As an avid reader, nothing excites me more than adding more and more books to my TBR (to-be-read) list. Luckily, the GoodReads app helps keep me and my books organized at all times. I'm always able to track my tbr list, my current reads, and the books that I've already read.
Almost every month, I like to go on TikTok and look for interesting books that I can add to my tbr list for the upcoming month. So, here are 5 books of different genres and authors that I think you should definitely add to your shelf for the month of May!
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is a literary fiction novel that encompasses more than one genre. However, I would personally categorize it as a murder mystery novel that revolves around a love story. The novel keeps on switching between two different timelines.
The first one is in which a young girl grows up alone in a swamp in the 50s, while the other follows the investigation of a murder case of a teenage boy a few years later. While switching back and forth, Owen's writing style keeps you hooked the entire time. The novel pulls you in in a way in which you can't help but try figuring out the connection between the two timelines.
In addition, the book is being adapted into a movie very soon; in fact, the trailer was already released a month ago. The movie is coming out on July 15th, featuring Taylor Swift's new song. So, I believe it's time you read this book before the movie comes out! However, I would recommend you don't watch the trailer before reading the book, since it gives away too much of the plot.
2. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
Enemies to lovers? Sports Romance? The perfect slow-burn?
Mariana Zapata's books will never disappoint. From Lukov with Love was my first ever book written by Mariana Zapata and let me tell you it has quickly become one of my favorites. The novel is about two figure skaters, Jasmine Santos and Ivan Lukov, who become partners after years of despising each other.
Although the book is around 500 pages, I was able to finish it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down and the slow burn just kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I'm honestly a huge fan of Zapata's writing style; however, I do believe some people find her books very slow (but that's the whole point of a slow burn isn't it?). Anyway, this novel has become a comfort read and I always find myself rereading it whenever I'm in a reading slump.
3. Verity by Colleen Hoover
One of the most mind-blowing books I've ever read! Hoover's plot twist kept me up all night and still does. Verity is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller written by the well-known author, Colleen Hoover.
Although Colleen is known for her contemporary romance books, this thriller has definitely exceeded expectations and topped all her other books for me. The novel is about Lowen, a struggling writer, who gets a job offer in which she has to finish the remaining books of a successful series by Verity, who is currently injured. Not too late after accepting this offer, Lowen finds an unfinished autobiography in Verity's office, revealing some shocking truths.
The book is all-consuming and impossible to put down. If you haven't read it yet, then you're definitely missing out! (Ps: please make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading the book)
4. Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel is one of the most remarkable stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Daisy Jones and the Six is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the rise of an iconic 1970s rock band, uncovering the mystery behind their breakup. Taylor's captivating writing style enables you to visualize the characters and storyline in an unbelievably unique way.
After finishing the book, my mind couldn't comprehend that these characters were, indeed, fictional because they felt so real to me. In fact, I couldn't help but google the characters just to make sure.
After the success of this award-winning novel, it was announced that it is going to be adapted into a mini-series, starring Riley Keough and Sam Claflin. They have begun filming this 13-episode series; however, the release date has not yet been announced. Since the book involved lots of music lyrics, it's pretty exciting to finally get to listen to the songs and see them come to life!
5. Six of crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
For fantasy lovers, this duology is everything you'll ever want in a book and so much more. Six of Crows is a duology about six teenagers who are attempting an impossible heist in the fictional city of Ketterdem. Besides the dark and gritty adventure, what makes this book absolutely unique is the six different points of view that enable the readers to fall in love with each and every character.
It's very rare to find an author that can perfectly juggle multiple character points of view while keeping the story's pace steady, but Leigh Bardugo has done it in an exceptional manner. Six of Crows is the type of book that becomes your personality after finishing it, wishing you'd experience reading it again for the first time.
After reading this duology, you can watch the Netflix show, Shadow and Bone, which follows the Shadow and Bone trilogy, also written by Leigh Bardugo. It's set in the same fictional verse and includes several characters from Six of Crows.
Some readers prefer to read Shadow and Bone first before moving on to Six of Crows; however, I was told by several friends that the reading order doesn't really matter. In addition, Six of Crows is known to be objectively better and this is the main reason why I personally chose to skip over the trilogy.
To wrap up, these are 5 books that I've absolutely enjoyed reading and I believe that everyone should give them a chance. The books above vary in genres and authors to suit different types of readers. So choose what interests you and make sure to add it to your tbr list for May!
