What I Read in May 📖

Six delightful books-- from non-fiction, to more Elizabeth Strout, to my first (and second!) Abby Jimenez books and a family read aloud.

a very "May" reading month

The majority of May was very cold and rainy, so as a mood reader, I wasn’t quite ready for anything too summery. And with a week of travels in the mix I’m still in the middle of a handful of books (I know the thought of reading multiple books at once feels like a mind puzzle to some people but somehow this works in my brain). Everything I read in May hit the mark though— I learned some things, continued on my Elizabeth Strout binge, and enjoyed my first, and second, Abby Jimenez books. Let’s talk about ‘em all!

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout | lend out immediately

Oh how I’ve fallen in love with Elizabeth Strout’s universe. In Anything is Possible we venture to Lucy Barton’s hometown of Amgash, Ohio to learn more about her family and neighbors. This one read like a series of short stories that were interconnected. I loved learning more about Lucy and the people in her world, especially as I continue on in Lucy’s world. Strout manages to make these characters feel real in so many ways, she doesn’t shy away from what makes us imperfect as humans and I love the way she does that.

Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke | lend out immediately

This book was first put on my radar by Maddie of

The TL;DR by What Maddie Read

. I knew I would get a story about the fascinating history of the start of commercial air travel but what I did not expect was an eye-opening exploration of feminism and the role Pan Am women played in the Vietnam war. I haven’t read The Women by Kristin Hannah yet (I’m still a bit traumatized by The Great Alone TBH) but this history made me wish I’d read it already. If you have read The Women (because I think I might be the only person who hasn’t yet) then I think you would find this to be a wonderful companion read! I learned so much.

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout | displayed front & center

And here we join Lucy Barton in a new phase of life as she joins her ex-husband William on an exploration of his identity and personal history in rural Maine. I find Lucy and William’s relationship so interesting and unique. I also find Lucy to be such an endearing character. Oh William! was the perfect spring read in my opinion, it was tender, comforting, and compulsively readable. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Lucy in Lucy By the Sea.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez | lend out immediately

I was rolling my eyes a bit at the beginning of this book, but by the end I was completely won over and may have even shed a tear. The romance was a ride (the will they wont they kinda drives me batty!) but the setting was the shinning star to me. Listening to this book solidified my preference for romance on audio— it’s so bingeable in that format to me. I can see where the Abby Jimenez hype comes from, she definitely has a talent for touching on some heavier topics thoughtfully.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez | tucked back in

I wasn’t particularly interested in the characters or plot of this book when I picked it up but I want to read Just for the Summer (the 3rd installment of this series) this summer so as soon as I finished Part of Your World I jumped in. My initial hunch wasn’t too off base— I wasn’t entirely invested in the characters but I ultimately enjoyed the story enough to devour it in a matter of days which is very uncommon for me with audiobooks. Jimenez definitely knows how to move things along in an interesting way. Now I’m ready for Just for the Summer!

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo | displayed front & center

I read this aloud to my three boys and very much enjoyed reading it too— DiCamillo is a gifted writer! What I enjoyed most about this book were the themes of dark and light and the capacity for both within an individual. I loved how beautiful that sentiment was, especially in a children’s book. And of course, Despereaux, the brave and humble mouse stole our hearts as well.

The former teacher in me can’t resist a good reading challenge and tracker. My 2 older boys, who are both reading independently, will working together to read books and earn things like froyo and trips to the movie theater or arcade. They will also each have their own BINGO board and they can choose a reward for getting a blackout. My husband and I, plus our two younger kiddos, will also track each book read over the summer because summer reading challenges aren’t just for kids.

All of these trackers are included in my summer reading kit. And there is a lot of flexibility for how to use them. Have fun!!

All Things Summer Reading 🌞📖

audio: Jumping right into my summer reading TBR I am about a quarter of the way through Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. I loved Williams’ latest book, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, and the subtle connections between the two books have been a pleasant surprise.

physical book: I have one last story to finish in What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, it’s a hug of a book. And I have about 20 pages left in Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, which feel so realistic to me I keep forgetting is fiction!

e-book: My library hold of The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout came through so I’m hoping to get to it before my time runs out but I may switch to something more summery…

In the comments, let me know: What have you read and loved lately?

Happy *officially* summer reading season!

P.S. I keep my Pango Bookshop updated regularly, you can shop my shelves here!

Books are linked through Bookshop.org, if you choose to purchase any I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. And I’ll likely spend any earnings on more books, or salsa ingredients. :)