May 2025 brings a vibrant mix of new book releases that span genres from gripping thrillers and heartfelt literary fiction to powerful memoirs and thought-provoking nonfiction. Whether you’re in the mood for a haunting mystery, an emotional family saga, or an inspiring true story, this month’s standout titles offer something for every reader. Here are 10 of the most anticipated books hitting shelves this May.

The Best New Books To Read In May 2025

1. My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

A sweeping narrative following Emilia, the daughter of a nun and an aristocrat, as she becomes a fearless journalist in a war-torn region.

2. Karen: A Brother Remembers by Kelsey Grammer

A deeply personal memoir reflecting on the life and tragic death of Grammer’s sister, Karen, and its lasting impact on his family.

3. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

A poignant novel following Hai, a 19-year-old contemplating suicide, whose life takes a turn when he becomes the caretaker for Grazina, an elderly woman with dementia.

4. Never Flinch by Stephen King

The latest installment in the Holly Gibney series, where Holly assists in uncovering a vigilante’s threats while protecting a celebrity feminist activist from a stalker.

5. Second Life by Amanda Hess

A memoir examining the experience of first-time motherhood in the digital age, exploring topics like pregnancy tracking apps and the “freebirther” movement.

6. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

A gothic fantasy featuring Sybil Delling, a Diviner with prophetic visions, whose world is disrupted by the arrival of the enigmatic knight Roderick.

7. My Friends by Fredrik Backman

A heartfelt story about the bond between an anxious teacher and a teen runaway, embarking on a cross-country journey inspired by a stolen painting.

8. Foreign Fruit: A Personal History of the Orange by Katie Goh

An exploration of the cultural and familial significance of the orange, intertwining personal narratives with historical insights.

9. The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei

Set in Singapore at the turn of the millennium, this debut novel tells the story of an unexpected sisterhood and the complexities of familial bonds.

10. The Names by Florence Knapp

A debut novel exploring three alternate realities based on a mother’s naming choice for her son, delving into themes of identity and domestic challenges.

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