May was another month where I had hoped to knock out a bunch of books and only managed to get to a few. This month’s reading consisted fully of library books, so while I didn’t reduce my own TBR, I’m happy with the reading that did happen. My May 2025 reading wrap-up shares the books I read and my thoughts on them.
May 2025 Reading Wrap-up
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
After hearing so many positive reviews about this series, I decided it was time I gave it a try. I’m glad I did, this was a fantastic read. While the book is short, about 150 pages, a lot is packed into it. There’s action, drama, a bit of mystery, and of course, an android who wants nothing more than to be left alone so they can watch television shows.
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
I wasn’t sure if I would continue this series, as I enjoyed the first book but didn’t outright love it. However, my library got an audiobook copy, so I decided to give it a try. This book is focused more on relationships than it is on the bookstore, which was somewhat unfortunate.
I don’t know if it’s because I was listening to the audiobook or if it was just the story in general, but I found it was really easy to walk away from the book, so I have to regularly remind myself to sit and listen, even though it’s only 5 hours long.
Pepper by Marjorie Shaffer
I’ve been on a non-fiction kick lately, and when I found this book about pepper, I knew I wanted to read it. It was quite fascinating to learn about the ‘discovery’ of pepper, how expeditions were made to acquire this new spice, the wars fought for it, and the innovations made in order to grow, harvest, and transport the largest amount of pepper compared to others seeking it. There was a lot of information packed into this book, and it’s one everyone should read to understand the history of a spice that likely everyone has in the house and uses regularly.
Ping Pong Vol. 1 by Taiyo Matsumoto
I love playing ping pong for fun, so a manga about ping pong players sounded like the perfect read. Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about this. The artwork was a mix of clean panels with ones that looked like rough sketches. None of the characters stuck with me. It was fine at best. I may or may not read the next volume.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
An eye-opening read. Even though I knew there were many downsides to using pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals, this book perfectly highlighted everything from short-term to long-term consequences on plants, animals, waters, and, of course, humans.
What makes this book stand out is that it was written in 1962, and we all know use of these chemicals has continued, and in many cases, increased since then, so the widespread effects are even greater now.
I hope you enjoyed my May 2025 Reading Wrap-up. What books did you read in May?
These books are so interesting! I want to check out Silent Spring.
Thank you. I highly recommend it!
I wouldn’t have thought a book about pepper would be interesting but actually sounds like it was a really good book! I’m going to have to check it out!
It’s amazing how books about random things like pepper can be as interesting as they are. It does make me want to read about the history of other foods. I hope you enjoy it.