May 2025 Anticipated Book Releases
The 25 fiction and non-fiction books on my radar publishing next month, plus my Weekly What
A fresh month of book releases is just around the corner! Here’s a roundup of all the May 2025 fiction and non-fiction book releases on my radar. Meanwhile, I’ve so far read exactly 2 of my April anticipated releases 🤪 (Does anyone else sort of secretly wish the publishing calendar would slow down?!) Anyway, bring on the May books!
May 6
What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon. Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter.* Lifelong best friends say 'I do' to a marriage of convenience, trading vows for a financial safety net and benefits. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman. An unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.
The Names by Florence Knapp.* The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life?
The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li. Mexican Gothic meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in Christina Li’s haunting novel about the secrets that lie in wait in the crumbling mansion of a former Hollywood starlet, and the intertwined fates of the two Chinese American families fighting to inherit it.
Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell. Hit the dance floor with a coven of queer witches on 1980s Fire Island in this gay fantasy romance about finding magic, love, and family in the face of tragedy.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.
Alive Day: A Memoir by Karie Fugett. A searing, unflinchingly intimate memoir about one young couple caught up in the machinery of America’s military system, learning to live and love through war and all that comes after.
Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age by Amanda Hess. Hess confronts technology’s distortions as they follow her through pregnancy and into her son’s early life. The result is a critical record of our digital age that reveals the unspoken ways our lives are being fractured and reconstituted by technology.
Melting Point: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land by Rachel Cockerell. This dazzling, innovative family memoir tells the story of a long-lost plan to create a Jewish state in Texas.
Apocalypse: How Catastrophe Transformed Our World and Can Forge New Futures by Lizzie Wade. A richly imagined new view on the great human tradition of apocalypse, from the rise of Homo sapiens to the climate instability of our present, that defies conventional wisdom and long-held stories about our deep past to reveal how cataclysmic events are not irrevocable endings, but transformations.
This is Your Mother: A Memoir by Erika J. Simpson. A remarkable, inventive debut memoir about a mother-daughter relationship across cycles of poverty, separation, and illness, exploring how we forge identity in the face of imminent loss.
Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read. A groundbreaking work of history and reportage that unveils the stranger-than-fiction world of multilevel marketing: a massive money-making scam and radical political conspiracy that has remade American society.
May 13
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan. Hendrix Barry’s thriving life leaves little room for love—until tech mogul Maverick Bell challenges her carefully laid plans. Now, she must decide if risking her heart is worth it.
The Devil Three Times by Ricky Fayne. A debut of enormous ambition" spanning eight generations of a Black family in West Tennessee as they are repeatedly visited by the Devil.
Run For the Hills by Kevin Wilson.* An unexpected road trip across America brings a family together, in this raucous and moving new novel from the bestselling author of Nothing to See Here.
A Sharp Endless Need by Marisa Crane. A propulsive and nostalgic coming-of-age novel about an all-consuming relationship between two teammates on a girls’ high school basketball team, from the Lambda Literary Award–winning author of I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself.
Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan. An utterly transporting debut novel about the unexpected relationship between an artist and the 130-year-old woman she cares for—two of the last people living in a flooded San Francisco of the future, the home neither is ready to leave.
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North. In turn emotional, introspective, and utterly terrifying, this is a story of fathers and sons, shadows and secrets, and the fight we all face to escape the trauma of the past.
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe.* The first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South.
When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership by Amanda Litman. A first-of-its-kind practical manual for millennials and Gen Zers taking on positions of power, from the cofounder of Run for Something.
Sleep by Honor Jones. From a dazzling new talent, the story of a newly divorced young mother forced to reckon with the secrets of her own childhood when she brings her daughters back to the big house where she was raised.
May 20
The Memory Collector by Dete Meserve. Four strangers time travel to the past and find themselves stuck on the day all their lives were changed in this stunning speculative mystery.
Marsha: The Joy and Definace of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline. Black transgender luminary Tourmaline brings to life the first definitive biography of the revolutionary activist Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most important and remarkable figures in LGBTQIA+ history, revealing her story, her impact, and her legacy.
May 27
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan.* A novel about a former adolescent TV actress-turned-Hollywood producer whose “fake it till you make it” mantra sets her on a crash course with her past, forcing her to spend a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.
Shop these titles: Bookshop | LibroFM
*denotes I have a complimentary advanced review copy
Tell me:
Which May releases are you looking forward to?
What are you planning to read in May? (Front or backlist!)
What I’m…
Reading
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig. Twenty years ago five teens discover a mysterious free-standing staircase in the woods while camping. One of them goes up and never comes back down, disappearing without a trace along with the staircase. Now the remaining four friends reassemble, called together by a decades old covenant promising to always protect one another. The staircase has reappeared and it's their turn to go up and find out what's waiting on the other side.
I'm a Chunk Wendig fan and have read a number of his novels. The Staircase in the Woods is not my favorite of his catalog though there is a lot to appreciate here. I had a bit of an uneven reading experience where I really loved parts of the book, but others dragged a bit for me.
Overall, excellent premise, masterful horror writing, and what really captivated me were the deeper and horrifically relevant themes Wendig explores through this story: the forces working to divide us and the remedy connection offers. His ability to tell a good story with deeper roots is exactly why I'm a fan.Sky Daddy by Kate Folk. A contemporary tribute to Moby Dick featuring a woman erotically attached to planes. If unhinged women and absurd lit are your jam—this one’s for you!
