Lots of good books to review this month! Even with a goal of 200 books for the year, I’m trying to prioritize quality and books I enjoy over burning through random Kindle Unlimited selections just to hit 200. I really liked what I read this month, so let’s jump in.

what i read in may

such quiet girls by noelle west ihliby noelle west ihli

4/5 stars
What a book to start the month with. Loosely based on a true story (the 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping), this book gave me anxiety from the beginning and I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
That being said, there’s tension but it also felt anti-climactic by the end. As I read this, I didn’t know how the pieces would fit together or how things would turn out, but I also had an underlying idea that made the book feel pressured, but not high-stakes.
The multi-POV is well done, especially since it includes the perspective of a 12-year-old child. I didn’t love the characters, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the book, either.
Overall, the pacing is great and I’d recommend this if you’re in a slump since it’s hard to put down.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

dinner for vampires: life on a cult tv show (while also in an actual cult!) by bethany joy lenz

3.5/5 stars
As someone who’s always been intrigued by cults, this memoir stands out because it’s about a smaller cult (less than 100 members) that started out as a small group Bible study.
The story itself is engrossing. Even if you don’t know the author’s acting work (I didn’t), you’ll still find it easy to follow. I do feel like the climax was skipped over, but I think it was done purposefully to protect her daughter.
The title of the book never grabbed my attention, but it makes sense towards the end, as the author says, “I'd been dining with vampires. No, I realized. I am the dinner.” (p. 272)
Favorite quotes:

“It is the notion that anyone who does not agree with the group's beliefs or choices, who expresses concerns, who simply dares to ask questions, is deemed ‘unsafe…’ In a cult, safety means agreement.” (p. 295)
“I think we're all little cathedrals of contradiction. Terrifying darkness and shocking beauty coexist in everyone, and God doesn't wait for us to clean out all the bad before celebrating the good. It's scandalous, really - that kind of love.” (p. 302)

Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

the tenant by frieda mcfadden

3.75/5 stars
Freida McFadden’s books are hit or miss for me; I’ve read most of them, and have found that I love one and then hate the next release - it really feels like an on-off pattern.
This was good; it’s better than her last few, but not her best. I think those that are new to the thriller genre will enjoy it, but her books also seem to grow in predictability the more of them that you read. This also felt more stressful than suspenseful; the idea of having a horrible tenant is a nightmare, but the plot isn’t new or fresh.
It was interesting to see her write from a male's POV this time around, something she doesn’t do much of. Overall, the book is true to her formula: short chapters, multi-POV, and a last-minute twist. It’s also an easy read; I finished it in about 2 hours, so it’d be a great pick to read over the weekend.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

the autumns of ruth winters by marshall fine

3/5 stars
This contemporary fiction is steady and calm; there’s not much tension, but it also felt like there was little payoff by the end. It’s fairly predictable, but worth reading for self-reflection and introspection, because it makes you examine your life and relationships.
The main character Ruth is meant be uninteresting with a duller life, and the author captures that to the point of the book feeling monotonous and bleak at times. It’s well written, but the strong moments are almost overshadowed by a few run-on passages that could’ve been shortened.
I appreciate how this book brought to light the ripple effects that insecurities can have, not just on yourself, but on your relationships and other people’s lives.
Where this book really got me is the contrast it (maybe inadvertently) created between real life and the story. Ruth’s narrative is very much a Cinderella story, especially in regard to the second chances, but we don’t always get those serendipitous opportunities. You can’t help but think about your blind spots and the stones you might want to turn before a life-altering event strikes, not in the face of it.
Favorite quotes:
- “Ruth was convinced of her own worthiness as a person but struggled with the belief that no one else saw her this way and that it was somehow her fault. For her every conversation was a test she strained to pass, and every social situation was a corner into which she was being painted, in order to be judged and found wanting. So she avoided conversation as much as possible, deploying a sharp tongue as a preemptive defense mechanism.” (p. 5)
- “Ruth cried for herself and for all the things she'd put aside in the name of being the dutiful one, the one who did what was expected, the one who did what she was supposed to do, instead of the one who got what she wanted... And then she cried because she had no idea what it was that she did want, at this moment when the end of her life was so much closer than the beginning.” (p. 232)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

you have the magic: harness the power of your mind to transform your reality by haley hoffman smith

