May 2020 Book Releases: The Best New Books Out

Wondering what to read now? If you’re looking for book suggestions, look no further! Here are all the hot new May 2020 book releases for you. I’ll let you know what I’ve read, what I can’t wait to read, and what’s getting all the attention this month.

May is almost here!

Honestly, I don’t if it would ever actually arrive. Quarantine has made April feel like a year instead of just a month. I feel like I can hardly remember what life was like in early March.

Luckily for us bookworms, the publishing industry has not completely shut down.

Although several books had their May publication dates pushed back, I was still able to round up a selection of my most-anticipated May releases.

The highlights of the month:

The Hunger Games prequel
Three different books about books
The sequel to a Newberry-winning book

Have I got you interested? Then keep scrolling to see our picks for the best of the May 2020 book releases.

May 2020 book Releases – Advance Review Copies

The Imperfects

Amy Meyerson

After the death of their grandmother, estranged siblings find a treasure hidden among her belongings – a 137-carat diamond. Now they must dive into their grandmother’s history to figure out if they are the rightful heirs. More than anything, The Imperfects is a tale of dysfunctional family relationships and the struggle to forgive and understand those closest to you. In all, the book was 3 stars for me. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t memorable. I failed to empathize with any of the characters, and without that connection, I’m likely to forget I ever read this book. Read more →

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Jane Austen Society

Natalie Jenner

Just after the Second World War, the residents of the sleepy village of Chawton seem to be languishing. When Adam suggests forming a society to preserve the final home of Jane Austen, he doesn’t realize how a mutual love of Jane Austen will change the lives of the townspeople. While the initial chapters felt disconnected, once you get into the narrative, Jenner pulls you into a delightfully predictable story with a tidy happily-ever-after. I will admit, that even though I’m an Austen fan, I found the characters’ endless discussion of her works to be rather tedious. Read more →

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book of the Month – May 2020 Selections

Receiving my blue box from Book of the Month Club is a highlight of every month.

Here’s how it works – each month, they pick 5 books and you get to choose one book or skip until the next month. If you want to add any extra books, then you get them at a discounted price.

Each month is usually a mix of new releases and advance copies of unreleased books. If you are interested in joining, you can use my Book of the Month Club affiliate link to get a discount on your first book!

Here’s a look at the May Book of the Month selections.

book cover The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

The Book of Longings

Sue Monk Kidd

book cover Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin

Happy & You Know It

Laura Hankin

book cover A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

A Good Marriage

Kimberly McCreight

book cover The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

The Boyfriend Project

Farrah Rochon

book cover The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

The Knockout Queen

Rufi Thorpe

The Most Anticipated May 2020 Book Releases

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Suzanne Collins

None of the new book releases have gotten more buzz than Suzanne Collins’ prequel to The Hunger Games series. Collins shocked fans when she revealed the prequel’s main character is none other than notorious President Snow. During the 10th annual Hunger Games, Coriolanus Snow is selected as a mentor to the female candidate from District 12. Desperate to win a victory, Snow must use all his cunning and skill to help his doomed candidate, a girl he is beginning to care about. Read more →

The Libary of Legends

Janie Chang

When Japanese bombs start falling in Nanking in 1937, Hu Lian and her university classmates must walk 1,000 miles to safety in China’s interior. The group is given a secret task, to guard The Library of Legends, an ancient collection of myths. Along the way, Lian begins to fall in love with a wealthy fellow student and realizes that one of the tales from the Library of Legends seems to be awakening the spirits of the story. Mixing historical fiction with some magic, The Library of Legends is sure to be a charming choice among the April new book releases. Read more →Update: See my full review on my July Reading List.

The Paris Hours

Alex George

During a single day in 1927, four ordinary people in Paris have their lives intertwine in surprising ways. Between a former maid of Marcel Proust, a puppeteer, a journalist and an artist who meets Gertrude Stein, a rich tale of love emerges in the City of Lights. With cameos from famous artists of the time, The Paris Hours aims to envelop you in the pre-war Paris art scene. Read more →

All Adults Here

Emma Straub

After witnessing an accident, Astrid Strick realizes that she wasn’t the best mother. Watching her children struggle to parent, she ponders about the long-term consequences of her failures and whether she can set things right. A character study about family dynamics, this May release has caught my eye. Read more →

Beach Read

Emily Henry

If you are in the mood for a lighthearted steamy romance, Beach Read will be the top pick of the month for you. During the summer, two polar opposite writers find themselves in neighboring beach houses both stuck with writer’s block. Augustus Everett writes literary fiction with unhappy endings while January Andrews writes bestselling romance complete with the necessary happy endings. In desperation, they make a deal. He will write a happily-ever-after story while she pens a serious piece of literature. Read more →

To Wake the Giant

Jeff Shaara

Jeff Shaara turns his focus from the Civil War (Gods and Generals) to start a new historical fiction series focusing on World War II. With more history than fiction, Shaara’s new novel tells centers on the attack at Pearl Harbor. Told from viewpoints on both sides, Shaara gives you an intense look at the battle that forced the US to join the war. Read more →

The One and Only Bob

Katherine Applegate

Just in time for the movie release of her Newberry-winning book The One and Only Ivan, Applegate releases a sequel to the beloved children’s book. Bob, a dog without a home, sets off on a journey to find his long lost sister with the help of his friends Ivan and Ruby. Read more →

What May 2020 book releases are you most excited to read?

Comments

Rachel @ Never Enough Novels says

April 27, 2020 at 7:04 am

I actually completely forgot about the new Suzanne Collins book coming out! It made such a buzz when they announced the news about President Snow, but I haven’t heard anything since. I’m sure everyone will be scrambling to read it as soon as its released!

- Rachael says
  
  April 28, 2020 at 6:24 pm
  
  I’m curious to see how well it does. Making it about President Snow was a pretty daring move on her part.
  
CJ | A Well-Read Tart says

April 29, 2020 at 8:05 pm

Bummer about The Jane Austen Society being a little meh! I might skip that one. So many Austen books, so little time… 😀

- Rachael says
  
  May 1, 2020 at 11:10 am
  
  Yes, Jane Austen has been a hot topic as of late! I think with so many other options out there, this one didn’t do enough to stand out.