It’s the start of a new month! This means that I’m sharing my 2025 May Reading Wrap-Up.
May Reading Stats
May was a month where I explored the complexities of the human experience, particularly as it pertained to the grieving process. I read novels that not only did an excellent job of exploring grief but also expanded the definition of what grief is and the multiple forms it takes. It’s easy to see grief in the context of death and loss of a loved one. However, we grieve so many different things from the violent impacts of colonialism, to not being the person your parents envisioned you to be. Then there’s the study of how grief impacts you on a psychological level, literally altering how you think, interpret, and interact with others.
This is why grief is one of my favorite themes to read about in books, and this month was a gold mine. Additionally, there were characters that I felt a strong connection with. For instance, Good Stab from The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Katarina from The Favorites, Feyi from You Made A Fool of Death with Your Beauty, and Jenna Chen from I Am Not Jessica Chen. I saw so much of myself reflected in these characters, making for an affirming and insightful reading experience.
Now let’s jump into these stats!
I slowed down on book shopping this month, much to my wallet’s joy, and went all in at the library. Yet again, neglecting my poor physical TBR. And while I enjoyed my reading this month, I only had two five-star reads. And, even had a two-star read slide onto my radar.
As it pertains to sticking to my TBR, well, that plan flew out the window. Leading me to switch it up and work on a way to balance the flexibility I’m craving and the structure I rely on when it comes to my reading hobby. We’ll talk about that more in my June Reading Plans blog.
May Stand-Outs
Some books had a major impact on me, be it good, bad, or somewhere in between. These are the books that made me feel all the emotions and left me staring at the wall, lost in thought.
Book of the Month: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
I read this book for a video project I’m working on after hearing so many people share how much of an amazing writer Jones is, and that he’s an Indigenous author who writes socially conscious horror that’s gritty and thought-provoking. I was intrigued, and this novel didn’t disappoint. It’s a literal masterpiece. It strikes the balance of being cerebral and entertaining. The metaphors were superbly done, with rich themes regarding colonialism, cultural annihilation, and the loss of cultural identity due to genocide and forced assimilation. Just to name a few of my favorite themes. It’s gritty, dark, and gory, but written in such an intentional and artistic way that I was glued to the page. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Jones’s work, and he’s made a place on my list of authors to watch. For my full breakdown novel, read my Review The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones . Purchase from Bookshop.org
Favorite Nonfiction: Over The Influence by Johanna “JoJo” Levesque
I’m beginning to read more memoirs and was excited to read JoJo’s memoir as I was such a fan of her music when she first debuted, and have enjoyed listening to her ever-evolving sound as an adult. Hearing her story and learning the truth of what she endured behind the flashing lights was fascinating. She has a way of being vulnerable and intimate with you. Making you feel like a close friend. Upon learning that she wrote her memoir herself, I immediately understood that was the key to this memoir being such an emotional and intimate work. I highly recommend this for JoJo fans as I feel it won’t disappoint. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Most Memorable Book: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
I saw this book becoming popular in bookish spaces, and per usual, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to read it. Boy, what an experience that was. Am I a dramatic, overly emotional reader? Perhaps. However, I still wasn’t prepared for the visceral reaction I had towards this novel. It was a struggle not to DNF. That’s how frustrated I was. Yet, I managed to push through and grasp the strong feminist themes present in this novel. Greer’s ability to craft a story that evokes the level of emotion and challenges your thinking and perspective makes her a truly talented writer, I feel. And, I still haven’t gotten that book off my mind. I think about it almost daily because it shook me. To explore my full thoughts, check out my Review Annie Bot by Sierra Greer. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Longest Book: The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Next up, we have the book that took the online bookish community by storm upon its release. After an extensive wait from my library, my hold finally came through, and I was able to read this novel. I was sure that it wouldn’t impress me that much. Boy, was I wrong. This book made me feel all the things. I’m forever a Katarina stan and will always believe Heath and Bella ain’t shit. I don’t know what was laced in these pages, perhaps cocaine, but I was obsessed. It had drama, intrigue, passion, romance, competition, all the elements that make a good soap opera. Yet, it didn’t come off as cheesy. It was the perfect amount of camp coupled with exquisite storytelling, as it took inspiration from the figure skating world. What made it brilliant is that while you could see specific events that inspired this story, Fargo put her twist on things and made it her own, making it a compelling read. For my full thoughts catch my Review The Favorites by Layne Fargo. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Least Favorite Book: When Stars Align by Melissa de la Cruz
I read this book for my April Amazon First Reads Vlog, and it was a miss for me. Similar to The Favorites, this novel reads like a soap opera, but not in a good way. The storytelling and plotting were weak and redundant. While Cruz took inspiration from the early 2000s pop culture, particularly Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. Instead of putting her spin on it, the novel came across as a copy-and-paste story where she pulled from the headlines what happened in these starlets’ lives verbatim. The characterization was superficial, and the story lacked depth. Not what I was looking for. But, it could be a perfect book for those getting back into reading or who enjoy lighthearted soap opera-esque books that air on the side of being more palatable and digestible, making it an easy, fun read. Kindle Unlimited
2025 May Reading Wrap Up
Now that we’ve talked about the books that stood out from the pack. Let’s get into the other books I read this month and my overall thoughts about each.
