The upcoming novel 'Waiting on a Friend' by Natalie Adler aims to evoke the gritty, vibrant atmosphere of 1980s New York City, capturing its emotional depth and the neighborhood's history amid themes of resistance and gentrification.

Set to be published on May 26, 2026, by Hogarth, the book's cover has been unveiled, with pre-orders now available, highlighting its anticipated arrival.

The cover, designed by Cassie Vu, was inspired by her personal connection to the story, incorporating a sense of place and emotion that resonates deeply with the novel's mood.

The story centers on Renata, a young queer woman in 1980s Manhattan who can see ghosts and mourns her friend Mark’s death from AIDS, set against a backdrop where a mysterious force threatens to erase memories and suppress supernatural signs.

Adler dedicated the novel to her aunt, a hospice nurse caring for AIDS patients, emphasizing themes of love, loss, and social injustice woven throughout the narrative.

Themes of friendship, queer history, resistance, and the impact of gentrification are explored, blending heartbreak with humor and empathy to portray a community fighting against erasure.

The vintage-inspired cover design employs nostalgic colors and typography to evoke mystery and the fleeting nature of city life, capturing the essence of 1980s Manhattan.