Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: May 2026

Hello, everyone! I can't believe that it's already the beginning of a new month. Even though I still didn't manage to fit in as many posts as I'd love to, I undertook the task of auditing my reading with some very interesting results. I think that I would like to build my summer TBR with these themes in mind. 

Anyway, when I looked at what I ended up reading during May, I was very surprised, because: a) I didn't realize that I read 11 books this month, and b) 6 of book I finished were nonfiction. Unfortunately, this wasn't my best month rating-wise as I ended up with a bunch of 2* reads. 

So, here is what I read this month: 

Books I've Completed in May 2026 

• On Earth as It Is Beneath - Ana Paula Maia: The first book of the month was another International Booker Prize shortlisted one. After the disappointment of The Witch, I needed something good, and this was definitely up my alley. This is a literary/horror novella set in an isolated penal colony. It was brutal and it made my skin crawl several time, but I would gladly read more from this author.
• Art Is a Tyrant: The Uncoventional Life of Rosa Bonheur - Catherine Hewitt: The first nonfiction book I finished this month was about the life of Rosa Bonheur. In theory, this book combines art and feminism, which are both things that I tend to enjoy. Unfortunately, I found that this book wasn't engaging to read, and I felt bored most of the time reading it. 
• Heart the Lover - Lily King: This is the first book by this author, and it certainly won't be the last. If you'd seen my reading audit, you will see this book included in one of the categories as I had included my 2026 5* reads (so I guess that I spoiled it for you). Even though this was a short book, it was the kind of love story that gets me. I almost started crying during its final part. 
• Letters of Note: Cats - Various: This was a collection of letters by prominent figures, all talking about cats. I listened to that while I was commuting, and it was enjoyable enough. I have to say though that some letters were really good (Tesla's for example), while others didn't hit the spot. 
• Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension - Matt Parker: I wish I loved this book more! The thing is that I found most of the concepts fascinating. However, when it came to reading the text, I just couldn't focus/care.
• On Being Blue - William  H. Gass: This is a short philosophical investigation on the colour blue (but mostly on blue language), which a friend recommended and lend it to me. It was short enough to read in one evening, and I'm glad I did. However, there were some parts that rubbed me the wrong way (especially when it came to talking about women).
• Χωράει Όλη η Αρχαιότητα στο Ασανσέρ; - Dr. Theodoros Papakostas: Then, I listened to this greek audiobook about history. This was a really fun and informative book that managed to go through the most important facts about greek ancient history, putting things into context. 
• The Only Good Indians - Stephen Graham Jones: Guys, can I just call Stephen Graham Jones a favourite author? This is the third book of his I've read and rated 5*. I was initially planning on continuing the Indian Lake trilogy, but then, it was announced that The Only Good Indians would get a sequel in October. And I'm glad I did, I enjoyed every second reading this book. 
• Strange Weather in Tokyo (or The Briefcase) - Hiromi Kawakami: For years I thought that Strange Weather in Tokyo was a different book than The Briefcase, but it turns out that they are the same. The first one of the UK edition and the sencond one the US edition. Now that we've cleared things up, I have to say that no matter the title, you should read this book. It reminded why I love japanese literature so much. Surprisingly, I hadn't read from Hiromi Kawakami before, and I'm looking forward to picking more from her. 
• Πώς να Πεις μια Ιστορία - Aggeliki Kosmopoulou: The final nonfiction of my month was about storytelling. You know that I'm a writer and I'm always interested in book about language and the craft of writing. However, this book didn't deliver. It talked about storytelling, but more in the context of marketing and communication. 
• The Fisherman - John Langan: Finally, finally I read this book! It had been sitting in numerous monthly TBRs, but I never felt like picking it up. If I had to describe this book in a phrase it would be men without women. I can understand why so many people love this, but I also can see the critisisms of it. For me, the third part was the one that brought this book down.

Books I'm Currently Reading

• Women Who Run With the Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola Estés: This is one of the quintissential feminist reads, which I have yet to read. The same friend that lended me On Being Blue, also gave me a copy of this one, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally read it. 

What did you read in May?

And what are you currently reading?