Best Books to Read in May 2025
Discover the most captivating reads of May 2025, from Fredrik Backman’s touching novel My Friends to Ocean Vuong’s poetic The Emperor of Gladness. Whether you’re into gripping thrillers like The Tenant by Freida McFadden, heartfelt journeys like Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson, or rich fantasies like The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig, this month offers something unforgettable for every reader.
📖 Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
A poignant exploration of identity, displacement, and the bonds between mothers and daughters, this novel traces the journey of a family across generations. Set against the backdrop of Puerto Rico in 1968 and the American Midwest in 2023, it delves into the complexities of heritage and belonging. Jeanine Cummins crafts a narrative that is both tender and resonant, capturing the enduring quest for home and self-understanding. Harvard+1Macmillan+1
📖 The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s second novel is a lyrical and expansive tale that delves into themes of chosen family and unexpected friendship. Set in the fictional town of East Gladness during the opioid crisis, it follows 19-year-old Hai, a Vietnamese American grappling with depression and identity. After a suicide attempt, Hai is saved by Grazina, an elderly Lithuanian widow, leading to a transformative bond between them. Vuong’s narrative captures the disintegration and diversity of working-class America, offering a deeply personal and socially relevant story. Financial Times+1The Guardian+1PenguinRandomhouse.com+2The Guardian+2Financial Times+2
📖 Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes by Nam Soon Ahn and Sarah Ahn
This cookbook offers a heartfelt journey into Korean cooking, featuring over 100 family recipes passed down from Nam Soon Ahn to her daughter, social media star Sarah Ahn. Beyond the recipes, it shares decades of kitchen wisdom, capturing the essence of Korean culinary traditions and the mother-daughter bond that preserves them. Amazon+2PenguinRandomhouse.com+2ahnest kitchen+2
📖 Never Flinch by Stephen King
In this gripping novel, Stephen King weaves intertwining storylines: one about a killer on a diabolical revenge mission, and another about a vigilante targeting a feminist celebrity speaker. Featuring the beloved character Holly Gibney and a dynamic new cast, the story delves into themes of justice, obsession, and the complexities of human morality. Cemetery Dance+2Amazon+2Simon & Schuster+2Simon & Schuster+2Cemetery Dance+2Amazon+2
📖 Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
Renowned biographer Ron Chernow presents a comprehensive portrait of Mark Twain, delving into the life of America’s first literary celebrity. From Twain’s humble beginnings to his rise as an internationally revered author, Chernow explores his financial struggles, complex family dynamics, and the contradictions that defined him. This meticulously researched biography offers deep insights into Twain’s enduring influence on American literature and identity. The Guardian
📖 Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen
Set in the chaotic and polarized landscape of Florida, this satirical novel follows Viva and Twilly as they unravel a mystery involving dark money and nefarious motives. Encountering a cast of outrageous characters, including billionaire philanthropists with secret agendas and an ambitious congressman, they navigate a world rife with corruption and absurdity. Carl Hiaasen
📖 A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment by Grace Burrowes
In this historical mystery, Lord Julian Caldicott is drawn into a two-week informal race meeting, despite his disinterest in horse racing. Accompanied by his fiancée, Miss Hyperia West, Julian agrees to observe and report any unusual occurrences. As the event unfolds, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and deception. Barnes & Noble+2graceburrowes.com+2Fantastic Fiction+2Barnes & Noble
📖 The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
This compelling novel tells the story of a young father who, after an unbearable tragedy, confronts the possibility of atonement for the unforgivable. Wally Lamb explores themes of grief, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit in a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Simon & Schuster
📖 Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
Set against the evocative landscape of the twentieth-century Lowcountry, this multigenerational family saga follows a woman’s unwavering determination to protect her family’s legacy and the land she loves. Mary Alice Monroe crafts a dramatic and sweeping narrative of unyielding love, profound sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit required to persevere in the face of change. Mary Alice Monroe –+2Harper Book Club+2HarperCollins+2HarperCollins+1Harper Book Club+1
📖 My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
In this historical novel, Isabel Allende introduces Emilia del Valle, a young journalist from California with Chilean roots. As she travels to Chile to cover the 1891 civil war, Emilia embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering her heritage and the stories of overlooked figures like the cantineras. Allende weaves a narrative rich in historical detail and personal insight. Toby A. Smith+2apnews.com+2apnews.com+2
📖 Papa Doesn’t Do Anything! by Jimmy Fallon
In this charming children’s book, Jimmy Fallon celebrates grandfathers through the eyes of a child who believes “Papa” doesn’t do anything but sit in his chair. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Papa has done so much more, from flying planes to playing in a band, all underscored by his unwavering love and support.
📖 Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
In this metafictional mystery, editor Susan Ryeland returns to England, leaving behind her life in Greece. She becomes entangled in a new case involving a novel with hidden clues about a real-life murder. As fiction and reality intertwine, Susan must unravel the truth before becoming the next victim. Amazon+2HarperCollins+2Harper Book Club+2
