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Nonfiction

10 New Nonfiction Book Releases of July 2024

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Kendra Winchester

Contributing Editor

Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

Here in the American South, we’re heading into the dog days of the summer, the walk-outside-and-immediately-feel-soaked sort of humidity that slaps visitors right in the face the moment they walk off the plane. “It’s not the heat. It’s the humidity that gets ya!” But sweet tea and sunglasses abound — praises be — and we love our AC around here. So it’s no surprise that every afternoon, I find myself inside, hiding from the heat, a good book in my hands.

Of course, true stories hold a special place in my book-loving heart, and summer is a great time to catch up with my ever-growing TBR. Options abound! I could read about a woman astronaut who spent half a year on an international space station. Or, I could go cloud-watching with a book by the founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society. Or perhaps I’ll read the life manifesto of a social media superstar. Whatever I choose, I can’t go wrong.

In celebration of true stories, I’ve collected ten of some of the most exciting nonfiction titles hitting shelves in July. 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.

a graphic of the cover of Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change by Cady Coleman

Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change by Cady Coleman

Cady Coleman spent six months on an international space station as the only woman on her crew. In Sharing Space, Coleman writes about her life leading up to this life-changing mission and what she’s learned from being an astronaut.

a graphic of the cover of Carrie Carolyn Coco: My Friend, Her Murder, and an Obsession with the Unthinkable by Sarah Gerard

Carrie Carolyn Coco: My Friend, Her Murder, and an Obsession with the Unthinkable by Sarah Gerard

After her friend Carolyn Bush is brutally murdered in the fall of 2016, writer Sarah Gerard becomes obsessed with trying to understand how this could happen. Gerard conducts hundreds of hours of interviews, scours legal documents, and reads a seemingly endless number of news articles to try to find answers. Eventually, she uncovers some shocking truth about her friend’s life. (July 9)

a graphic of the cover of Cloudspotting for Beginners by William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Cloudspotting for Beginners by William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney

In this beautifully illustrated volume, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, describes different cloud types and their characteristics. William Grill’s illustrations bring the clouds to life on the page, creating a perfect blend of scientific info and gasp-worthy art. (July 9)

a graphic of the cover of Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change edited by Premal Dharia, James Forman Jr., Maria Hawilo

Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change edited by Premal Dharia, James Forman Jr., Maria Hawilo

This collection brings together some of our greatest minds to discuss the systemic issues around mass incarceration. From plans for intervention to a complete dismantling of our current carceral state, these essays present a range of possible solutions to bring hope for humanity and a brighter future. (July 9)

a graphic of the cover of More, Please: On Food, Fat, Bingeing, Longing, and the Lust for “Enough” by Emma Specter

More, Please: On Food, Fat, Bingeing, Longing, and the Lust for “Enough” by Emma Specter

In her multi-model memoir, Emma Specter shares her experience of living with Binge-Eating Disorder. Using interviews and reporting — in addition to sharing her own experiences — Specter presents a complex portrait of a far too often misunderstood condition. (July 9)

a graphic of the cover of The Home I Worked to Make: Voices from the New Syrian Diaspora by Wendy Pearlman

The Home I Worked to Make: Voices from the New Syrian Diaspora by Wendy Pearlman

Through hundreds of interviews with Syrians and members of the Syrian diaspora, Wendy Pearlman examines ideas around what is home? How do you make a new home after losing one? Can you ever find home again? The Home I Worked to Make is a testament to the resilience of the survivors of war in the face of unspeakable loss. (July 9)

a graphic of the cover of Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl by Hyeseung Song

Docile: Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl by Hyeseung Song

In her new memoir, Hyeseung Song shares her experience growing up in Texas as the daughter of Korean immigrants. While her father constantly dreams of making it big, her mother resents the direction her life has taken, far too often taking it out on her ever-watchful daughter. (July 16)

a graphic of the cover of The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession by Amy Stewart

The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession by Amy Stewart

A tribute to the love of trees, The Tree Collectors tells the stories of people completely obsessed with trees in one way or another. Amy Stewart’s love of nature shines through every story, encouraging readers to find a new appreciation for the beauty and ingenuity of the everyday tree. (July 16)

a graphic of the cover of A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune by Noliwe Rooks

A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune by Noliwe Rooks

In this new biography, Noliwe Rooks presents the life of Mary McLeod Bethune, a woman who stands as a pillar of Black American achievement. Bethune is recognized for her fight for Black education in the first half of the 20th century, even enlisting presidents in her cause. (July 23)

a graphic of the cover of Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo

Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo

Social media star Drew Afualo shares the life lessons she’s learned over the course of her career.  Loud — part memoir, part how-to — gives readers a look into Afualo’s life and presents her manifesto on living life and achieving in today’s world of the digital age. (July 30)


​​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 10 New Nonfiction Book Releases of June and 10 New Nonfiction Book Releases of May.

As always, you can find a full list of new releases in the magical New Release Index, carefully curated by your favorite Book Riot editors, organized by genre and release date.