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13 Must-Read New Books for May That Everyone Will Be Talking About

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In May, some outstanding books worth reading are:

1. The biography of Mark Twain penned by renowned historian and successful author Ron Chernow.
2. Debut memoir from Cristina Jiménez, co-founder of United We Dream.
3. The new work by poet and novelist Ocean Vuong, which serves as a follow-up to his 2019 book, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. 

In May, these three books stand out as exceptional reads:

1. The biography of Mark Twain by Ron Chernow, a celebrated historian and successful author.
2. Cristina Jiménez’s debut memoir, who co-founded United We Dream.
3. Ocean Vuong’s new work, the follow-up to his 2019 novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. 

This month caters to various tastes! Emerging author Christina Li delves into adult literature with a chilling gothic ghost tale reminiscent of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s works. Nature enthusiasts will be intrigued by Robert Macfarlane’s exploration of the legal rights of nature from a personal and political perspective. Lastly, New York Times critic at large Amanda Hess offers insights into the challenges of nurturing a child in the digital era.

Below, the 13 books you should read in May.

The Manor of Dreams, Christina Li (May 6)

The story titled “The Haunting at Yin’s Manor” commences following the demise of a fictional actress, Vivian Yin. She left her dilapidated mansion to an unanticipated inheritor – the daughter of her long-passed former housekeeper. Vivian’s offspring now engage in a dispute over their mother’s deteriorating property against someone they harbor suspicions about being involved in her passing. In an attempt to unravel Vivian’s final moments, the feuding families decide to inhabit the decrepit dwelling jointly, but soon realize that it is inhabited by spirits connected to the actor’s intricate past.

The Original Daughter, Jemimah Wei (May 6)

In Jemimah Wei’s first novel, “The Original Daughter“, we follow an extraordinary bond of sisterhood that develops under unusual circumstances. At the tender age of eight, Genevieve Yang’s life takes a drastic turn when she suddenly acquires an unforeseen younger sister, who is actually the offspring of a distant relative.

The story unfolds in Singapore near the turn of the millennium, where these two sisters-by-circumstance quickly form a bond as they grapple with the expectations to be model daughters. However, their relationship will later be marred by a heartbreaking betrayal. As Genevieve’s mother becomes ill, they must find a way to reconcile their differences in this sweeping narrative that delves into themes of ambition, resentment, and ultimately, forgiveness over the course of several decades.

Second Life, Amanda Hess (May 6)

Amanda Hess, a journalist, shares her firsthand account of parenthood in the digital era with her debut memoir, shedding light on the unique challenges and experiences of modern-day parenthood. However, this isn’t a replacement for the traditional parenting guide like “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”. Instead, Hess delves into an intriguing exploration of the online world of parenting, taking readers through various aspects such as the transformation of pregnancy tracking apps into virtual personalities, the strange landscape of prenatal genetic tests, and the roots of the burgeoning “freebirther” movement.

What My Father And I Don’t Talk About, Edited by Michele Filgate (May 6)

Following Michele Filgate’s well-received 2019 anthology titled “What My Mother and I Don’t Talk About”, this sequel features authors, poets, and essayists like Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Susan Muaddi Darraj, and Kelly McMasters, who share their complex connections with their fathers. Over 16 thought-provoking essays, the book “What My Father and I Don’t Talk About” delves into challenging themes such as family estrangement, harmful masculinity, and emotional openness, inviting readers to reflect on how our families influence us deeply.

The Emperor of Gladness, Ocean Vuong (May 13)

In my view, Ocean Vuong’s second novel unfolds as I, a 19-year-old burdened by troubles, am miraculously rescued from the brink of despair by a compassionate elderly Lithuanian woman battling early-stage dementia in our small Connecticut town. Moved by her benevolence, I find myself taking on the role of her caretaker, and together we forge an unforeseen bond that sets me on a transformative path towards self-understanding.

Mark Twain, Ron Chernow (May 13)

In this new biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow focuses on none other than the iconic American figure, Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens). Spanning a massive 1,200 pages, this comprehensive portrait takes us on a journey through the life of one of our most celebrated authors. From his humble beginnings working various jobs, such as steamboat pilot, miner, and journalist, to the publication of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Chernow meticulously charts Twain’s life and career, leading us through his highs and lows until his poignant final days marred by an unidentified madness.

