It’s time for my first half of May 2026 book review post! I am sharing what I read in May so far, although I am skipping my 5 star reads to share later in the month. The Amazon links to the books I’ve read are affiliate links and if you use them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. If you’ve read any of these books or are interested in them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Title: We Burned So Bright
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Tor Books, 4/28/26
Source: Swap
Why I Read It: Like his books
My Rating: 4 Stars
After so many longer books in April, I started May with this short novella – We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune. I got this advanced copy from a swap. It’s the end of the world and husbands Don and Rodney are taking their RV from ME to WA to deal with unfinished business.
“Husbands Don and Rodney have lived a good long life. Together they’ve experienced the highest highs of love and family, and lows so low that they felt like the end of the world. Now, the world is ending for real. A rogue black hole is coming for Earth and in a month everything and everyone they’ve ever known will be gone. Suddenly, after 40 years together, Don and Rodney are out of time. They’re in a race against the clock to make it from Maine to Washington State to take care of some unfinished business before it’s all over. On the road they meet those who refuse to believe death is coming and those who rush to meet it. But there are also people living their final days as best they know how―impromptu weddings, bright burning bonfires, shared meals, and new friends. And as the black hole draws near, among ball lightning and under a cracked moon in a kaleidoscope sky, Don and Rodney will look back on their lives and ask if their best was good enough. Is it enough to burn bright if nothing comes from the ashes?”
I think this could have been a much longer story, but instead it quickly covers the people they meet and the days that pass as time before the end gets shorter. When the story got to the reason for the trip and ultimately the story of Don and Rodney’s past, I became more invested in their story.
Title: All That’s Left in the World
Author: Erik J. Brown
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publisher: Balzar + Bray, 3/8/22
Source: Publisher – Print, Library – Audio
Why I Read It: Backlist
My Rating: 4 Stars
Yes, somehow I read two apocalyptic books this month. As my sci fi pick for my 26 in ’26, I added All That’s Left in the World by Erik J Brown. Listening to it, I realized it wasn’t exactly sci fi, although it is post apocalyptic, taking place after most of humanity has been killed by a virus. Andrew finds Jamie’s house after an injury and Jamie takes care of him. They end up setting off together in search of help or society and they encounter much excitement along the way.
“When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything. And Jamie has a secret, too. He’s starting to feel something more than friendship for Andrew, adding another layer of fear and confusion to an already tumultuous journey. The road ahead of them is long, and to survive, they’ll have to shed their secrets, face the consequences of their actions, and find the courage to fight for the future they desire, together. Only one thing feels certain: all that’s left in their world is the undeniable pull they have toward each other.”
This was a tense read that definitely held my attention. Jamie and Andrew were likeable and their attraction to each other added to the story. I realized that there is a sequel to this book as well.
Title: Enormous Wings
Author: Laurie Frankel
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, 5/5/26
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel was one of my highly anticipated reads for this year. This is about Pepper, who at 77 moves to a retirement community, meets a man, and becomes pregnant. Because she lives in Texas, she isn’t permitted to end the pregnancy since her life isn’t in imminent danger.
“At seventy-seven, Pepper Mills is too old to be a stranger in a strange land. She didn’t choose the Vista View Retirement Community of Austin, Texas―that would be her three grown children―but when she grudgingly moves in, she not only makes new friends, she falls in love. Then the exhaustion, vomiting, and confusion start. She fears it’s cancer, dementia, a stroke. But a raft of tests later, the news is even more shocking: She’s pregnant. As word gets out, everyone wants a piece of her: the press and paparazzi, activists and medical researchers, belly-rubbers and rubber-neckers all descending on Vista View while Pepper struggles to determine her next move. Soon she has some hard decisions to make―and some she’s not allowed to make.”
This was an interesting way to tell a story about body autonomy and women’s rights. I enjoyed Pepper and especially her relationship with her grandchildren. There are some difficult topics in this one including cancer and loss, and certainly you won’t appreciate it if you are anti choice. Another aspect of the book that I haven’t seen mentioned is that Pepper is Jewish. So as always I enjoyed the Jewish representation in this one.
Title: No Matter What
Author: Cara Bastone
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Dial Press, 3/3/26
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3 Stars
No Matter What by Cara Bastone was another highly anticipated read for me as I loved her previous two books. Sadly, for some reason, this one wasn’t as good for me. It is about Roz, who is married to Vin. I know they have good chemistry and that they have been traumatized due to an accident along with Vin’s brother Raff, but I don’t really know what made Roz and Vin fall in love in the first place. When the two start communicating about their current issues, it leads to their physical reconnection, but again, I don’t really feel their love for each other.
