It's still a couple of months until Sally Rooney's Normal People is out in paperback (in case you've been holding out since last year, and if you have, you're in for a treat) and a couple of months until the big summer reads start hitting the shelves. Don't despair, there are more than enough amazing new books to see you through the next few months, from You Know You Want This by Cat Person author Kristen Roupenianto Adele by Leila Slimani.
Grazia books - 19 February
1 of 5YOU KNOW YOU WANT THIS - Kristen Roupenian (Jonathan Cape)
The first collection of stories from author of last year's viral sensation Cat Person. Looking at modern gender and power dynamics, they are often (understandably) bleak, but equally often there is sheer relief at hearing someone brilliantly articulate those itchy-scratchy 'is it just me?' irritations and neuroses. Cat Person itself is included, and is always worth a re-read, but Sardines, the story of a pre-teen girl's birthday party which goes very very dark, is another highlight. You might not love reading these stories, but you won't forget it once you have.
2 of 5ADÈLE - Leïla Slimani (Faber)
Adèle is a journalist addicted to dangerous sex with anyone but her husband. She is bored at work, unsatisfied as a mother and only feels free or at least alive during these bursts of clandestine, semi anonymous sex. It's an intriguing, almost ridiculously French read, as was her previous best-seller Lullaby - and refreshing to spend time with a protagonist with so little that is obviously likeable about her - but maybe think twice about dating someone who cites it as a favourite early on.
3 of 5TALENT - Juliet Lapidos (Borough Press)
Anna Brisker is supposed to be writing a PhD in inspiration, except she has had nothing to say for seven years now. Then she follows a stranger who borrows money off her home, and makes a discovery which might change things forever. A literary mystery with a dry sense of humour, this is a bit of a slow burn, but ultimately one which has a satisfying pay off. If you read the recent New Yorker exposé about a bestselling thriller writer leading a double life, this feels like its naughty sister companion piece.
4 of 5ON THE COME UP - Angie Thomas (Walker Books)
TheHateUGive was one of last year's most important and electrifying reads, and this follow up is just as punchy. An aspiring rapper hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons but has a viral hit on her hands nonetheless. All that is between her and poverty - and her sense of self - is her skill. With the same compelling authenticity as its predecessor, this is a young adult novel with the sort of voice not often heard loud enough. Not just a page turner but a character who'll stay with you too.
5 of 5GRACELAND - Bethan Roberts (Chatto)
Roberts is an exceptionally tender and empathetic writer, and the story of Elvis Presley and his relationship with his mother is one ripe for her skills. Shifting between Elvis' anxious, protected childhood and the time his fame has hit its peak, it manages to feel both epic and intimate. And if you're a fan of the era - or indeed Elvis - Robert's eye for detail, inspired by her mother's super-fandom, is exquisite. You don't just feel you're in the hands of an Elvis expert, but one who understands what he meant to that specific moment in US pop cultural history.