💭 what was your favorite read from May?

here are some rapid fire thoughts on my May books. and don’t forget to check out the full 30 minutes video!

📚 books mentioned:

- Pedro the Vast by Simón López Trujillo, translated by Robin Myers

- Aviary by Maria Dong

- They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran

- Canon by Paige Lewis

- Cabaret in Flames by Hache Pueyo

- That Which Feeds Us by Keala Kendall

- A Dangerous Path (Warrior Cats 5) by Erin Hunter

👗💄:

- dress is from Sister Jane, rented from Nuuly

- eyeshadow is In A Trance Palette from Colourpop and Ellis Atlantis Palette from Blend Bunny Cosmetics

- eyeshadow shimmer is a single (Unicorncore) from Half Magic

- eyeliner is Vegan Longwear Eyeliner (Ocean) from Pacifica Beauty

- mascara is B-Structural from Haus Labs

- lip combo is Suede Matte Lip Liner (Moonwalk) from NYX Cosmetics and Heaven’s Kiss Lipstick (Honey Plum) from Dolly Beauty

- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!)


Thank you to Severn House, Bloomsbury, Viking Books, Tordotcom, and Get Underlined for the gifted copies!

#readingwrapup #monthlyreads #bookreviews #nycinfluencer #booktok @sisterjanelondon @Severn House @Bloomsbury Books @Random House @Get Underlined @HarperCollins @Blend Bunny Cosmetics @ColourPop Cosmetics @Half Magic by Donni Davy @NYX Professional Makeup @Dolly Beauty

.

reading wrap up • monthly reads • quick book reviews • monthly reading wrap up • books I read in May • fantasy books • science fiction books • speculative books • horror books • weird books • experimental books • unique books • diverse books • Algonquin Books

6/8 Edited to

... Read moreAs an avid reader, I always find that monthly reading wrap-ups provide great inspiration to discover new genres and authors I might have otherwise overlooked. In May, diving into a wide range of books—from the fantasy saga of 'Pedro the Vast' by Simón López Trujillo to the evocative storytelling in 'Cabaret in Flames' by Hache Pueyo—offered a refreshing blend of immersive worlds and diverse voices. One thing that stood out this month was the sheer variety of speculative fiction explored. Whether it was the poetic depth in 'Aviary' by Maria Dong or the intense atmosphere in 'That Which Feeds Us' by Keala Kendall, these books challenged conventional storytelling and pulled me into unique narrative experiences. 'They Bloom at Night' and 'Canon' also contributed richly to this eclectic mix, each offering a distinctive take on fantasy and identity. Beyond the books, the author’s thoughtful integration of personal style—highlighting makeup palettes and fashion from brands like Sister Jane and Colourpop—added a charming layer to the reading wrap-up. It showed how creativity and self-expression extend beyond the page, connecting literature with everyday aesthetics. Reflecting on these selections, it’s clear that diversity—not only in genre but also in cultural perspectives—enriches the reading experience. This curated list encourages book lovers to embrace stories outside the mainstream and revel in narratives that challenge and inspire. For anyone looking to expand their reading list, I highly recommend checking out these titles and watching the extended video review for deeper insights. This kind of content not only fuels my passion for reading but also fosters a community of book enthusiasts eager to explore fresh, thought-provoking literature. Happy reading!

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