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The Body Riddle is a coming-of-age story that happens later in life. It captures the uncertainty of stepping into a new body and the panic of wondering if a decision can be right even after years of thinking it through. Lex’s experience is shaped by constant change and stagnant repose, learning how to navigate their worldview as they uncover new truths about themselves. At the center of the story is the importance of gay community. Even when Lex is unsure, withdrawn, or lashes out, the people around them continue to show up. As a transmasc autistic character, Lex is deeply unsure of their own importance, shaped by years of not being out or fully honest about who they are. This self-doubt makes them an unreliable narrator at times. The Body Riddle is less about having answers and more about allowing yourself the time and care to keep asking questions, even when you think you should already know who you are.

The Body Riddle by Sam K. MacKinnon, (List Price: $21.99, House of Anansi Press, 9781487013912, May 2026)

Reviewed by Chloe, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Whoa, what a silly, goofy time. Absolutely the definition of camp. Immediately, you can tell that this book is not to be taken seriously and is intended to be incredibly cheesy. But also, aren’t all spy films incredibly cheesy? It’s not typically my sort of genre, but the narrator did such a fabulous job that I had to keep going!

The Tuxedo Society by Paul Rudnick, (List Price: $28, Atria Books, 9781668212615, May 2026)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson, Booksellers in Greenvillel, SC

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In spare but inspiring prose, Haagland recounts her life from childhood through her entry into politics and her time as the first Indigenous Secretary of the Interior. She explores the generational trauma stemming from relatives torn from their families and sent to governmental schools and what drives her to seek representation and justice for all people.

A Voice Like Mine by Deb Haaland, (List Price: $28.99, Henry Holt and Co., 9781250434227, June 2026)

Reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

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An extraordinary achievement from Wilde’s only grandson! Collected in this expansive work is the legacy of Oscar Wilde. In some ways, more interesting than Matthew Sturgis’s masterful Oscar Wilde: A Life, After Oscar instead focuses on the effect the man has had on us rather than the man himself. Starting while Wilde is still alive and scandalized, Holland takes us on a journey of his grandfather’s posthumous reputation. Homophobia, hypocrisy, hubris abound here. The crackling, droll prose (inherited, perhaps) makes reading this book an utter joy. Even while my emotions rode a roller coaster of surprise, rage, and amusement.

After Oscar: The Legacy of a Scandal by Merlin Holland, (List Price: $34, Europa Editions, 9798889661764, April 2026)

Reviewed by Kelly, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Jesmyn Ward presents us with a series of essays which give us a peek into the skeletons upon which her stunning fiction is built, the sweet and sour life and experiences and family which leads her to lament in the opening piece: “Sometimes, I wish I could write easier stories…” The language is vivid, florid, precise, and beautiful all at once, as she covers topics such as family, Katrina, Faulkner, representation, book banning, book reviews, movie reviews, justice, leaving home, and returning home again – common themes treated with absolute tenderness and honesty.

On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward, (List Price: $29, Scribner, 9781668064269, May 2026)

Reviewed by Doron, Octavia Books in New Orleans, LA

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“This book is my panoramic assault on nihilism. I wrote it in an effort to be helpful, but toward the end, I felt I was writing it to save my life…the largest gesture of hope I could muster.” In a world of mounting time pressure–one in which we dutifully recite “rest is productive” so that we don’t feel guilty for taking a break–it’s become clear that a paradigm reset is in order. Saving Time is an evisceration and a balm: a thorough, necessary breakdown of our current state of affairs, and a primer for how to begin thinking differently if we hope to save ourselves from the ticking capitalist clock.

Saving Time by Jenny Odell, (List Price: $20, Random House, 9780593242728, January 2024)

Reviewed by Talia, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC

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A fun retelling of Cinderella featuring a very empowered Axolotl. What’s not to love? Perfect for the rebel little princess in your life. The book is also filled with interesting facts about these magnificent amphibians!

Axolotl-Ella by Kate Messner, (List Price: $18.99, Ten Speed Young Readers, 9780593837993, June 2026)

Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA

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This was everything I hoped it to be and more! A perfect sapphic tale that reminded me of my days of getting into romance books as a teen, reading about changelings. This book was so cozy and sweet, but it definitely had some dark moments that really elevated the storyline. I absolutely LOVED the color palettes. Just wow. The color of blood in different panels was in such stark contrast to everything else and just worked so well. Forget-Me-Not was so snarky and sarcastic, but I feel like she just needed her space to be herself, and she found it with Aisling. Sobbing. 5 stars.

Forgive-Me-Not by Maria Costa, (List Price: $26.99, First Second, 9781250784162, April 2026)

Reviewed by Ellie, A Novel Romance LLC in Louisville, Kentucky

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A longer graphic novel with an incredibly poignant story about discovering who you are & using your voice. With themes of identity, being “Muslim enough,” familial expectation, alongside the realities of colonialism, genocide, and Eurocentric ideals. A family story, a coming-of-age story. This book did so much so well.

Landing in Place: A Graphic Novel by Sherine Hamdy, (List Price: $25.99, Kokila, 9780735229440, May 2026)

Reviewed by Morgan, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC