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June means early summer afternoons spent by the pool or evenings spent exploring the local nature preserve. Out come the endless glasses of sweet tea. Customers at my local café start ordering more iced coffees than anything else. And, of course, we can’t forget our sunscreen!
As a fan of true stories, summer reading for me means I’m ready for the giant tomes and poetic memoirs. And June delivers! It’s full of incredible new releases, with everything a nonfiction girlie could ever want. But where to begin? I could start with Catherine Lacey’s new memoir, which is definitely near the top of my list. Or I could read a book about Toni Morrison’s work at Random House (yes, please!). Or maybe I’ll check out the new Indian cookbook that features dozens of recipes with a modern take on some of the world’s most beloved cuisines. Or what about a new memoir from Palestinian poet, Hala Alyan?
In celebration of true stories, I’ve collected ten of some of the most exciting nonfiction titles hitting shelves in June. You might be new to nonfiction or a true stories pro, but whatever the case, there’s sure to be something on this list that catches your eye.
All publication dates are subject to change.
I’ll Tell You When I’m Home: A Memoir by Hala Alyan (June 3)
After years of infertility, poet Hala Alyan makes the difficult decision to become a parent through a surrogate. While she’s waiting for her child to enter the world, Alyan struggles with her marriage and reels from the news that Beirut, the city of her youth, is experiencing rising violence. With lyrical prose, Alyan describes how in her time of crisis, she turns to the stories from her Palestinian family’s past to anchor her in the present moment.
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Modern Indian: Small Plates, Big Flavours, Fabulous Feasts by Cyrus Todiwala (June 3)
Almost three decades ago, Cyrus Todiwala opened up his first Indian restaurant. Now he’s the godfather of Indian cooking. Perfect for cooks of all skill levels, his new cookbook, Modern Indian, focuses on smaller plates that can be eaten on their own or combined to create larger meals.
The Many Passions of Michael Hardwick: Sex and the Supreme Court in the Age of AIDS by Martin Padgett (June 3)
Michael Hardwick was arrested in his home and charged with sodomy, but he sued for the right to privacy. His case went all the way to the Supreme Court, and when he lost the case, he inspired half a million protestors. The ripple effects of Bowers v. Hardwick can still be felt today, as the right to privacy for healthcare and same-sex relationships is still being attacked today.
Homework: A Memoir by Geoff Dyer (June 10)
In Homework, Geoff Dyer describes his life spent as a working-class kid in England who eventually receives a chance to attend university. Dyer approaches his childhood stories with perfect comedic timing and an affection for his younger self’s youthful misadventures. With its humorous prose and discussion of class dynamics, this is sure to make many memoir lovers’ TBRs.
The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains by Pria Anand (June 10)
Neurologist Pria Anand marvels at how the brain tells itself stories as it works through the world around it. The Mind Electric examines different inexplicable events—like a woman struck blind for stealing a kiss or a mother who believes her children have been replaced by changelings—all fueled by the mind’s inner workings.
Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet by Kate Marvel (June 17)
Scientist Kate Marvel has examined the data and read through the evidence of climate change. But Human Nature looks at what climate change feels like for humanity. In a combination of evidence and storytelling, Marvel brings forth the emotions of climate change with passion and clarity.
The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey (June 17)
Literary darling Catherine Lacey is back, but this time with a memoir. The Möbius Book follows her breakup, an event that sent her adrift and lost in her memories of when she stopped believing in God. Through her art, travel, and friendship, Lacey works to find herself again.
Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship by Dana A. Williams (June 17)
Before Toni Morrison was a legendary writer, she was an editor. Dana A. Williams chronicles Morrison’s editorial work at Random House, where she helped shape the work of authors like Toni Cade Bambara, Leon Forrest, and Lucille Clifton.
There are so many good books — I don’t know where to start! If you’re looking for even more nonfiction book recommendations, check out 7 New Nonfiction Book Releases of April 2025 and 10 New Nonfiction Book Releases of May 2025.