Which books are worth the read and which should you skip? Find out what books I’ve been reading lately and whether I recommend them.
Have you ever looked at a bestselling book and wondered if it’s worth the read? We’ve all picked up that hot new release only to discover it can’t truly deliver what the book jacket promises.
Every year, I compile my Read This Not That list of bestsellers worth the hype. But my list only contains 7 books worth reading and 7 that are not. Considering how many books I read a year, so many excellent books, and some not so great reads, don’t make the list.
I asked myself: Why not give monthly book recommendations?
Welcome to my monthly reading roundup, Worth the Read. Each month, I write up short reviews of all the books I read that month. Find out which books I recommend and which to skip.
I know the month isn’t exactly over, but let’s take a look at my May Reading Roundup by the numbers:
- 2019 Releases: 5 New Releases (including 2 Advanced Review Copies)
- Genre: 5 Nonfiction, 6 Fiction
- Authors: 8 Female Authors, 3 Male
- Format: 1 Audiobook, 1 E-book, 9 Print Copies
- Total Page Count: 3,368
But I didn’t write this post to show off my reading. I wrote it so you can hear my thoughts on the books I read this month. Plus, take a sneak peek at some of what’s coming soon on the book blog.
May Reading List
The Moment of Lift
Melinda Gates
Verdict: Worth the read … excellent food for thought if not compelling writing
The Dreamers
Karen Thompson Walker
I feel like the author missed her chance. She should have either gone more into the nightmare logistics of the epidemic (à la One Second After) or added another 100 pages transitioning the story to a secondary level. As it was, I have to say, I felt extremely disappointed with this January 2019 book release. Read more →
Verdict: Skip … never fully developed
It’s All Too Much
Peter Walsh
However, the book was not a total waste of time. I was impressed with his last chapter on going deeper into decluttering after the initial work is done. I am at that phase in my minimalism journey, and he inspired me to finally tackle the areas I’ve been putting off – like digital clutter and my filing cabinet.
Verdict: Skip … read Marie Kondo instead
The Path Made Clear
Oprah Winfrey
Verdict: Skip … most disappointing read of 2019
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*Ck
Mark Manson
Verdict: Worth the read … a totally original self-help book
Behold the Dreamers
Imbolo Mbue
Verdict: Worth the read … a fascinating look at immigration
Sing, Unburied, Sing
Jesmyn Ward
While the story definitely through me for a loop with its use of the supernatural, I was in awe at Ward’s ability to build and weave such a powerful story. She is an excellent writer, and I look forward to reading her other works. Read more →
Verdict: Worth the read … exquisitely crafted story
‘Salem’s Lot
Stephen King
Even though it’s mentioned clearly in the jacket cover, I don’t think I will mention the mystery. Going in, I had no idea what the book was about, and I felt it was so much freer to have the story unfold before me without preset expectations.
Though I don’t expect to read many more horror books, I was impressed with how well Stephen King can set a scene. He draws you into the setting and mood and perfectly portrays the overwhelming dread as the impossible becomes all too real. A great read for any horror fan.
Verdict: Worth the read … if you like horror stories
Upcoming Releases
One of the best perks of being a book blogger is receiving advance review copies (ARCs) of upcoming book releases from publishers.
At the beginning of each month, I cover all the new book releases coming out, and the June 2019 book releases are right around the corner. Here’s a peek at the June releases I’ve already read.
My To-Read List
What’s up next for me? Before I let you go, here are a few of the titles I’m hoping to get through this upcoming month.
Be sure to come back in June to see which ones I read.
What books did you read in May?
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