New Books To Read in May

Ocean Vuong returns with a bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive. Hallmarks of Vuong’s writing — formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness — are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: A second chance.

Two women haunted by their sisters’ unsolved disappearances band together in this captivating mystery from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All Good People Here and host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie.

Help Ms. Rachel find her friend Herbie in this colorful lift-the-flap board book! This book includes sturdy flaps on every spread, perfect for aiding the development of fine motor skills. Laugh along with Ms. Rachel and Herbie in this interactive story that kids will want to read over and over again!

From two of America’s most respected journalists, an unflinching and explosive reckoning with one of the most fateful decisions in American political history: Joe Biden’s run for reelection despite evidence of his serious decline — amid desperate efforts to hide the extent of that deterioration.

A sweeping look back at the protest movements that changed America from activist and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with personal and historical insights into lessons they can teach us today. Part history lesson and part personal reminiscences of his own activism, We All Want to Change the World will resonate with anyone who recognizes the need for social change and is willing to do the work to make it happen.

A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy — and to overcome the betrayal of the man who broke her heart — in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood.

In this spellbinding historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea and The Wind Knows My Name, a young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father — and herself.

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow illuminates the full, fascinating, and complex life of the writer long celebrated as the father of American literature, Mark Twain. Today, more than one hundred years after his death, Twain’s writing continues to be read, debated, and quoted. In this brilliant work of scholarship, a moving tribute to the writer’s talent and humanity, Chernow reveals the magnificent and often maddening life of one of the most original characters in American history.

A marriage of convenience threatens to go off track in this steamy Formula 1 romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Cross the Line.

From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, 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.

Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy, growing up in the Southeast D.C. projects with a drug dealer for a father. But with the loving support of his father’s girlfriend, Larissa, Curtis claws his way out of his challenging circumstances and rises to unimagined heights in the classical music world. And then, suddenly, his life disintegrates. His father, Zippy, turns state’s evidence, implicating his old bosses. Now the family — Curtis included — must enter the witness protection program if they want to survive. But when Zippy’s bosses prove too elusive for law enforcement, Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa realize their only chance of survival is to take on the criminals themselves … A propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, The Dark Maestro is Brendan Slocumb at the height of his powers.

The Fab Four, the most beloved band of all time, join the ranks of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series about heroes, for ages 5 to 9.

The author of Nigel and the Moon delivers a joyful picture book about how a Southern family gathers around a special table for year-round celebrations that highlight the importance of family, community, and coming together.

All gods must die in this searingly relevant YA from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Bargain and Most Ardently. In a world bound by violence, a teen descended from the god of Death must keep their true identity a secret as they fight their way through a gladiator-style competition towards victory and rebellion against the gods who murdered their family.

Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love — the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including a brand new bonus short story!

In the first book of a sizzling dystopian romance series, psychic gifts are a death sentence and there are rules to survival: Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy.

Decades before Star Wars: The Acolyte, Vernestra Rwoh must rediscover her place within the Jedi Order. As the lines between Jedi and Republic business blur, Vernestra must find what it means to serve for Light and Life.

In this dazzling debut, Stegner Fellow Jemimah Wei explores the formation and dissolution of family bonds in a story of ambition and sisterhood in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore.

A literary love story told through ten years in the life of one woman as she tries to build a longed-for family without also losing herself — an entertaining portrayal of the true, grown-up meaning of “happily ever after.”

The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off to register her son’s birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she’d like to call the child, Cora hesitates … With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the “one … precious life” we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic.

From a brilliant longtime AI insider with intimate access to the world of Sam Altman’s OpenAI from the beginning, an eye-opening account of arguably the most fateful tech arms race in history, reshaping the planet in real time, from the cockpit of the company that is driving the frenzy.

On a trip to the tropical paradise where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the death was no accident — and the killer’s still on the island — in this twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick We Were Never Here.

Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events, from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

A landmark investigation of the chemical industry’s decades-long campaign to hide the dangers of forever chemicals, told through the story of a small town on the frontlines of an epic public health crisis. Humane and revelatory, this book will provoke outrage — and hopefully inspire the change we need to protect the health of every American for generations to come.