Run for the Hills, Kevin Wilson (May 13)

In a fresh development, Kevin Wilson’s new book follows the story of Madeline “Mad” Hill, the protagonist from his successful novel “Nothing to See Here“. The narrative commences with an intriguing family gathering that swiftly escalates into an unconventional family road trip. Years after her father abandoned her and her mother, Mad is unexpectedly introduced to Reuben, a 40-something author who claims to be her older half-brother. With the assistance of a private investigator, Reuben has traced their estranged father, who it seems, has fathered numerous offspring. Now, Reuben is planning a journey to locate and reunite with their siblings while confronting their missing parent. Intrigued by the mystery surrounding her father’s departure, Mad decides to join him on this quest, setting out on an expedition to unearth the truth about her origins.

The Book of Records, Madeleine Thien (May 20)

In the first person perspective, I’d express it like this: “I found myself immersed in Madeleine Thien’s fourth enigmatic novel, ‘The Book of Records.’ This century-spanning tale unfolds within a shifting sanctuary for displaced souls, where past, present, and future intertwine. Having escaped our home in southern China, my father and I now reside at what we call ‘the Sea.’ Here, we coexist with an eclectic array of neighbors—a scholar from 17th century Amsterdam, a poet hailing from Tang Dynasty China, and a philosopher on the run from 1930s Nazi persecution in Germany. After my father unveiled our family’s heartrending history, I sought counsel from this time-traveling community, hoping they could guide me through my sorrow.

Is a River Alive? Robert Macfarlane (May 20)

In his twelfth book, renowned British nature author Robert Macfarlane posits that rivers should not be merely considered as flowing bodies of water, but rather as living entities with legal recognition. Drawing inspiration from the Rights of Nature movement which advocates for the legal protection of natural environments, Macfarlane explores a cloud-forest in Ecuador, the damaged waterways of southern India, and a wild river in Quebec threatened by dam construction, to demonstrate how advocates, artists, and lawmakers are pushing the boundaries of environmental personhood.

Shamanism, Manvir Singh (May 20)

Exploring the Roots of Shamanism”

Author Manvir Singh embarks on an intriguing journey in his debut book, delving into the history and evolution of shamanism. To uncover the origins of this ancient spiritual practice, Singh ventures to various locations including the Mentawai archipelago in Indonesia, a cave in southwest France, and the northwest Amazon. He collaborates with shamans, individuals who are believed to have the ability to converse with spirits, in an attempt to comprehend why their practices resonate with both Burning Man attendees and Wall Street investors. By combining personal narratives, investigative research, and anthropological studies, “Exploring the Roots of Shamanism” offers a captivating exploration into a religious belief system that remains as enigmatic as it is enduring.

Things in Nature Merely Grow, Yiyun Li (May 20)

In her second memoir titled “Things in Nature Merely Grow,” novelist Yiyun Li tenderly portrays her two teenage sons, who tragically took their own lives years apart. This poignant work delves into her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, themes previously explored in her 2017 debut memoir “Dear Friend, from My Life I Write to You in Your Life.” However, this time Li confronts the immense weight of these losses head-on. She pens an exploration of radical acceptance, providing a deep insight into how a parent learns to navigate life without their children by her side.

Dreaming of Home, Cristina Jiménez (May 27)

Cristina Jiménez, an activist, found herself in the United States at the age of 13 after moving from Ecuador. Her first book, titled “Dreaming of Home,” recounts her upbringing as an undocumented individual in Queens, NY, and how these experiences fueled her passion to become a significant figure advocating for immigration justice.

Lush, Rochelle Dowden-Lord (May 27)

In Rochelle Dowden-Lord’s first book, titled “Lush“, four distinguished wine connoisseurs – a young, talented sommelier, an accomplished food writer, a prominent social media personality, and the head of a well-known yet average wine company – receive an invitation to spend a weekend at a French vineyard. During their stay, they will be given the opportunity to savor the world’s rarest wine. However, to reach this career pinnacle, they must grapple with their personal struggles in this intriguing exploration of the world of wine and its passionate devotees.

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2025-05-01 15:06

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