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28 New Rep Picks For Summer 2019

by Kayi
Animals & Nature + Art & Photography + Fiction + Mysteries and Thrillers + Science Fiction and Fantasy + Food & Drink + Graphica + Health & Wellness + History + Humour + Kids + Picture Books + Psychology & Self-Help + Spirituality + Travel + YA Fiction / July 03, 2019

It's summer, the season of sunscreen, sandals, and longer days—for reading! We have loads of fantastic new books here at Raincoast and our reps have selected their favourites that are coming out this season.

Books for Adults
 

(1)  Honestly, We Meant Well
by Grant Ginder

“The dysfunctional Wright family is falling apart. Naturally, a month long trip together to Greece can’t possibly go wrong—right? This perfect summer read has everything you want: a Greek isle, a run-down hotel, and a cast of hilarious characters.”
—Evette Sinitichakis

(2) The Guest Book
by Sarah Blake

“Summer is the perfect time for falling in to a sweeping novel of one family’s history of love, mistakes, and betrayals. Sarah Blake takes this family story and looks at privilege, class and race in America. In her author note she references a quote from James Baldwin as an inspiration, 'People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them.' The book is already being lauded by early readers as 'stunning,' 'remarkable' and 'a true gift to the reader.'”
—Judy Parker

(3) The Electric Hotel
by Dominic Smith

“A sweeping work of historical fiction that begins in the nascent days of cinema in Paris and ends a half- century later in Hollywood, The Electric Hotel tells the story of a French silent films pioneer and a film student who interviews him about a lost masterpiece. Moving between past and present, it documents the rise and fall of a prodigious film studio and one man’s doomed obsession. By the author of highly praised and bestselling novel, The Last Painting of Sara de Vos.”
—Lorna MacDonald

(4) Ruffage
by Abra Berens

“Who amongst us isn’t trying to eat more vegetables? This book has information on how to select, store, and cook with delicious vegetables. Each recipe has variations, and gorgeous photography, and I can’t wait to dig in!”
—Ali Hewitt

(5) The Flatshare
by Beth O’Leary

“What if your soulmate was your roommate? And what if you’ve never actually met? An adorable meet  cute of a novel about two strangers-turned-roommates who live and work on opposite schedules, communicate solely through post-it notes, and fall in love.”
—Laura MacDonald

(6) Light From Other Stars
by Erika Swyler

“I loved Swyler’s first novel, The Book of Speculation, about the magic and hurt that are passed down through the generations of a family. Her newest book has that same magic and familial trauma, along with space exploration, time travel, and a young woman determined to find the limits of her own mind. It is too early to predict my favourite book of 2019?”
—Dani Farmer

(7) Healthy Habits Suck
by Dayna Lee-Baggley, PhD

“I like a book that calls it like it is: healthy habits do suck. Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia, Dayna Lee-Baggley, PhD discusses the neuroscience behind our unhealthy cravings, and uses ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) to motivate more healthy habits and lifestyle.”
—Laurie Martella

(8) Literary Paris
by Nichole Robertson

“Paris and books... what’s better than that?!”
—Saffron Beckwith

(9) The Road to Grantchester
by James Runcie

“Here is the prequel to the fan-favourite mystery series and PBS TV drama. The story follows the life, loves and losses of young Sidney Chambers in postwar London.”
—Laureen Cusack

(10) Blood Relations
by Jonathan Moore

“This is noir fiction with the tone of Chandler, the cinematic style of Hitchcock, and definitely the feel of mid-20th-century noir books and films. Add the historic styling with the elegant and inventive futuristic storyline, and it equals an original suspense novel with an unsettling look at high society’s love affair with technology.  Clever, moody, and unpredictable.”
—Karen Stacey

(11) Be, Awake, Create
by Rebekah Younger, MFA

“Combining mindfulness and creativity in a guided art journal that provides art therapy alongside mindfulness meditation techniques. It has been found that creativity can help develop resiliency, adaptability, compassion, and even leadership skills in life.”
—Morgen Young

(12) Ridgerunners
by Micky Neilson

“Ridgerunners is the beginning of a new science fiction space opera series written by the bestselling author Micky Neilson. In a solar system dominated by an oppressive regime, the Pack—a group of pirates, smugglers and outcasts—will stop at nothing to liberate their world. Neilson was one of the lead writers for Blizzard Entertainment, one of the most renowned video game studios.”
—Louis-Marc Simard

(13) Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel Quiz Book
by Lonely Planet