“Roz and Vin can’t look each other in the eyes anymore, let alone share a bed. It’s been a year since they survived a life-altering accident, and their marriage hasn’t been the same. But Roz has held out hope that they can fix things, until she discovers Vin has signed a new lease. So she does what any soon-to-be-divorced Manhattanite would do: sign up for a figure-drawing class. Between Roz’s determined attempts to improve her artistic skills and her adventures with her best friend, Raffi, she can almost ignore Vin’s impending move-out date and his footsteps in their previously unoccupied guest room. But it would all be a lot easier if Vin wasn’t Raffi’s older brother, and if she didn’t still find him incredibly, debilitatingly attractive and kind. So kind, in fact, that Vin offers to let Roz draw him. What is she supposed to say? It’s probably better than her original plan of finding some random male model online, and she needs all the practice she can get. Plus, that’s sure to make a separation easier, right? Focus on every detail of your estranged spouse’s body while drawing him in the nude? But after the year they’ve spent avoiding each other, it feels good to see and be seen by one another again. As Roz works to capture the wholeness of the person she fell in love with, will they both be able to draw upon the feelings they buried deep inside to finally heal together?”
The book is mainly told from Roz’s viewpoint as she begins taking a drawing class and starts to heal her own trauma. There are brief interludes from Vin’s viewpoint as well. I’m not sure if I just didn’t like these characters, but this one wasn’t a favorite for me overall.
Title: Nine Lives
Author: Peter Swanson
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: HarperAudio, 3/15/22
Source: Publisher – Print, Library – Audio
Why I Read It: Backlist
My Rating: 4 Stars
From my 26 in ’26 list, I listened to Nine Lives by Peter Swanson. This was a fast moving thriller that begins with a list of names with no indication as to what the people listed have in common. People on the list begin to be found murdered. FBI agent Jessica is on the list and begins to figure out some clues.
“Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. Nothing else, just a list of names on a single sheet of paper. None of the nine people know or have ever met the others on the list. They dismiss it as junk mail, a fluke—until very, very bad things begin happening to people on the list. First, a well-liked old man is drowned on a beach in the small town of Kennewick, Maine. Then, a father is shot in the back while running through his quiet neighborhood in suburban Massachusetts. A frightening pattern is emerging, but what do these nine people have in common? Their professions range from oncology nurse to aspiring actor, and they’re located all over the country. So why are they all on the list, and who sent it? FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who is on the list herself, is determined to find out. Could there be some dark secret that binds them all together? Or is this the work of a murderous madman? As the mysterious sender stalks these nine strangers, they find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering who will be crossed off next…”
I thought the reveal came suddenly and while I appreciate a quick read, there could have been more to this one.
Title: Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults
Author: Carolyn Maguire
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Balance, 4/14/26
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4 Stars
I thought Friendship Skills For Neurodivergent Adults by Caroline Maguire might apply to me since the subtitle indicates that it’s a guide for the anxious, as well as for the uniquely wired and easily distracted. At the least, I figured it could give some insights into the quirkiness that my kids and I all demonstrate. Sadly, I didn’t find it all that interesting and it mainly focused on adults with autism and/or ADHD. Even with this population in mind, the print was very small and hard to read! So I found it somewhat difficult.
“Friendship can be hard for many Neurodivergent adults. There is an assumption that good, worthwhile friendships ‘should’ come easy. However, for Neurodivergent adults, there are brain-based reasons why friendship can feel less intuitive. From differences in the parts of the brain that are vital to managing the logistics of a fulfilling social life to difficulty with self-regulation, the way neurodiverse individuals experience social bonding and connection can feel unintuitive. Friendship Skills For Neurodivergent Adults is a guide to navigate these differences, broken into three parts:
1. How friendship works
2. How to find your people
3. How connecting will get you in motion
With the guidance of Friendship Skills For Neurodivergent Adults, readers will feel less alone, and have the tools to understand the unique way neurodiverse individuals can approach friendship.”
I appreciated that the author of the book feels strongly that neurodivergent people should not mask their differences and instead be themselves. I did think some of the talking suggestions would seem awkward if used in conversation.
