What To Read

Every month, we share the books we can't wait to read. Our May staff picks include: a new release from the legendary Chilean novelist, Isabel Allende, a profound new novel about an unlikely friendship from Ocean Vuong, and a bold new manifesto on ambition from the always provocative, Rutger Bregman.

FICTION

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (May 13)

Selected by Emmanuel Hidalgo-Wohlleben

Somehow I missed out when Ocean Vuong's On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous became the unofficial tote bag accessory of the twenty something New York literary set. Won’t make that mistake again. His latest novel pairs an unlikely duo—a teenage boy and an elderly woman with dementia—creating an intriguing portrait of life from society's edges.

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende (May 6)

Selected by Romina Raimundo

House of Spirits was all it took to make me an Allende lifer. Her latest whisks us to the 1800s, where Emilia, a young writer, hunts the truth about her father and herself while shattering every 'proper señorita' expectation in sight. Love the Allende rebellion 👊 with historical flair – Consider my weekend booked.

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (May 13)

Selected by Fernanda Gorgulho

As someone who’s always had a soft spot for both actual road trips and road trip books, this one immediately caught my eye. It’s a funny, tender story about two half-siblings—strangers—who set off from rural Tennessee in search of the mysterious father who abandoned them both. It's exactly what I want for that half heartstring-tugging and half eyebrow-raising hopeful weekend read.

The Bombshell by Darrow Farr (May 27)

Selected by Fernanda Gorgulho

I fell head over heels for Corsica years ago—all rugged beauty and fierce independence packed onto one Mediterranean rock. I'm excited to see how this debut novel captures this enigmatic place through the story of a teenage girl's entanglement with radical politics and inevitable whirlwind romance. I've already earmarked it for my next emergency escape-from-reality read.

Make Me Famous by Maud Ventura (May 13)

Selected by Fernanda Gorgulho

I loved Maud Ventura's darkly comic thriller My Husband (can't help but love to see a 'perfect' Parisian wife become so unhinged), so I was stoked to see she’s back with a new novel that delves into the mind of another obsessive woman. Make Me Famous' introduces us to a French-American pop icon with LA mansions, millions in the bank, and an army of fans. Her perfect facade begins to crack during what should be paradise in the South Pacific... I'm in for another wild, intense ride into the mind of a complicated woman!

NONFICTION

Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman (May 6)

Selected by Emmanuel Hidalgo-Wohlleben

Rutger Bregman, the historian who famously told billionaires to pay their taxes to their faces, shaped my college worldview with Utopia for Realists. His latest book encourages us to rethink our definitions of success, replacing personal wealth with the positive impact we make on society — a vital call-to-action in an era when public service has come under such durress. Consider it a manifesto for those who know their worth isn't best measured in zeroes.

The AI Con by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna (May 13)

Selected by Iliyah Coles

One of my goals this year is to not get so nervous when people bring up AI. I want to be able to understand it for what it is, including its benefits and its limitations. This book aims to deconstruct the "larger-than-life" legend that is AI and expose the reality behind those seemingly daunting two letters.

Zbig by Edward Luce (May 13)

Selected by Lynda Hammes

Respect him or despise him, “Zbig” was undoubtedly one of the most impressive grand masters of foreign policy strategy and geopolitics. I’ve been reading the work of journalist Edward Luce in the FT for years and know his perspective on Zbig’s legacy will be enlightening.

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle (May 6)

Selected by Lynda Hammes

While I've never been a disciple of Glennon Doyle & Co and have only dipped into her podcast, I know she’s been a lifeline for so many people - especially those in the sandwich generation like me. I'm curious to see what new perspective this book brings, along with wisdom from badass contributors like: Ashley C. Ford, Ina Garten, Roxane Gay, Cheryl Strayed and even Ocean Vuong!

Baking Across America by B. Dylan Hollis (May 20)

Selected by Iliyah Coles

What a cool idea! I always take a moment to scroll through those articles that list the top dessert in every state (I'm from Maryland, and ours is usually the Smith Island cake). The cool thing about this book is that it includes the well-known treats AND the retro treats we may have forgotten about.