Books I read in May 2025
May was a rich and varied reading month, filled with layered characters, powerful narratives, and a few crime thrillers thrown in for good measure. From heartwarming fiction to harrowing history, science-backed psychology to Scottish detectives, this month had it all. Here’s a look at what I read, listened to, and loved in May… You can read longer reviews for each book in my May Book Reads Blog (Amazon Affiliate Links)
I began the month with Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I’d watched the Netflix adaptation a few years ago and was curious to see how it compared to the book. While the Netflix series was true to the narrative in many ways, the book still managed to offer a more nuanced, intimate look at the characters. Ng’s writing is thoughtful and precise, and I especially appreciated the subtle, unanswered questions left lingering at the end.
A standout read in terms of character and connection was When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman. After loving Still Life last year, I was eager to read more from Winman. This earlier work traces the relationship between a brother and sister across four decades, set against the backdrop of key historical events. It took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I was completely immersed. Winman really captures the messiness and beauty of both blood and found family with such skill and tendern
This one really stood out as a gentle, heartwarming read. It reminded me of A Man Called Ove or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, uplifting, emotional, and full of charm.
This provided a lovely mix of historical fiction and character-driven storytelling. I hadn’t known about the real Bermondsey Bookshop before, so it was fascinating to learn about it while also being drawn into a tale of family secrets, lies, and murder alongside 1920s London life.
May also saw a return to some classic crime and thrillers. Tell No One by Harlan Coben was exactly what I expected, twists, secrets, and suspense at every turn. It was a perfect audiobook choice for long dog walks with Skye and completely gripped my attention.
The final in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. While I found this instalment the most predictable of the three (I figured out 'whodunnit' and the incriminating evidence fairly early on), I still flew through it. It wraps up the series well and definitely benefits from reading the earlier books first.
And of course, no month would be complete without some Scottish crime fiction, this time Ahead of the Game and An Isolated Incident by JD Kirk. Fast-paced, gritty, and reliably entertaining, these DCI Jack Logan novels continue to be some of my favourite easy crime reads.
And of course, no month would be complete without some Scottish crime fiction, this time Ahead of the Game and An Isolated Incident by JD Kirk. Fast-paced, gritty, and reliably entertaining, these DCI Jack Logan novels continue to be some of my favourite easy crime reads.
This was my book club choice this month (we had a free choice round so we could read whatever we wanted), it was an incredibly powerful read. Set during the Vietnam War, it follows a young woman serving as a surgical combat nurse. It doesn’t shy away from the trauma, injustice & emotional aftermath of war particularly for women, who were largely ignored or dismissed upon their return. Harrowing in parts, deeply moving throughout, & ultimately hopeful.
The Art of Rest offered a much-needed contrast, a reflective, evidence-based exploration of what it truly means to rest in our always-on, hyperconnected culture. Claudia Hammond draws on a wide range of studies and perspectives, reminding us that rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A must-read for anyone feeling like they’re constantly running on empty.
Rounding out the month was Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky. It’s a deep dive into stress, biology and how our bodies and minds respond to modern pressures. Sapolsky’s writing balances science with humour and practical insight, I found it dense in places but ultimately enlightening and worthwhile.
One lovely highlight this month was attending Derby Book Festival to see Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun. I’ve been itching for an excuse to pick up his book One Small Step, and this was the perfect one! It was brilliant to hear him speak about the journey of creating parkrun, the challenges he’s faced, and the global movement it has become. I even got my copy signed, and I can’t wait to dive in, this one’s firmly at the top of my reading list for June.
Contact Me
Book a free initial introductory call with me here
Message me on WhatsApp
Katie HR Consulting
Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom
Email: hello@katiehrconsulting.co.uk Mobile: 07871 222621
