Four new books will be released to read this month
USA Today’s book reporter Clare Mulroy will be offering four of her favorite new releases in July.
Want to be the funniest guest at a dinner party? Please read it best.
From stepping into someone else’s shoes to getting away from the stresses of everyday life, there are many serious and unpretentious reasons to become a regular reader. But admit it: there are only a few of you who want that academic reputation too.
Get the attention of your peers with riveted celebrity backstory or share fun facts from a new wellness book? Recently, I’ve spoken to anyone who has heard of Sophie Elmhurst’s “Marriage at the Sea.”
Whether you want to impress your friends or promote your knowledge exploration, there are 10 niche non-fiction books that will keep you involved as you get smarter.
“War on Waste” by Alexander Crup
Learn the ominous afterlife of your garbage with this investigation into the world’s garbage trade. Clapp reported for two years on five continents to reveal the “second life of secret hot potatoes” of garbage and the devastating consequences for poor countries. If you know about transportation, sales and smuggling behind the scenes, you won’t see the garbage the same way.
“It’s all tuberculosis” by John Green
You are trying to learn more about tuberculosis than you have ever thought. In his latest non-fiction venture, Green creates a compelling case that much of human history is shaped by this deadly disease, from poetry to poverty and colonialism. With the story’s drive through charismatic tuberculosis patient Henry, “It’s Everything TB” is an enchanting deep dive.
Kelsey McKinney’s “You didn’t hear this from me.”
Gossip is defined by cultural traditions and currency much more than you may notice. “You Didn’t Hear This from Me” and the host of the “Normal Gossip” podcast explores his obsession with gossip and his role as a light-hearted joke to social capital and what happens when it’s weaponized.
Bookish Slang decoding: key terms explained
With the rise of Booktok, new slang was created. Be an expert with a guide to all the terms you may encounter on the internet.
“How to Kill a City” by Pe Moskowitz
After reading Moskowitz’s cleverly crafted “How to Kill a City,” readers living in large cities are guaranteed to see the big cities differently. Not only will you learn about the history behind major changes in cities like New York, New Orleans, Detroit, San Francisco, and more, but you will also learn about the gentlemanship of the entire city and the systemic power that makes it possible.
“What is Queer Food?” by John Birdsall
This 2025 release from culinary writer Birdsall intertwines a strange identity and food culture, showing that the LGBTQ+ community has used food as a joy and community tool in the face of persecution. “What is Queer Food?” It follows the early days of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, the period to the Cold War lesbian potluck, and the stages to appetite for icons such as James Baldwin and Truman Capote.
Patrick Radden Keefe’s “Nothing”
In “Say Nothing,” Keefe, a Hulu series, maps the outcomes and trials of Irish troubles through Jean McConville’s murder and abduction. The book chronicles conflicts with empathy, influence and storytelling talent, from Irish Republican Army member Drolls to peace negotiator Jerry Adams to McConville’s children.
“Why do we swim?” Bonnie Twi
The book is for local gym pool patrons, those who played a childhood mermaid, or those who are obsessed with the ocean. In “Why We Swim,” Tsui tests our limits on the human behavior behind popular sports, from pleasure raps to exercise to swimming in dangerous oceans.
Kit Hayham’s “Before We Become a Trance”
Historian Hayham, a historical analysis of the past, present and future of transidentity, portrays a narrative and educational view of the complex reality of gender representation and identity. From Venice in the Renaissance to Edo Japan and early America, “Before We Became Trans” teaches enthusiastic readers throughout history about people who are against gender binary.
“Chiffon Trench” by Andre Leon Tully
If you’ve been hoping to fly to the wall in the world of editorial fashion cutthroats, then a “chiffon trench” is for you. This memoir from the former “Vogue” creative director illuminates the industry’s prevalent racism with an intimate glimpse into the fashion scenes of Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, and Oscar de La Renta.
“The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery
I can’t even count the number of friends and family I’ve felt that I’ve had a fundamental change after reading this. “Octopus Soul” is 2015’s Deep Diving (literally) as the naturalist Montgomery becomes friends with the Octopus and learns their unique personality and intelligence. Learn how these intelligent creatures solve problems and connect for your ride.
Clare Mulroy is USA Today’s Books Reporter, covering Buzzy releases, chatting with authors and diving into the culture of reading. Find her On Instagramsubscribe every week Book Newsletter Or tell her what you’re reading cmulroy@usatoday.com.
