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The sun is shining, the birds are chirping all night and day, and for the first time in what feels like years, I actually have free time. Naturally, I’ve decided there’s only one thing to do: read.
There was a time when I could breeze through ten books in just a few days and still have energy for more, but these days… let’s just say this list is probably a little too ambitious. That said, every single one of these books are something I’m genuinely excited about. Whether I manage to get through them all this month? Well, you’ll find out in my reading wrap.
Anyways, here it is: my May TBR.
1. Swanna In Love by Jennifer Belle
Lolita, but flipped? I’m equal parts intrigued and terrified, and honestly, sign me up. As an English major, I read Lolita for the first time in one of my courses and was genuinely disturbed by it. Still, I can’t deny the strange, magnetic pull that book had on me. The idea of this novel offering a different take immediately piqued my curiosity, I’m very interested to see all the directions it might go.
Jennifer Belle sets the story in the summer of 1982, and if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m obsessed with everything ‘80s. I blame John Hughes for that entirely. All that to say, I already know this is going to be the kind of book I crack open on a sweltering May afternoon.
I used to be one of those girls who'd say they had never read an Emily Henry book before, until I spontaneously picked up Happy Place. That book was my introduction to her writing and world-building, and I absolutely fell in love.
I know Happy Place isn’t the most popular pick among long-time Em-Hen fans, but I feel totally valid in calling it my favourite, especially when I find myself randomly pulling it off my shelf just to re-read the quotes. No joke, it feels like gaining an extra life every time.
That said, I already have Funny Story bought and waiting on my bedside table. I love a good forced proximity trope, so I know it’s only a matter of time before I dive in.
3. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Another Emily Henry book waiting patiently on my bedside table, courtesy of the library. I’m honestly so grateful I put in a request early, because seeing the current wait time has me in disbelief. Still, it’s really exciting to know I’m not the only one eagerly anticipating this one.
The premise, two writers competing to pen the autobiography of the infamous Margaret Ives, immediately reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, one of my all-time favourites. The historical fiction, the scandal, the mystery of a larger-than-life woman at the centre, it all bumped this straight to the top of my May TBR, right alongside Funny Story.
4. Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
I’ve never read a book by Mieko Kawakami before, but I’ve only ever heard glowing reviews from readers who have. This one sounds like it’s going to be a heavy hitter; it follows a boy who’s being severely bullied by his classmates and ends up finding an unlikely comrade through that experience.
The blurb actually reminded me a lot of the anime film A Silent Voice, where a deaf girl becomes the target of school bullying (I had a lump in my throat for half that movie). So I already have a feeling this book is going to wreck me emotionally, or at the very least, leave me feeling a little sick in that way only stories about cruelty and human connection can.
4. Layoverland by Gabby Noone
I haven’t read many magical realism books, especially those that explore the afterlife and themes of unfinished business, but I’ve definitely consumed enough films and shows in that realm to know it’s a niche I naturally gravitate toward.
I honestly don’t know much about this book aside from its intriguing logline: Two teens, one stuck atoning for her sins and one destined for heaven, fall in love in purgatory in this darkly hilarious and heartfelt rom-com, perfect for fans of The Good Place.
And as someone who counts The Good Place among their all-time favourite shows, I’m immediately sold.
5. Party Girl by Anna David
First published in 2008, this book gives off all the vibes of an early 2000s chick flick, one of my absolute favourite movie genres.
At the centre of the story is journalist Amelia Stone, who parties hard (sometimes a little too hard) and spends her days brushing shoulders with celebrities. After hitting rock bottom, she decides to turn her life around and commit to sobriety.
Whether intentional or not, the plot reminds me so much of the film Party Girl, where a wild New York club girl takes a job as a librarian. This book feels messy, introspective, and completely up my alley. Just the kind of read I need right now.
6. The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley
As someone who fell in love with rock music through countless Spotify rabbit holes, and even more so after watching Almost Famous, I have a strong feeling this book by Marissa Stapley is going to be right up my alley.
At its heart is Jane Pyre, one half of the legendary rock duo The Lightning Bottles, who joins forces with a lonely teenage fangirl to uncover the truth about her former bandmate Elijah, who's long presumed dead… or so they thought.
It’s mysterious, it’s music-fueled, it’s full of potential, and honestly, it feels made for me.
7. Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
For anyone who grew up enchanted by the world of Tinker Bell, Pixie Hollow, Wendy, and Peter Pan, this one is for us.
Allison Saft brings the heartbreaking love story of Clarion and Milori to the page, and I, for one, can’t wait to buddy read it with one of my best friends who’s just as comforted by this magical world as I am.
I have a feeling I’m going to sob... but honestly, I think it’ll be worth every tear.
8. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
A memoir? Who am I? But in all seriousness, one of my goals this year was to read more autobiographies and memoirs, and I’m determined to stick with it.
I genuinely believe there’s so much to gain from hearing about other people’s experiences. Sometimes, it’s not even about relating, but about learning something new or finding comfort in someone else’s life.
That’s exactly what I’m hoping for with this one. I could definitely use a few lessons in how to truly live, and not just let life pass me by.
9. Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is truly the author of my dreams. She's one-of-a-kind when it comes to writing stories that hit you with all the feels at once, making you feel understood, seen, even in the smallest moments.
That woman knows how to write an unforgettable romance, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for Hendrix’s book since 2022. It's finally coming out this month, and I couldn’t be more excited.
I have a deep love for Black-centred narratives, especially seeing Black women love and be loved. I just know Hendrix is going to be my favourite (sorry to the other girls, I still love them, though).
10. Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti
This book has been circulating on BookTok for a while now, to the point where one of my best friends has read it and has been practically begging me to pick it up.
Every quote and edit I’ve seen posted, especially by the author, gives off major early 2000s romcom vibes, and I’m absolutely here for it.
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