2016 is here, which means it’s time to write the wrong date on your checks. I mean, it’s time to take a look at some exciting upcoming titles.

We’ve put together a collection of some of the most anticipated releases, both in fiction and nonfiction. It’s been both fun and challenging to speculate about which books will become our new favorites, and we hope you enjoy browsing the selections. At the very least, it’ll give you something to take your mind off the fact that it’s somehow freakin’ 2016 already. (Seriously. Wasn’t it just 1998?)

Anyway, bring on the books!

“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi
In this kaleidoscopic debut novel, protagonists Effia and Esi are half-sisters who were born in different tribal villages in 18th century Ghana. The sisters are unknown to one another, and we follow their radically different journeys into privileged English society and American slavery, respectively. Yaa Gyasi, an author born in Ghana and raised in Alabama, is already receiving high praise for her debut, which comes out in June 2016. (To prep yourself, check out another amazing Ghanaian author, Taiye Selasi’s “Ghana Must Go.”)

“The Queen of the Night” by Alexander Chee
Historical fiction lovers, listen up: “The Queen of the Night” is receiving high praise for its rich, captivating story. Lilliet Berne, a world-renowned opera singer, is offered a life-changing original role that she soon learns is based on her own tangled history. As her closely kept secrets are brought to the surface, Lilliet must wrestle with competing desires for fame and privacy. Dazzling, passionate, and rich with historical details, Alexander Chee is an author to follow.

“My Best Friend’s Exorcism” by Grady Hendrix
Author Grady Hendrix breathed new life into a zombified horror genre in 2014 with his hilarious — and terrifying — tale of a haunted IKEA store. His next novel, “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” boasts a similarly refreshing premise: a 1980s high school is faced with demonic possession. It’s being described in pre-publication reviews as “The Exorcist” meets “Mean Girls.” Hendrix will surely bring his unique blend of wit, quirkiness and chills.

“Zero K” by Don DeLillo
“Zero K” follows a man whose billionaire father has created a secretive compound where people have their bodies preserved, hoping to be brought back to life in the future. The title implies a cryogenic setting, but nothing can be assumed of DeLillo’s masterful prose. “Zero K” promises to be another substantial novel of the human condition, this time meditating on life and how it is ended. Look for it in early May.

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Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze
Much was said of Ta-Nehisi Coates and his acclaimed 2015 release “Between the World and Me.” For 2016, though, he’ll be commenting on racial injustice in America — and other societal problems — not with essays, but with comics. Coates is writing a year-long story arc for the first black superhero, Black Panther, who was introduced in 1966. “A Nation Under Our Feet” is set to begin sometime this spring. The transition in medium isn’t as jarring as it might seem, as Coates has described being an avid comics fan since childhood.

“Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of a Fist” by Sunil Yapa
Sunil Yapa bursts onto the international literary scene with this debut novel, which follows seven people dealing with the 1999 protests against the WTO in Seattle. Earnest and powerful, Yapa examines the humanity of his characters amid the violence and strife unfolding in the streets. Fans of historical fiction and raw, emotional stories alike will enjoy this novel.

“Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue
This is one I’m super pumped about. Imbolo Mbue made headlines last year for receiving a million-dollar advance from Random House. This is a first for an African author, and to say that fans of African literature — myself included — are excited is an understatement. The novel is a beautifully crafted immigrant’s tale that explores heavy topics such as race, class, marriage and the potential pitfalls of “The American Dream.” Not much is known about the author, as she keeps a pretty low profile, but if you’d like a glimpse at her writing style check out a previously published excerpt here. The original publication date of “Behold the Dreamers” has been pushed back to August, but I hear it’s worth the wait. (How’s this for a cryptic review??)

“Spark Joy” by Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo’s “Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” took the world by storm with its brilliant and easy-to-implement advice on de-cluttering one’s life. Now she’s back with an illustrated guide and more tidying wisdom. “Spark Joy” has already been released, so read both to jump-start your spring cleaning!

“Here Comes the Sun” by Nicole Dennis-Benn
Another debut novel by an award-winning writer, “Here Comes the Sun” will be released in July and captures rhythmic, lyrical Jamaican life in prose form. I am a big fan of novels written in dialect so captivating that you can almost hear them read aloud, and this one seems like it will deliver. It features themes of gender equality, sexual orientation and political/personal independence. While you wait, try “Under the Udala Trees” for similar themes but within a Nigerian community.

“Lust & Wonder” by Augusten Burroughs
It’s been years since dry, witty, hilariously caustic author Augusten Burroughs has released a memoir. If you’re new to his work, check out “Dry” and “Running with Scissors,” and then hop on the holds list for this one. Note: Given his past works, I’m 99.9% certain this will contain “adult language,” so keep that in mind.

“When Breath Becomes Air” by Dr. Paul Kalanithi
The frontrunner for 2016’s most-devastating book is definitely “When Breath Becomes Air.” The memoir, written by late neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kalanithi, recounts his journey from being a healthy, successful young man with a family, to battling an abruptly diagnosed case of stage IV lung cancer. With eloquent, vulnerable prose, Kalanithi seeks to understand death and explores what life he has left before his terminal illness deprives him of it.

Note: Kate thinks this review should simply consist of the “sobbing” emoji.

“Frantumaglia” by Elena Ferrante
“Frantumaglia: Bits and Pieces of Uncertain Origin” collects a variety of essays and letters written by the intriguing Italian author Elena Ferrante, who has managed to keep her true identity hidden from the world. Ferrante, whomever she might really be, discusses her life and experience with writing, as well as other topics concerning art and culture. Don’t worry, it won’t be released until April, so you’ll have plenty of time to work on being able to say the mouthful that is “Frantumaglia” with some level of grace.

Since some of these titles are coming in the next few months, you can get on the holds list already! Keep an eye on this list, and we will add books as they are ordered for the collection.

— Kate Gramlich is a Readers’ Services Assistant at Lawrence Public Library and a member of LPL’s Book Squad. Eli Hoelscher is a Readers’ Services Assistant at Lawrence Public Library.