I am excited to share what I have been reading and what is on my list for the future (spoiler alert: I have a lot of books in my TBR pile right now). 

You know how I have said that it has been difficult to focus on reading books? Well, this month was no exception! I ended up reading three books this month and I’m happy to report that I LOVED them all. 

What I Read in May

Dark August: After reading this book and interviewing the author Katie Tallo on Soul & Wit Podcast, I’m thrilled to tell you that this thriller does not disappoint. The podcast episode will be launching soon and I will be sure to announce on Instagram when it does. Dark August is a mystery thriller that will leave you wanting even more. The main character Gus moves back home after her grandmother dies and begins to solve a cold case her mother had been working on before she died. Definitely pre-order this book if you are looking to escape into a mystery.

Big Summer: I’ll admit, I had literally no idea what I was getting myself into with this book. I thought it was all about body positivity and finding yourself, but boy was I wrong. This book is all of that PLUS a murder that needs solving, a love story, and friendship. 

The Guest List: I committed to reading this book in one day and I recommend you do the same. This book will keep the pages turning, I almost don’t want to share anything about this book because I am scared I will give it all away, but I do want to share that the way it is written from different character perspectives and a timeline that jumps around is very well done. Add this to your list if you are looking for a thriller that you won’t be able to put down. 

What I am reading next

Earlier this week, I told you what I would be doing to continue educating myself on the Black Lives Matter Movement and anti-racism. One of my priorities is to read books by Black authors and share them with you. These are the two books I am reading right now. 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Benett

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

If you are looking for more books by Black authors here are a few I have read in the past, and highly recommend.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Beloved by Toni Morrison 

If you are interested in learning about why you should be reading books by minority authors, I found this article a long time ago and it really helped me understand more.