New Arrivals for the Week of May 12

In his follow-up to On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Vietnamese American author Ocean Vuong crafts a luminous novel set in a working-class Connecticut town. A young man’s suicide attempt is interrupted by an elderly widow with dementia, sparking a bond that redefines both of their lives. Kirkus Reviews describes it as “a sui generis take on the surprising and cruel ways violence is passed on across generations.”

Carl Hiaasen delivers another riotous skewering of the Sunshine State, where environmental collapse meets political grift in a town teetering on the edge. The Washington Post calls it “scabrous and unrelentingly hilarious,” adding, “the Trump era is truly Carl Hiaasen’s moment.”

The acclaimed biographer behind several works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington: A Life, presents a comprehensive portrait of America’s first literary celebrity. Born Samuel Clemens, Twain’s journey from steamboat pilot to satirical writer and political pundit is explored in depth. "Essential reading for any Twain buff and student of American literature," praised Kirkus in a starred review.

In this addictive, intense second novel from the author of My Husband, a pop icon steps off the world stage and into uneasy solitude. As she reflects on the path to stardom, the cracks begin to show. Publishers Weekly calls it “unforgettable…with a shocking and deeply satisfying ending.” Booklist hails it as “brutal and thought-provoking…a rare page-turner.”

From the bestselling author of Nothing to See Here, a Read with Jenna pick, comes an unexpected road trip when a woman meets a man claiming to be her half-brother. Together, they search for their absent father and unknown siblings, uncovering a complex family legacy. "Fans will pounce on the latest from this beloved author of offbeat family fiction," promised Booklist.

Linguist Emily Bender and AI ethicist Alex Hanna challenge the overhyped narratives surrounding artificial intelligence.They argue that AI is often misrepresented as an all-powerful force, when in reality, it relies heavily on human labor and decision-making.

"Landing during a period of global economic turmoil, this meaty history by a longtime New Yorker staff writer tells the story of capitalism's ascent through a provocative prism: its critics." - The New York Times

Christopher Clarey returns with a deep dive into Rafael Nadal’s storied career. With insight drawn from years of access, he captures the grit, grace, and obsession that forged one of tennis’s most revered champions. "This insightful, wide-ranging book could serve as a model for other sports biographers," praised Kirkus. "An inspired portrait of an unusually dominant athlete."

In her searing, magnetic debut, Honor Jones traces a newly divorced woman’s return to the home where her own childhood unraveled. As she parents two daughters, she’s haunted by the quiet collapse of innocence decades earlier. The Washington Post calls it “a masterpiece of carefully crafted perspective and tone… heroic, even hopeful.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo reflects on his literary journey, offering essays that blend personal anecdotes with broader musings on creativity and the human experience. His insights are both humorous and profound, providing readers with a masterclass in storytelling.