Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/15/26 Edition

The Books I'm Reading Now

I'm reading a favorite author's newest novel featuring the wonderfully wrought character of Artie Dam, Elizabeth Strout's The Things We Never Say; I'm reading Emma Straub's novel about a boy-band's nostalgic voyage with three thousand of their most dedicated fans, American Fantasy; and I'm reading Sarah Damoff's story of a burned home and attempts to pick up the pieces of various relationships and uncovered secrets, The Burning Side.

What are you reading, bookworms?

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01 The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

In Elizabeth Strout's newest novel, we meet Artie Dam, high school history teacher, father to a grown son, husband to his longtime wife, and friend to all. The thoughtful, kind former teacher of the year loves sailing, connects with his students, and is a calming force in all of his circles.

But Artie is feeling desperately lonely, disillusioned, and depressed. Then he discovers a deep secret about his life, and he's unsure how to cope.

Elizabeth Strout is also the author of Tell Me Everything, Lucy by the Sea, Anything Is Possible, Olive, Again, My Name Is Lucy Barton, and Oh William! Elizabeth Strout is also the author of Olive Kitteridge.

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02 American Fantasy by Emma Straub

The American Fantasy ship is headed out on a four-day voyage, and its honored guests are the five-member nineties boy band Boy Talk--along with three thousand rabid fans.

Annie agreed to come with her sister, whose love for the band has only strengthened over the years. But when her sister is unable to come, Annie embarks on the trip anyway, hoping to send her sister photos and reports of the nostalgic fan experiences. But hearing the music of her youth helps her tap into forgotten joy, and as an added surprise, she experiences unexpected, vulnerable moments with members of the band.

I'm listening to an audiobook library version of this title through Libby.

Emma Straub is also the owner of the Books are Magic bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, and she's the author of This Time Tomorrow.

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03 The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff

When April and Leo's house burns down in the middle of the night, they're able to escape safely with their two young children.

But as they reel from the loss of their home, the reader learns that the evening of the fire, the couple discussed divorce. Now they're living with April's parents, determining what can be salvaged from their house, and keeping up appearances as April's family reels from her father's troubling health diagnosis and a host of secrets coming to light from each member of the family, including Leo and April themselves.

Sarah Damoff is also the author of The Bright Years.

I received a prepublication version of this title courtesy of Simon & Schuster and NetGalley.