An uplifting picture book celebrating neurodiversity, starring characters from Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s New York Times bestselling novel Fish in a Tree. This book celebrates out-of-the-box thinking, the power of creativity, and the importance of being proud of the things that set us apart.

A heartwarming graphic novel about being the new kid in middle school, making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding — perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson’s Roller Girl.

A deeply researched, lively, and personal exploration of the multibillion-dollar wellness industry — about why women are feeling so un-well and how this trend has shaped our thinking about health and self-care.

From Pitchfork and Guardian contributor Dean Van Nguyen comes a revelatory history of Tupac beyond his musical legend, as a radical son of the Black Panther Party whose political legacy still resonates today.

A romantic coming-of-age story about one woman’s inspiring journey to find self-love, reconnect with family, and forge a new path for her future, from the author of the Good Morning America Book Club pick Dirty Laundry.

New science reveals the groundbreaking potential of the vagus nerve to regulate your body’s vital systems and heal a wide variety of medical conditions without drugs. By opening the door to the new field of neuroimmunology, The Great Nerve not only revolutionizes how we understand and treat disease, it gives us unprecedented hope for our health. This is the story of your body’s ability to heal itself.

From acclaimed fashion designer Prabal Gurung comes a captivating, courageous literary memoir, a testament to the transformative power of creativity, and a celebration of the power of femininity and individuality. When we learn to embrace the power of vulnerability, the beauty of imperfection, and the infinite possibilities within each of us, we begin to see the extraordinary power within ourselves, waiting to be unleashed.

A heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle — the first in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

A sexy, dark romantic thriller — with a shocking twist — by the author of Everything We Never Said.

The only authorized book to tell the behind-the-scenes story of the iconic band — in Liam and Noel Gallagher’s own candid, colorful words, based on thirty hours of interviews. This book documents in unprecedented depth and with their trademark candor and humor the story of their stratospheric rise, the early signs of their downfall, and Oasis’s indelible mark on music history.

A small-town waitress and a Hollywood star’s worlds collide in this new romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date.

Exploring the amazing ways animals perceive the world is an excellent way to help understand the world itself. And this young readers adaptation of the mega-bestseller An Immense World is perfect for curious kids and their families. Sure to capture young readers’ interest it is filled with amazing facts and stunning full-color illustrations.

How can you trust your heart in a world that’s plastic? The story of a teen girl who longs to escape the spotlight, and the PR relationship that helps her find real happiness.

Another instant classic from Carl Hiaasen — laugh-out-loud funny, tackling the current chaotic and polarized American culture (following in the path of Squeeze Me), with two wonderful Hiaasen heroes.

A weird and revelatory debut that vividly captures the dislocation of growing up BIPOC and neurodivergent in a country awash in both conspiracy theories and genuine conspiracies.

The groundbreaking Korean phenomenon that Entertainment Weekly called “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game” continues with even more dark secrets and shocking surprises. The temperature is rising and the truth at the center of Chobahm’s frozen world will be revealed in the final installment of this epic dystopian saga.

Kids ages 3 to 5 can explore the busy, noisy world of excavators and jackhammers with Construction Site Preschool Activity Book. They’ll have fun learning about what the crew wears to stay safe, counting how many building floors a wrecking ball truck will demolish, tracing a path for a concrete truck, and identifying tools in a toolbox! Filled with fun facts, tracing numbers and ABC’s, matching, pattern recognition, coloring activities, and more, preschoolers will discover the building blocks of learning through their love of construction.

Millionaire Milestones will change the way you think about money — teaching you a wealth-building mindset and arming you with the facts and figures you need to hit your financial goals, without sacrificing your time and happiness. It’s a progressive strategy that you can adapt for any stage of your journey. No matter where you are on your financial journey, Millionaire Milestones will teach you the simple steps you need to reach your seven figure dreams. Now, let’s get growing.

Join B. Dylan Hollis, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Baking Yesteryear, on a cross-country culinary journey with 100 uniquely American recipes. From the deserts of the Southwest to the shining Atlantic Coast, the USA is as sweet as it gets. In this tour de food, B. Dylan Hollis takes you on a delicious road trip to taste everything from the coffee-crazed creations of the Pacific Northwest to the larger-than-life sheet cakes of Texas.

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.