Title: Glory Be
Author: Jamie Sumner
Genre: Middle Grade Verse
Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers, 3/10/26
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
Glory Be by Jamie Sumner is a book in verse about Glory, a girl living in New Orleans whose dog Roux goes missing. She has a tough exterior but is dealing with a lot, and as the book goes on we understand more about her and what led to the disappearance of Roux.
“Glory has the best dog in the world. Roux wags his tail so hard his whole round little body shakes. He touches his nose to hers like E.T. phoning home. Roux is always there for her—but now he’s gone. And Glory is worried her daddy had something to do with it. Daddy’s been getting into trouble since the day Glory was born. Now it’s worse than worse. As she searches all over New Orleans for her lost pup, Glory discovers some things about her city and herself. Enough to make her wonder: How do you know when to hang on to the ones you love…and when to let go?”
I liked the people Glory talked to on her search, though I wasn’t sure she was old enough to be wandering around the city like she did! This book deals with hard topics including alcoholism, gambling addiction, and poverty.
Title: The New Perimenopause
Author: Mary Claire Haver
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Rodale Books, 4/7/26
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver contains some interesting information about understanding perimenopause during the years prior to reaching menopause. The author describes various symptoms, why they occur, and treatment options.
“Though menstrual cycle changes and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies them are the hallmarks of the transition to menopause, many women with regular periods as young as 35 can also start to feel irregular, with symptoms that include anxiety, fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, sexual symptoms, and volatile moods. This array of symptoms can be hugely disruptive—all the more so when a doctor dismisses a woman’s complaints as all in her head or prescribes unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. In The New Perimenopause, Dr. Mary Claire Haver—the trailblazing voice behind the movement to revolutionize health care for women—sets things straight. She explains that the numerous and varied symptoms of perimenopause occur in direct response to normal endocrine changes; this is the hormonal ‘zone of chaos.’ A comprehensive, authoritative book of science-backed information and lived experience, The New Perimenopause includes:
- Clear, science-backed explanations of what’s going on in your body, from changes in your menstrual cycle to energy levels, mood, sleep, and sexual issues.
- How and why dealing with these changes now is preventative medicine for your later years.
- Checklists, questions for your doctor, and how to insist on good care.
- The very latest research on the benefits and side effects of progesterone therapy to help ease your hormonal transition.
Whether you have symptoms or not, The New Perimenopause helps remove the mystery around this time of change, putting women in control of their health going forward.”
Books like this scare me because while I do have some of the symptoms described, there are also some that I’ve always had! Some of the descriptions were too science-y for me, but I do think the information was straightforward. While focusing on nutrition, exercise, and sleep are stressed, the author also describes hormonal treatments and helps this topic to move past the lack of research and medical gaslighting that has come with it previously.
Title: Let’s Not Do That Again
Author: Grant Ginder
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, 4/5/22
Source: BookSparks – Print, Library – Audio
Why I Read It: Backlist
My Rating: 4 Stars
From my 26 in ’26 list, I listened to Let’s Not Do That Again by Grant Ginder. This is about Nancy, a mom of two who is running for Senate in NY. Her young adult children are either helpful (Nick) or causing chaos (Greta). There is a lot going on in the story, but it’s really about mother-daughter relationships in the end.
“Nancy Harrison is running for Senate, and she’s going to win, goddamnit. Not that that’s her slogan, although it could be. She’s said all the right things. Passed all the right legislation. Chapped her lips kissing babies. There’s just one problem: her grown children. Greta and Nick Harrison are adrift. Nick is floundering in his attempts to write a musical about the life of Joan Didion (called Hello to All That!). And then there’s his little sister Greta. Smart, pretty, and completely unmotivated, allowing her life to pass her by like the shoppers at the Apple store where she works. One morning the world wakes up not to Nancy making headlines, but her daughter, Greta. She’s in Paris. With extremist protestors. Throwing a bottle of champagne through a beloved bistro’s front window. In order to save her campaign, not to mention her daughter, Nancy and Nick must find Greta before it’s too late.”
While this book took a turn, overall it was a good family drama. I am glad I listened to it, though some of the scene transitions could have used a longer pause by the narrator.
This post includes nine of the books I read this month. Six were all print books and three were audio. Seven were adult books, one was YA, and one was Middle Grade. Genres included dystopian, contemporary, thriller, and non-fiction.
Have you read any of these books or do you want to? What have you been reading lately?
