Amid textbooks and homework, school often requires a lot of reading. This spring, take time out to read something enjoyable. These four upcoming books feature some familiar faces and some newcomers.

Alex Cross, Run

By James Patterson

Release date, Feb. 18

Bestselling author James Patterson’s fiction work consists of romance, thrillers and mysteries such as “The Women’s Murder Club” series. On Feb. 18, Patterson will release the next installment of the Alex Cross books.

“Alex Cross, Run” takes place in Washington D.C. with Detective Cross working to solve the murder of a young woman found hanged in her home. More bodies are found and Cross races to find the killer, unaware that someone is hunting him.

The Alex Cross mysteries are thriller novels, so “Alex Cross, Run” is sure to include suspense, crime and murder. If people enjoyed “Along Came a Spider” and “Kiss the Girls” then Patterson’s latest will be right up their alley.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

By Therese Anne Fowler

Release date, March 26

Many people are familiar with the classic, “The Great Gatsby” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. “The Great Gatsby” is often required reading for students in high school. Now, readers are able to hear the story of Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda. Author Therese Anne Fowler tells Zelda’s side through “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.”

Readers take a dive into the Roaring ’20s with Zelda trying to establish an identity for herself while in a relationship with an on-the-rise writer. “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” takes Zelda and F. Scott through Paris, New York and Hollywood with jazz, lavish parties and possibly flappers.

This book may encourage readers to revisit “The Great Gatsby” or even watch the upcoming movie “The Great Gatsby” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” hits bookshelves March 26. Other works by Fowler include “Reunion,” “Exposure,” and “Souvenir.”

Someday, Someday Maybe: A Novel

By Lauren Graham

Release date, April 30

“Gilmore Girls” fans rejoice, for Lorelai Gilmore wrote a book. OK, her name isn’t actually Lorelai, but Lauren Graham, the actress who played Lorelai, did. “Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel” is Graham’s first work of fiction. The plot follows an aspiring young actress in New York City during the mid-‘90s. Franny Banks waits tables while trying to enter the acting industry.

Graham, now starring on NBC’s “Parenthood,” addresses love, relationships and struggle through “Someday, Someday Maybe: A Novel.” Readers are sure to encounter the wit and charm of Graham.

This book is perfect for college students working through school to achieve higher goals and people trying to find a place in the world. “Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel” is available on April 30.

Inferno

By Dan Brown

Release date, May 14

Another returning bestselling author this spring is Dan Brown. Brown continues the historical fiction series of Robert Langdon in his newest novel, “Inferno.” The book, coming out May 14, takes place in Italy with Harvard professor Langdon racing to solve a mystery involving one of history’s most famous literary work- “Dante’s Inferno.”

Based off the previous Langdon books, readers can expect twists, thrilling chases, secret codes, conspiracy theories and extremely short chapters. “Inferno” is perfect for those who love history and an on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Brown is also the author of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons,” both major motion films. Who knows, perhaps Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Langdon if “Inferno” hits the big screen.

 

Shanel can be reached at: [email protected]