“With questions on everything from geography to culture to history to wildlife, this quiz book will provide hours of fun for the whole family.”
—Jessica Price

(14) An Illusion of Thieves
by Cate Glass

“Magic and thievery abound in this fantasy adventure that’s sure to be a hit with fans of hard-boiled fantasy and Leigh Bardugo!”
—Jenny Enriquez

Books for Kids

(15) Before They Were Authors: Famous Writers as Kids
by Elizabeth Haidle

“As a child, did you ever think about becoming an author? Many children interested in literature wonder who their favourite writers were as children. From C.S. Lewis to J.K. Rowling, Before They Were Authors is a beautiful graphic novel telling the stories of how our favourite authors were when they were children. This will be delightful for adults and children alike!”
— Louis-Marc Simard

(16) Extraordinary Birds
by Sandy Stark-Mcginnis

“December is an extraordinary character; I fell in love with her on the first page. This is an astonishing debut novel.”
—Saffron Beckwith

(17) Llama Destroys the World
by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox

“This hilarious picture book involves a cake-loving, dancing llama who accidentally destroys the world. What’s not to love?”
—Jenny Enriquez


(18) The Worst Book Ever
by Elise Gravel

“Try, the BEST book ever! Gravel’s silly, interactive, comic-style graphic novel is full of expression, cute illustrations, and hilarious commentary along the way. What makes it the ‘best’ book ever is that it engages kids, in a fun way, to think about storytelling, and what really makes for a good book.”

—Laurie Martella

(19) Sun
by Alison Oliver

“If the artwork isn’t enough to make you swoon, then the story will be. Sun is the story of a young boy, a magical encounter with a fox, and the discovery that both sports and creativity can make him happy.”
—Laura MacDonald

(20) Lottie & Walter
by Anna Walker

“Lottie goes to swimming lessons every week but she doesn’t swim. In fact she doesn’t even dip her toes in the water—because only she knows there’s a shark in the pool. With the help of  her imaginary friend Walter the Walrus, Lottie finally takes the plunge. For anyone who has ever hesitated to jump, this heartwarming story by the author-illustrator of Florette—a New York Times 'Top 10 Picture Book of 2018'— will inspire and delight.”
—Lorna MacDonald

(21) Hats are Not for Cats!
by Jacqueline K. Rayner

“What is more adorable than cats in hats? A fun read aloud with a Dr. Seuss- like appeal for parents and kids alike.”
—Morgen Young

(22) My Name is Wakawakaloch!
by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Mary Sullivan

“A book about how everyone mispronounces/spells your name?! Oh, I relate (how I longed to be a Jennifer!)! This is an adorable picture book about realizing that embracing your differences can be powerful.”
—Ali Hewitt

(23) The Little Book of Big What-Ifs
by Renata Liwska

“We all get stuck in the trap of “what-if” thinking sometimes—and so do little folks! This poignant and often funny book helps us all conquer our anxieties and fears, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations from the artist who did The Loud Book and The Quiet Book. What if you love this book? You will!”
—Dani Farmer

(24) Daddy-Sitting
by Eve Coy
 

 

“A little girl plays parent to her affectionate daddy in this appealing look at a father-daughter relationship.”
—Laureen Cusack

(25) I’m a Baked Potato!
by Elise Primavera, illustrated by Juana Medina

“This quirky, funny book about a dog who is adopted by a baked potato-lover will appeal to kids and parents alike.”
—Jessica Price

(26) Bob
by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Nicholas Gannon

“I absolutely adored this book! It has the timeless appeal of the best of classic children’s literature. Bob and Livy will touch your heart as they discover the meaning of friendship, identity, and belonging. It received starred reviews across the board in hardcover and is perfectly timed to be a terrific summer read in paperback. I recommend reading it with your favourite child!”
—Judy Parker

(27) This Book of Mine
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David SMall
“Award-winning husband and wife team, Sarah Stewart and illustrator David Small, create another quiet, lovely storybook for children of all ages! This is their homage to the book and how a book can be your best friend. Great for all the bibliophiles in the family.”
—Karen Stacey

(28) Flight Risk
by Jennifer Fenn

“This is an incredible story of adventure and heist—especially since it’s based on a true story! There are many words used to describe teenager Robert Jackson Kelly—delinquent, criminal, hero—all because he successfully stole and crashed three airplanes—and still he was determined to, one day, land one. He ends up evading capture for years and so when everyone writes him off, he resolves to ultimately find redemption. You will definitely root for antihero Robert!”
—Evette Sinitichakis

 

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