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I finished the Hunger Games trilogy with my kids. Wow, does this series hold up, if I didn’t already believe this is one of the best YA series ever written and that it’s destined to be a forever classic I sure do now. The themes of power, corruption, oppression, unified rebellion, and weaponized violence, propaganda, and entertainment sure are pertinent.
The Lamb by Lucy Rose. A coming of age gothic folk horror with a dark fairytale vibe about a girl who lives in a remote cottage in the woods with her mother who has, shall we say, an unusual appetite. Metaphor heavy and exploring themes of mother-daughter dynamics and womanhood. I quite liked this though I thought it could have benefitted from being a shorter story.
Listening
Heartwood by Amity Gaige. A Read With Jenna pick about a woman who goes missing while hiking the Appalachian Trail and the female Game Warden tasked with finding her. I’m seeing this book around a lot right now. I found it fine; easy listening, lightly suspenseful, nothing particularly compelling or challenging. The audio quality is quite good featuring full cast narration including Justine Lupe.
Who is Government: The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis. A quick, interesting listen telling the stories of a handful of public servants in their important, yet often overlooked roles. I wish people cheering on the Trump regime’s culling and politicization of our civil service, or anyone endorsing the attack on our democratic institutions more largely, would read. Just because the public doesn’t understand these roles doesn’t mean they aren’t crucial. Shining a spotlight the way Lewis has done here is impactful.
Watching
The Pitt (Max). We finished season one. Very compelling television and 15 episodes?! They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
Paradise (Hulu). We are halfway through this twisty thriller with a speculative political bent. I’m very into it!
Eating & Drinking
We were with extended family for Easter. I contributed Pineapple Stuffing, Grape Salad, and Carrot Cake to the meal.
The next day we had Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with leftover ham. I used regular hamburger buns that I had on hand.
Fish Tacos for Taco Tuesday.
We took advantage of sunny, summery weather to grill burgers mid-week. Served alongside Sweet Potato “Fries” (Sweet potatoes cut into fry shapes, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and dry roasted at 375-degrees for 20-25 mins.)
I picked up some Good & Gather Watermelon Lime seltzer at Target when it was on sale and it’s very tasty! I find it more lime-y than watermelon-y, though I don’t mind this as watermelon flavor can sometimes taste weird. This is a good, refreshing balance.
I made the switch to iced coffee this week. Will it stick? Depends on the weather! I’m a cold coffee in hot weather, hot coffee in cold weather kind of gal.
Links + Loves
Speaking of stocking your TBR, The Millions’ Great Spring 2025 Book Preview is out. I think The Millions always has such an interesting mix of books in their previews, well worth a browse!
The largest study of its kind just published more data showing deactivating social media improves mental health. WaPo Opinion piece from the researcher. Research paper.
The American Library Association and 21 states are suing the Trump administration over their attacks on the Institute for Museum and Library Services (Book Riot)
Vogue says Jane Austen bangs are trending. I won’t be embracing this style myself (wispy bangs and heat do not mix) but I love to see it.
Let’s distract ourselves with some television, shall we? Here’s your book to screen steaming guide for April. (Lit Hub)
Today is Independent Bookstore Day! Celebrate by visiting your local indie where they are likely celebrating with special offers, goodies, and/or treats. Find out what’s going on at a bookstore near you! (IndieBound)
IHO Indie Bookstore Day, here’s a cozy tour of ten of Lit Hub’s favorite indie bookstores.
If you prefer to shop from home:
Some indies offer online shopping with very reasonable shipping.
Bookshop.org is an online book retailer offering both print and ebooks whose mission is to support independent bookstores. More than 80% of their profits go directly to independent bookstores. They are offering free shipping all weekend IHO Indie Bookstore Day.
Similarly, Libro.fm is an audiobook retailer who profit shares with independent bookstores. They are having a sale on bestselling audiobooks through Sunday. You can also use code BOOKSTOREDAY when signing up for a new monthly membership to get two bonus book credits (3 books for the price of 1). Additionally, Libro.fm has Golden Tickets worth 12 free audiobook credits hidden at bookstores across the US. Here’s a list of participating bookstores.
Do you have any plans for Independent Bookstore Day?
What are you reading, listening to, eating, watching, liking, and/or linking this week? Let’s chat!
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Until next time!
I'm excited about The Correspondent! Love reading stories in different formats. I'm currently reading Sunrise on the reaping :D
Little Bosses Everywhere sounds look a good read. Based on the description, I’m assuming this book will cover the origins of Amway which, in addition to being America’s first major multi level marketing scheme, also become an influential politician donor and actor associated with conservatism. I recently read Cultish by Amanda Montell, a fantastic book that dives into cult like behavior, including MMLs and how they create the illusion of entrepreneurship and female empowerment to really take advantage of people financially. She gives a good background on Amway and Mary Kay, and how both are an outgrowth of America’s Protestant work ethic obsession. I will have a full review of cultish for my May reading roundup in a few days. Oh, and my wife and I love bookshop.org! It’s our go to alternative to Amazon. We are also very fortunate to have some great independent bookstores here in DC.