May 2026 Reading Update

I’m back with another reading update! We had a beautiful month with lots of beach days (nothing better than sweatshirt beach weather for me) + park time. I felt like I was listening to something on my phone all of May but it turns out I only finished three books. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah was long and I made some progress in some other personal development books I didn’t finish (I will in June!).

Here’s what May looked like.

What I Finished in May

The Women — Kristin Hannah

Phenomenal. This was the standout of my month, and probably one of the most powerful books I’ve read all year. I cried (multiple times). It follows a young woman who serves as a nurse in Vietnam, and what made it so affecting was getting to know her in two halves: first her time in the war, and then her struggle to reintegrate into a world that didn’t want to acknowledge where she’d been or what she’d done. That second half was heartbreaking in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

It was also one of the first times I felt like I got to hear both sides of the story (war time and coming back “to the world”), and it left me realizing how little I actually know about the Vietnam War and military personnel in general. Highly, highly recommend.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd — Agatha Christie

My book club pick this month, and a fun change of pace. There’s a reason this one is considered a classic of the genre, and I won’t say a word about the ending except that it earns its reputation. A clever, satisfying mystery that was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads. I will say, this one is harder to listen to while you’re getting other things done. I was not nearly as invested in the story as I thought I’d be (“And Then There Were None” was a childhood favorite so I was excited about this one!). Do not try and cram this book in 24 hours the day before book club.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lions — Book 8

I did it. I finished the series, and I loved every bit of the final volume. After being so skeptical of book one, I’m a little emotional that it’s over and have been recommending them to everyone. These became my comfort read, the thing I’d choose over a show at night. Now comes the hard part: figuring out what to do with the Emma M. Lions-shaped hole in my reading life while I wait for the next installment.

If you’re looking for an elevated fluff/light read, don’t miss these.

What I’m Currently Reading

Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen

This is my answer, at least for now, to the Emma M. Lions void. I’m halfway through and it felt like the right thing to reach for after living in 18th century England for so long. I forgot how brilliant Jane Austen is and how wonderful Lizzie Bennet is.

The Six Habits of Growth — Brendon Burchard

Part of my plan to add personal development back into the rotation. I’m about halfway through and finding it a solid, practical read. More to say once I finish.

Do Epic Shi* — Ankur Warikoo 

Almost done with this one. It’s had some interesting takeaways, like the reminder to focus on habits rather than goals so you get the outcome and the personal growth along the way. That said, I don’t find it significantly more compelling than any other self-help book I’ve read. It’s fine, just not a standout. I’m also still on hold for Atomic Habits at the library to give that one a reread, which I suspect will cover similar ground a little better.

Gifted and Distractible — Julie F. Skolnick

Still making my way through this one slowly. It keeps giving me things to chew on, so I’m in no rush.

The Anatomy of Peace

I started my brother’s recommendation and haven’t finished it yet, but it’s already given me a lot to sit with. I keep coming back to the idea of approaching conflict with a heart at peace versus a heart at war, and how differently a situation unfolds depending on where you’re at. I’ve been thinking about that framing all month (but need to get further in to get to the practical part on how to actually have your heart be at peace).

The Book of Awakening — Mark Nepo

Almost to the end of this one. I like the reflections and questions in this one.

What I Set Aside

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum — Emma Southon

I didn’t finish this one this month. Nothing against the book, life just pulled my attention elsewhere. I’ll come back to it, just not right this second.

What’s Up Next

I’m still on the hunt for my next great piece of fiction, especially after The Women set the bar so high. If you have something that made you feel everything, send it my way!

I also finally got a library card again in California and checked out “The Last Anniversary” by Liane Moriarty on Libby which I’m excited about.

• January Reading Update
• February & March Reading Update
• April Reading Update