The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters
I had a good experience with this psychological thriller. It was filled with secrets, a troubled marriage, a mysterious disappearance, and an Aunt wanting desperately to find her niece and fix their broken relationship. There were also themes regarding the cultural differences between Nicole, a British Jamaican, and her husband Tonye, a Nigerian man of wealth and means. Yet, some parts didn’t work for me. Primarily, when it came to Nicole and her decision-making, she had me so frustrated. Yet, I understand much of what she did and why, as again, there were mental, emotional, and past trauma impacting her. It is an interesting read, and I think it would be ideal for the summer. Check out my Review The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
This dark dystopian was an evocative page-turner. It had apt commentary regarding capitalism, society’s obsession with parasocial relationships, and the commodification of violence. There was also a bit of a sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance that blooms between Inesa and Melinoë. Despite lagging a little in the middle, I enjoyed it, but I was frustrated by the ending. I got flashbacks of when I finished the Delirum Series’s last book, Requiem, where we got tons of build-up for this epic event to leave you hanging on the final page. Despite the conclusion, I still had to get the special edition because I see myself re-reading this, if not just to stare at the wall and ponder what will happen next. Check out my Review Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid. Purchase the Special Edition from Barnes and Noble
The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb
Next up, I was finally able to read my first May Cobb novel. I became interested in this author after seeing her on a panel with Ashley Winstead at the San Antonio Book Festival 2025, and I found her interesting and curious to explore her work. I was not disappointed. This novel is the perfect erotic thriller, and I can see her inspiration from films like Unfaithful starring Diane Lane, which is one of my favorite thriller movies. So, it makes sense that I’d enjoy this novel, which has a heavy dose of obsession, infidelity, and fatal attraction. Cobb was masterful with the unreliable narrator trope, and her characterization was superb. I’m looking forward to reading more of her backlist. Check out my Review The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Knock Knock Open Wide by Neal Sharpson
I read this video for a video project that I hope to release soon, fingers crossed. It’s a creepy genre-bending horror combining elements of folk, cosmic, and supernatural. Sharpson is an epic storyteller with clever plotting and epic scope. His ability to weave together multiple narratives to fit one central theme is masterful. Also, he knows a thing or two about creating an unsettling, foreboding, and dreadful atmosphere. What a deliciously spooky and unsettling little novel. For my full thoughts check out my Review: Knock Knock Open Wide by Neal Sharpson. Purchase from Bookshop.org
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I decided to read Ann Liang’s new release for 2025. This was a gem of a book and featured Liang’s gorgeous prose and excellent ability to describe a thought or emotion with such detail and accuracy. I loved the commentary featured in this novel regarding success and how the pursuit of success and excellence is amplified twentyfold for minority students. She deftly explores the pressure that familial obligations and academic expectations can make students feel worthless, especially if they’re not gifted in science and mathematical subjects. Which is compounded by the fact that Jenna is Asian, and the reality that she’s struggling in subjects that are considered to be the stereotypical subjects that Asians excel at is another layer to this story. While the themes were relevant and storytelling engaging, I did feel Liang could’ve explored these themes a bit more and added a bit more depth and complexity to the story and characters. Yet, it doesn’t take away the fact that this novel was superb. Purchase from Bookshop.org
You Made A Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Lastly, we finished the month strong with this heartfelt and reflective novel, which explores the depths of spousal grief and how it permeates all areas of life, altering a person emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We also see what rebuilding a life following loss looks like and the unconventional and unexpected turns that healing can take. This novel challenged me in interesting ways, encouraging me to expand my view on the forms that love can take. And, displaying what a true soul connection can look like. While I still have some questions and thoughts on how everything turned out, I enjoyed the journey this novel took me on. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Alright friends, that’s all I have for my 2025 May Reading Wrap Up. Let me know if May was a good reading month for you and what gems you discovered that you would like to put me on to. Til next time, happy reading!
