Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh flowers blooming. That’s not the only thing awakening in March — new memoirs and nonfiction stories are releasing, ready to enlighten and inspire. From thought-provoking essays to gripping true stories, there’s something for every reader to enjoy, so prepare your minds, hearts, and TBR lists for some captivating reads.
Women Who Murder: An International Collection of Deadly True Crime Tales by Mitzi Szereto (3/12)
Women aren’t always the gentle ones. This true crime anthology shows darkest side of what women are capable of. Mitzi flips the script, showcasing the chilling stories of deadly women, spanning eras and continents, who defy expectations and yield dangerous weapons while doing so, giving their male opposites a run for their money.
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The Black Box: Writing the Race by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (3/19)
Henry Gates Jr. is diving into history, exploring how Black writers have shaped the identity of Black Americans. From Phillis Wheatley to Toni Morrison, these writers used their words to carve out a space for themselves in a society filled with hardships and challenges like racism. Through essays, speeches, and creative works, he shows how Black writers have challenged stereotypes and paved the way for a more just future.
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Mother Island: A Daughter Claims Puerto Rico by Jamie Figueroa (3/19)
The Midwest was tough for Jamie Figueroa and her sisters, who grew up with her Puerto Rican mom, who felt disconnected from her roots. In her memoir, Figueroa tells of her quest for identity, wrestling with her mother’s choices to blend in rather than stand out. With raw honesty, she reflects on her tumultuous Ohio upbringing, her early marriage, and how healing through massage therapy led her to find herself. She discovers the power of reclaiming her past and embracing her own path to motherhood and self-discovery.
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I Promise It Won’t Always Hurt Like This: 18 Assurances on Grief by Clare Mackintosh (3/19)
New York Times bestselling author Clare Mackintosh’s debut memoir hits shelves this spring and this heart-wrenching portrayal of loss and motherhood is a must-read. Inspired by her Twitter thread, this memoir dives into the unique pain Mackintosh felt when she lost her 5-week-old son. Unlike losses before, she didn’t have a mechanism for coping with a life lost that was never lived, so she wrote the book she needed at the time.
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There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib (3/26)
Not everyone gets to witness one of basketball’s golden eras. Still, through the eyes of Hanif Abdurraqib’s memoir, readers can relive it. He takes you back to the 1990s in Columbus, Ohio, where basketball legends like LeBron James were born. Through heartfelt stories and personal reflections, Abdurraqib explores what it means to succeed, the concept of role models, and the game’s impact on his life.
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Knife by Salman Rushdie (4/16)
Renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie bravely opens up about surviving an assassination attempt three decades after a fatwa was issued against him. Through vivid storytelling, Rushdie shares the harrowing events of August 12, 2022, and explores how art and words helped him navigate through violence and trauma. This gripping memoir is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling in the face of adversity.
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The Fortune Tellers Prophecy: A Memoir of an Unlikely Doctor by Lally Pia, MD (4/30)
When Lally Pia’s medical school in Ghana closes because of a coup, she’s stuck there with no money and a messed-up Green Card. But she’s determined to become the great doctor a priest once said she’d be. Even though she faces tough relationships, government troubles, and a gruesome job, Lally keeps pushing forward.
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The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History by Karen Valby (4/30)
During the Civil Rights era, Lydia Abarca made waves as a Black prima ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She smashed stereotypes, gracing magazine covers and lighting up Broadway stages alongside iconic names like Bob Fosse. Despite their groundbreaking performances for royalty and music legends, their legacy was nearly forgotten. Now, these pioneering dancers are reuniting to ensure their story gets the recognition it deserves, shedding light on their extraordinary journey from the stages of Harlem to global acclaim.
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You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck (5/7)
The iconic actor Tom Selleck shares the highs and lows of his unexpected journey to stardom in Hollywood. With refreshing honesty, he reflects on his California upbringing, his brushes with fame, his legendary role as Magnum P.I., and the friendships that shaped his career. Selleck gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Hollywood star who decided to walk away from the show at the height of its success.
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Coming Home by Brittney Griner and Michelle Burford (5/7)
Brittney Griner’s trip in February of 2022 to Moscow took a dark turn when she was arrested for carrying a small amount of prescribed hash oil. Coming Home reveals the terrifying details of her arrest, trial, and imprisonment in a Russian penal colony, making her the first American woman to endure such an ordeal. But it’s not just about the nightmare she faced—it’s also a story of love, resilience, and the support that helped her survive. From her wife’s unwavering love to the letters of encouragement from friends, Brittney’s journey from captivity to freedom is a powerful testament to the human spirit.
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Magical/Realism by Vanessa Angélica Villarreal (5/14)
Vanessa Angélica Villarreal is a captivating exploration of migration, violence, and cultural identity. Through a mosaic of personal experiences and reflections, Villarreal reconstructs her story using music, memory, and fantasy. From dissecting pop culture icons to navigating her own painful past, she offers a poignant and thought-provoking perspective on memoir and cultural critique.
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