Winner of the Philippines National Book Award on its original release in 1997, BIBLIOLEPSY by Gina Apostol celebrated its U.S. publication this month. Writer and critic Idra Novey wrote a comprehensive review of the book for The New York Times Book Review, praising it as an “audacious first novel…[evoking] ‘reading’s endlessly replenishable boon.’” The book was also included on must-read lists from Ms. Magazine, Bustle, The A.V. Club, and more. Soho Press published the book on January 4, 2022.

MICKEY7 by Edward Ashton is a Library Journal pick of the month. In a starred review, Library Journal raves: “Ashton’s novel begins as farce and ends as something considerably deeper…Highly recommended.” Meanwhile BuzzFeed named MICKEY7 one of “23 New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books We’re Excited About,” praising the novel as “an engrossing sci-fi thriller with a unique premise.” St. Martin’s Press will publish the book on February 15, 2022.

THE LAST SLAVE SHIP by Ben Raines has earned two starred early reviews ahead of its publication. Publishers Weekly calls the book a “riveting chronicle” and “an evocative and informative tale of exploitation, deceit, and resilience.” Meanwhile, Kirkus praises Raines for writing a “highly readable, elucidating narrative that investigates all the layers of a traumatic history.” Simon & Schuster will publish the book on January 25, 2022.

STRANGER FACES author Namwali Serpell’s forthcoming THE FURROWS was named one of 2022’s most-anticipated reads by Electric Literature, Lit Hub, and Vulture. Lit Hub Senior Editor Corinne Segal writes: “Serpell, who won the 2020 Windham-Campbell Prize for fiction and 2015 Caine Prize for African Writing, is one of the world’s most exciting contemporary novelists, and I’m eagerly anticipating this new work from her.” Meanwhile, Israel Daramola of Vulture raves: “Serpell captures the way sadness both envelopes and burrows inside you…The whole thing is a gorgeous, surreal meditation on identity and mourning, one that squeezes the heartstrings and rarely relaxes its grip.” Hogarth will publish the book on September 27, 2022.

BuzzFeed Books editor Tomi Obaro’s debut novel, DELE WEDS DESTINY, is a 2022 must-read for both Electric Literature and Bookshop.org UK, the latter of which praises Obaro as “[a] dazzling new voice in fiction.” Deckle Edge will publish the novel on June 28, 2022.

THE SEAPLANE ON FINAL APPROACH is one of Lit Hub’s “Most Anticipated Books of 2022.” Lit Hub Senior Editor Jessie Gaynor writes: “It sounds like a horny bottle episode of a novel that’s also a workplace comedy at the edge of the world. According to Tony Tulathimutte, ‘It’s like if Muriel Spark got seasick and dropped molly instead of dramamine.’ I’m extremely into it.” The novel is also one of Goodreads’ “Hot and Fresh: 60 Highly Anticipated Debut Novels.” Doubleday will publish the book on June 7, 2022.

Cleyvis Natera’s forthcoming NERUDA ON THE PARK, was named one of Lit Hub’s “Most Anticipated Books of 2022.” Lit Hub Editorial Fellow Snigdha Koirala writes: “Natera’s debut novel…is a tapestry of family, love, sacrifice, and loss.” The novel was also featured on Electric Literature’s “62 Books By Women of Color to Read in 2022.” Ballantine will publish the novel on May 17, 2022.

Samantha Hunt’s first work of nonfiction, THE UNWRITTEN BOOK, was named one of Lit Hub’s “Most Anticipated Books of 2022.” Lit Hub Book Marks Associate Editor Katie Yee writes: “Part literary criticism, part memoir, part family history, this new book explores the things that have a hold on us. I, for one, am ready to be haunted by Samantha Hunt once again.” The book also received a glowing review from Kirkus: “An award-winning fiction writer best known for her explorations of the macabre and the unreal, Hunt plumbs the depths of human experience in this assemblage of reflections on life’s sweet mystery…[with] engaging style, vulnerability, and earnest engagement…A vulnerable, wide-ranging, and at times deeply affecting patchwork of ruminations of the unknown.” Farrar, Straus, and Giroux will publish the book on April 5, 2022.

IN SENSORIUM by Tanaïs was named one of Lit Hub’s “Most Anticipated Books of 2022.” Lit Hub Associate Editor Vanessa Willoughby writes: “The power of scent, specifically its ability to preserve memories, cannot be overstated…Using their personal experiences and identity as an American Bangladeshi Muslim as a narrative framework, Tanaïs examines the role of fragrance in South Asian history. Tanaïs is also an independent perfumer and beauty designer, so I’m interested in seeing how they blend their industry knowledge with the vulnerability of memoir.” Harper will publish the book on February 22, 2022.

Sarah Manguso’s VERY COLD PEOPLE was named one of 2022’s most anticipated novels by Lit Hub and Goodreads. Lit Hub Audience Development Editor Eliza Smith writes: “Sarah Manguso’s debut novel—need I say more?... Manguso’s made a name for herself in nonfiction with her slim-yet-weighty lyrical books including THE GUARDIANS and 300 ARGUMENTS, and I can’t wait to see how her style translates to fiction.” Hogarth will publish the novel on February 8, 2022.