4/5 stars
This is great dive into self-improvement and mindset transformation; topics include visualization, journaling, EFT tapping, and neurolinguistic programming (NLP).
The overall tone is bubbly and it feels like a conversation with a friend. Even if you’re familiar with some of the practices, there are still plenty of mindset shifts and “a-ha” moments. This is a book that’ll teach you something new each time you return to it, and I already plan to re-read it and go through the exercises again.
Favorite quotes:
- “What if divine timing isn't about something being destined to happen for you on a specific day in six months or five years? What if divine timing means YOU become aware of your own divinity, and release and let go of any blocks in the way of receiving and experiencing it Right Now or at a time that better serves you?” (p. 191)
- “We often think that the big things we want aren't going to happen for a long, long time. Our brain equates ‘big, life-changing moment’ with a future date, far in the future, after everything has changed. But this isn't necessarily true, and believing it can drain us of our faith and power in this moment, similar to the belief that we need something outside of us to come in and change our lives. It keeps us in ‘waiting energy’ - that sticky place where we feel like we’re sitting around anticipating that something will come true.” (p. 193)
Read it here.

in pain: a bioethicist’s personal struggle with opioids by travis rieder

5/5 stars
This is a bioethicist’s exploration of the opioid epidemic through firsthand experience and research. He was in an accident that required pain medication, and the lack of assistance from doctors led to major withdrawal and the foundation for this book.
It’s fascinating, and the perfect balance between memoir, and scientific research. Problems are addressed, but answers are suggested without feeling preachy or biased.
This covers lots of ground, touching on historical background, philosophy, racism, American culture, and science, but doesn’t feel stale to read.
The author ultimately suggests that we look at the problem systemically; it’s a war on pain, not pills. Further, he argues for nuance and education for both physicians and patients. It isn’t about completely eliminating heavy pain medicine, per se, but taking a more thoughtful approach and thinking long-term, which is sometimes hard to do when you’re trying to treat sudden trauma and “get ahead” of the pain.
I highly recommend this. I’ve never taken anything stronger than Tylenol, but it made me think a lot about my pain tolerance, the health of my loved ones, and our culture overall.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:

“Pain actually happens in the brain, and the brain - being quite good at what it does - largely uses the pain experience to alert us to damage in particular parts of our bodies.” (p. 26)
“Pain, in other words, is a symptom nausea of dizziness; it is not an objective measure, like temperature. And that is the basic problem of pain medicine.” (p. 29-30)
“Prescribing opioids and then leaving patients to fend for themselves is not merely ‘not helping’; it’s causing an accident and then leaving the scene.” (p. 142)
“In short, the challenge we face is the need for nuance. The benefit of opioids doesn’t mean that we should take them like candy, and the risk of opioids doesn’t mean that we should lock them away and forget about them. Nuance is always harder than simplicity, though. Treating pain well requires knowing when opioids will actually help more than they’ll hurt, and that requires a lot of data - data that we didn’t have until distressingly recently.” (p. 183)

Read it here.

this violent heart by heather levy

3/5 stars
This thriller’s heaviness comes from some of the emotional themes (not necessarily the mystery), so check the TWs or read the author’s note before reading it. However, the emotional themes are thoughtfully explored and feel real. They’re integral to the story, rather than something add in for shock value.
It’s marketed as a thriller, but it’s more of a small-town mystery. The overall plot is familiar (and I accurately guessed the culprit early on), but the main character made this a unique read. She has a very different life experience than me, but it’s written in such a raw and real way that it reminded me of why I love reading so much - you’re able to live a hundred lives in one.
I’d recommend reading this if some of the themes (feeling confined in a small town, religious trauma, LGBTQ+ relationships, self-acceptance) speak to you, rather than for the plot, since that was fairly predictable.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

listen for the lie by amy tintera

5/5 stars
I’ve seen so many rave reviews about this book, and it definitely lives up to the hype (thankfully). It’s an entertaining, twisty thriller with a hint of comedic relief, but it doesn’t feel cheesy.
The mixed media format (podcast transcripts) makes it a breezy, fast-paced read and while the plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s executed well and is one of the more polished Kindle Unlimited reads.
The main character, Lucy, is flawed and sassy, but also bold and strong; she’s too much for some people (including those that will read this book), but she really makes the story feel fresh and engaging.
You can maybe guess the ending, and I definitely tried to, but this is one of those books where it’s better to just enjoy things as they unfold. Perfect for a day at the beach, I see the popularity of this book growing all summer long.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

how to do the work: recognize your patterns, heal from your past, and create your self by dr. nicole lepera

