New Book Releases August 2026
August's Best Books Hand-Picked Just for You
As the summer heat begins to fade (hopefully!) and we look forward to a bountiful harvest season, we’re welcoming a brand-new month, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for a roundup of this month’s best new books! Our editorial team has scoured the new release lists. We've looked at sales data, critical reviews and overall ratings to select the best new release books for your bookshelf. Whether you enjoy bestselling authors or up-and-coming voices, we have found the perfect titles for you. Check out our top six picks that appeal to many different types of book lovers, or dive deeper to see our top book recommendations hand-picked for your Reader Type.
- One of this summer's most-anticipated books, Time Travel for Beginners tells the tale of three strangers who visit the Time Travel Agency and enter a crash course toward an unexpected, interwoven destiny.
- The Amateur is a gripping, scandalous thriller set on a posh Westchester country club. When 18-year-old Mira accidentally strikes a teen caddy with a golf drive, secret lives start unraveling.
- Fans of coastal romance and magical realism may enjoy The Wild Beneath, which follows a sailor who rescues a man after a tsunami and is torn between her love on land and her otherworldly visitor, who disappears as quickly as he appeared.
- The Story of Your Life doesn't just confirm that social media has changed our lives. Kathryn Jezer-Morton argues that it determines which moments we choose to document and share.
- In Great and Unfortunate Things, Jason Arday tells the remarkable story of how he became a Cambridge professor and chair when others didn't believe he would ever read or write due to autism and developmental delays.
- Get swept away by Queen of Shadow, a sweeping fantasy and mythical romance set in the Celtic islands when gods and goddesses walked among mortals.
See our full list of August's best new releases below, including this month's top picks plus new books in each genre. If you don't have a Reader Type, it only takes a few minutes to take our quiz, and it's free!
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Beach Reader
by Meg Cabot
She doesn't believe in magic. He is magic. But when they meet, a spark is lit and neither will ever be the same — in this charming new stand-alone in the Witches of West Harbor series from New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot.
Bookworm
by Paul Yoon
A BEST BOOK OF THE SUMMER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, THE BOSTON GLOBE AND LITHUB
Beloved author and winner of The Story Prize, Paul Yoon, is back with the unforgettable story of a working dog, Etna, who, after a devastating war, embarks on an odyssey in the hopes of returning home.
Dragon Slayer
by Taylor J. Larue
A legendary thief with a dangerous secret joins forces with a cursed immortal warrior in this sweeping enemies-to-lovers romantasy. As they race to find a cure that could save his life, they'll face ruthless enemies, forbidden magic and a growing attraction that may change the fate of their world.
Galactic Guru
by Kim Bo-Young
Three years after a devastating earthquake unleashes a mysterious plague, an isolated Korean seaside village has become a nightmare of monstrous transformations and desperate survival. Blending cosmic horror with emotional depth, this haunting novella explores guilt and sacrifice when the world begins to change.
The Hobbyist
by Myquillyn Smith
Create a home that feels calm, welcoming and beautifully lived in without striving for perfection. Beloved home expert Myquillyn Smith shares simple, practical strategies for decluttering with intention, decorating thoughtfully and designing spaces that bring lasting peace through every season.
Game Day Hero
by Matthew Futterman
Drawing on unprecedented access to today's biggest tennis stars, acclaimed journalist Matthew Futterman reveals the relentless pressure, fierce ambition and personal sacrifices required to compete at the highest level, offering a compelling portrait of one of the world's most demanding sports.
Leading Lady
by Doortje Smithuijsen
A sharp, thought-provoking exploration of how modern capitalism profits from gender inequality. Blending personal experience with cultural criticism, Smithuijsen examines the pressures of beauty standards, influencer culture and the impossible expectations placed on women in work and family life. She reveals how today's "choices" are often shaped by systems designed to keep women striving, spending and second‑guessing.
Lifelong Learner
by Jill Lepore
Acclaimed historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jill Lepore examines how artificial intelligence and big tech are reshaping democracy, public discourse and everyday life. Blending history, politics and technology, she argues that today's AI-driven world isn't inevitable and explores how society can reclaim human agency before machines redefine it for us.
