Discover the top 5 best new book releases of May 2024! Fiona Warnick’s debut novel, ‘The Skunks,’ brings humor and relatability to post-college life. Hari Kunzru’s ‘Blue Ruin’ delves into the cutthroat art world. While Thomas Grattan’s ‘In Tongues’ offers a modern comedy of manners. Noé Álvarez’s ‘Accordion Eulogies’ is a captivating memoir, and Miranda July’s ‘All Fours’ takes readers on a wonderfully strange adventure of reinvention.

The Skunks by Fiona Warnick

In Fiona Warnick’s quirky debut novel, The Skunks, Isabel returns to her hometown after finishing college. She takes up odd jobs to figure out her next steps in life. To distract herself from the anxieties of post-college life, she starts thinking about the book’s titular creatures: three baby skunks that appear unexpectedly in the yard where she is house sitting. Their arrival makes her ponder life’s big questions and question her own romantic desires.

The Skunks is a funny and relatable exploration of life after graduation—dealing with loneliness, uncertainty, and sometimes, finding joy.

Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru

Hari Kunzru’s “Blue Ruin” is a poignant look at dashed dreams in the cutthroat art world. Jay, once a rising art star, now makes ends meet with delivery gigs. A chance encounter with a past flame, now entangled with the art scene he left behind, forces him to confront his failures and the fickle nature of success. Through flashbacks, we see Jay’s aspirations crumble as he navigates a world obsessed with wealth and fame.

“Blue Ruin” is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the true cost of artistic pursuit, all wrapped in a captivating narrative.

In Tongues by Thomas Grattan

In Thomas Grattan’s second novel, In Tongues, we follow Gordon, a charming but inexperienced guy from Minnesota who moves to New York City. He lands a job walking dogs for the city’s wealthy elite, including Phillip and Nicola, who own a gallery. Gordon quickly finds himself mingling and even having romantic entanglements with the powerful couple. His carefree attitude starts to disrupt their lives, and Gordon begins to question the consequences of his actions.

This modern comedy of manners explores Gordon’s journey as he grapples with whether he can change. And starts to see the harm his impulses have caused.

Accordion Eulogies by Noé Álvarez

“Accordion Eulogies” by Noé Álvarez is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a profound journey through the author’s life. Alvarez’s writing is deeply introspective, offering a poignant exploration of his experiences and the world around him. The book beautifully weaves together themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, resonating with readers on a personal level. Alvarez’s storytelling is rich with emotion and authenticity, immersing the reader in the landscapes and cultures he encounters. “Accordion Eulogies” is a powerful and evocative memoir that leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and soul-stirring narrative.

All Fours by Miranda July

Miranda July, a filmmaker, artist, and best-selling author, has returned with her first novel in ten years. “All Fours” is an intimate, fearless, and intriguing story of a woman in her middle-age, determined to transform her life. The protagonist, a 45-year-old semi-famous artist, discovers someone spying on her through a telephoto lens. This unsettling event prompts her to leave her husband and child in Los Angeles for a writing retreat in New York. However, her journey halts in Monrovia, Calif., less than an hour away, where she faces the challenges of fluctuating hormones, heightened libido, and a quirky motel room renovation.

This wonderfully strange adventure explores her quest for reinvention in a world where desire and practicality clash.

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