4/5 stars
This book went viral not too long ago, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it included with Kindle Unlimited. Topics include attachment styles, the mind-body connection to stress, trauma bonds, boundaries, the four pillars of reparenting, ego consciousness and inner child work. Each chapter has different exercises to help you implement the information shared, more than I expected.
As far as the depth of information goes, I found the examples to be meaningful and purposeful. The author includes her own history and personal experience, but not everyone will connect to it. A friend referred to this as addressing “little t trauma” instead of “big T trauma” and I do think that fits
Overall, this is great for self-starters who want to dive into making more sustainable and balanced lifestyle choices, but I wouldn’t recommend this if you have more intensive, layered trauma to work through.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:

On childhood trauma: “You might even say, ‘My childhood wasn't that bad. I shouldn't complain.’ I hear that a lot. I have to remind you: you are looking backward in time from the perspective of your adult brain with the awareness and maturity that can put things into proper perspective and alignment. Our child brains did not have these capabilities. Everything was bigger, more in-tense, more extreme than we can imagine now. Give your inner child the gift of acknowledging its wounds.” p. 132)
Ultimatums versus boundaries: “An ultimatum is a statement that assigns a consequence to someone else's behavior as a means of trying to effect a change in it. A boundary, rather, is a personal limit that is expressed so that your need will directly be met. It is an action we take for ourselves regardless of how the other person reacts. That the other person may change in some way is a secondary gain. An important aspect of setting boundaries is allowing others to have their own limits and boundaries and respecting and honoring theirs while you maintain your own.” (p. 185)

Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).

This month I also read…

Tell Me You Trust Me by Elle Owens - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- The premise is clever, and it still holds your attention even though you know who the “bad guy” is early on. My only criticism is that the tone is more frantic than suspenseful, but it was overall a fun, wild read.
Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem by Laurie Notaro- 3/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- I’m not in the target audience for this memoir, but still found it genuinely funny and engaging. It gave me insight onto middle age and the last chapter on her elderly dog hit hard. A solid mix of levity and truth, this would be a great summer book club pick.
  Favorite quotes:
  - “What should I do when I feel a sharp, unexplainable pain anywhere in my body? Call your State Farm agent and up your life insurance by a lot. Then call a doctor's office.” (p. 31)
  - “Leave it to an invisible woman to yell so loud when it counts that no force can drown her out.” (p. 125)
The Spy Coast by Terri Gerritsen - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- A promising new KU series, this started slow but got a lot more interesting and action-based around the halfway mark. It’s a true international spy novel rather than a suspenseful thriller, and you know it’s set up to be a series by the slow start.
- That being said, I loved that the protagonist is a 60-year-old retired woman, as you don’t see much written from that perspective in such a capable yet realistic way. I’ll continue reading the series, but wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who wants a unputdownable page-turner.
Dance Your Dance: 8 Steps to Unleash Your Passion and Live Your Dream by Laurieann Gibson - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- While it’s common to see self-help books described as inspirational or motivational, this is a true pep talk rooted in grace, faith, and passion. Not just for dancers or entertainers, this book mentions 8 steps, but there are gems of heartfelt advice throughout.
- Favorite quotes:
  - “Having a fallback is not safer - not for your soul, anyway. Having a fallback creates an option. And more often than not, that option becomes the choice because the fallback is the easier thing to do. The fallback allows us to convince ourselves that we're not going to be what we know we're meant to be.” (p. 31)
  - “When you're pursuing your dream, ‘worry and fear’ become the catalysts for ‘faith and hope…’ In order to sustain, you need to train your mind to react in a new way - a way that supports you instead of one that gives your power away. All it takes is realizing that when you feel fear, it's really an opportunity to feel faith.” (p. 67)
My Stepmother’s Secret by Emma Robinson - 3/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- This was good, but it wasn’t as impactful as it was marketed to be. For a more moving family drama, I’d recommend The Pelican Tide by Sarah Winslow instead.
The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia - 3/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- Very twisty, I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who prefers a realistic plot, but this wasn’t unreasonably far-fetched. My biggest critique is that the multi-POV is almost too much and leaves you wanting more at the end, but it isn’t hard to differentiate the characters.
Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone - 2/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- Unfortunately this was a rough read for me. The main character was more unlikeable than quirky, and while the author did a good job building suspense, it wasn’t particularly enjoyable.
A Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolfe - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
- So good, I didn’t see the first and last big twists coming. The husband is so unlikeable that your annoyance at him takes you out of the book a little, but not so much that you want to quit reading it. I do wish he had a redeeming quality so the book wasn’t so skewed, but I overall liked this book much more than The Hospital, another thriller by this author.

What I Read in May