Maverick
by Peter Santenello
Independent journalist Peter Santenello travels beyond the headlines to explore the people and communities that make America unique. Through candid conversations and unforgettable encounters, he reveals a country that's far more nuanced, resilient and connected than its divisions might suggest.
Modern Romantic
by Clay McLeod Chapman
After surviving a near-fatal accident, Jordan's grip on reality begins to unravel until he meets the mysterious Lilith. Their instant attraction draws him into a dark world of demons, obsession and supernatural horror, where love may demand the ultimate sacrifice. Perfect for readers who crave horror with a wickedly romantic twist.
Self-Starter
by Scott M. Curran
Doing good doesn't require extraordinary resources, just a thoughtful plan. Drawing on decades of experience advising nonprofits, global brands and changemakers, Curran shares a practical framework to help you turn your time, talents and passions into meaningful, lasting impact.
Serial Reader
by Lisa Gardner
A fresh start becomes a waking nightmare when a newlywed couple moves into a secluded mountain lodge with a dark past. As decades-old secrets resurface and a chilling mystery unfolds, they must uncover the truth before history claims its next victims. Perfect for fans of atmospheric, twist-filled suspense.
Spiritual Seeker
by Roger Green
Discover the life of one of the 20th century's most influential writers through the eyes of two people who knew him personally. This definitive biography traces C.S. Lewis's journey from childhood and lost faith to literary greatness, exploring the friendships, beliefs and experiences that inspired beloved works like The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters.
Stunt Double
by Donyae Coles
A haunting blend of historical fiction and cosmic horror set in 19th-century Venice. After escaping slavery, Mercy begins a new life as a pioneering photographer, only to discover that an ancient darkness may have followed her across the sea. As sinister forces close in, she must confront the horrors of her past before they consume everyone she's come to love.
Time Traveler
by Brinda Charry
A gifted young magician leaves India in search of fame, only to find himself entangled in ambition, obsession and the hidden costs of success in 1816 Boston. Inspired by the real Indian stage magicians who toured the West, this richly imagined historical novel blends spectacle, desire and cultural intrigue into an unforgettable story of identity and reinvention.
The Trendsetter
by Tareasa Reesa Teesa Johnson
After captivating millions with her viral "Who TF Did I Marry?" TikTok series, "Reesa Teesa" Johnson shares the deeply personal story behind the headlines. With honesty, humor and hard-earned insight, she reflects on healing from betrayal, rediscovering her self-worth and finding the courage to move forward, offering an empowering reminder that rebuilding begins one piece at a time.
Woke Up Like This
by Anna Johnston
A retired Michelin-star chef has lost his passion for life until one late-night trip to the nursing home's kitchen rekindles his love of cooking. As he secretly brings comfort to fellow residents, long-buried family secrets begin to surface, forcing him and his sister to confront the past. This heartwarming novel celebrates second chances, forgiveness and finding joy in the most unexpected places.
World Traveler
by Earl Swift
From the bestselling author of Chesapeake Requiem comes a gripping blend of memoir, true crime and outdoor adventure. Revisiting the Appalachian Trail more than three decades after his first thru-hike, Earl Swift reflects on the transformative power of the wilderness while searching for answers about the unsolved murders of two fellow hikers he once knew. It's a moving exploration of risk, resilience and the moments that shape a life.
Young at Heart
by Jackie Khalilieh
When a Palestinian-Canadian teen finds herself torn between family expectations and first love, she begins a journey of self-discovery that spans her high school years. This coming-of-age novel explores identity, autism, cultural expectations and the courage it takes to choose your own path.
Cool Mom/Dad
by Beatrice Chestnut
A modern classic for anyone seeking to understand themselves and others. In this renewed edition, Chestnut offers her signature depth and clarity as she explores all nine Enneagram types and their 27 subtypes — revealing how our core patterns shape behavior, relationships and growth.
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