I'm Gilbert Cruz, editor of the New York Times book review, and this is the book review podcast.

Summer is on the way, at least in the world of books.

And joining me this week as my fellow editor and regular podcast guest, Shumana Khatib,

to talk about some books coming out in June, July, and August that we're interested in,

that we're intrigued by, that we're curious about, that we're looking forward to.

I have tapped into our innate sense of

childlike wonder about the world. Shumana, I'm glad you're here to do this with me. Me too.

So one thing to start, this is not comprehensive. This is not indicate whether or not we're actually

going to write about these books at the book review. I haven't even read any of these, to be whether or not we're actually going to write about these books

at the book review. I haven't even read any of these, to be honest, but we're just talking about

based on topic, based on author, based on buzz, what we two people, Gilbert and Juvana, are most

excited about. Is this the time, Gilbert, that we should make the disclaimer to our readers that we are the

two people in the book review who hate summer the most?

I couldn't remember if we've talked about that before on the podcast, but I am always happy

to talk about my distaste, distaste, disdain, dislike.

We didn't even plan that, guys, I promise.

For the season as a whole.

We both hate summer.

And I'm sure there's some deep-seated reason from childhood.

You know what's great about summer?

Books.

Sitting inside, in air conditioning, reading a book, which I remember doing when I was a preteen with my family.

...