister’s life and the secrets her family has been hiding. Thus far, reviews sound positive for this family saga, mentioning a thought-provoking and suspenseful plot.
Exciting New Nonfiction Picks
American Prison
Shane Bauer
In 2014, investigative journalist Shane Bauer got a job as an entry-level prison guard at a private prison in Louisiana. After four months of working there, Bauer wrote a powerful expose about his experience. Now expanded into a full-length book, Bauer researches the history of the American prisons to deepen your understanding of how unjust the whole system truly is. Filled with his own experiences, American Prison is a ringing indictment of the private prison system in America.
Naturally Tan
Tan France
Among the hottest book releases is the memoir of Tan France, star of the Netflix reboot The Queer Eye. Growing up gay in a traditional Muslim household and a predominantly white English neighborhood, France has plenty of experience standing out. Reviews of his memoir say France is witty and charming and takes a light-hearted tone throughout. Discussing his coming-of-age and evolution of fashion, Naturally Tan is the May 2019 new book release to read if you like reading about celebrity memoirs or LBGTQ+ issues … or if you just love the show.
What June 2019 Book Releases are You Most Excited to Read?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on this month? Did I miss any June 2019 book releases that you are anticipating? As always, let me know in the comments!
More New Book Releases: