Top ten books published this month
May 2023
The Ferryman: A Novel
by Justin Cronin

"In a world where people don't die but are ferried away to be regenerated into a 16-year-old with no memories, Proctor is responsible for making sure the "retirees" go without a fuss. But he is quickly drawn into a mystery at the heart of their society. The multi-layered quality moves this from a poignant story into thriller, into world-exploring science fiction."

John Sloan, Chicago Public Library
NoveList read-alike: Saha by Nam-Ju Cho
Chain-Gang All-Stars: A Novel
by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

"In a near-future America, prisoners can opt into a gruesome program of death matches against other prisoners. Their lives are broadcast to a bloodthirsty public, and they can win their freedom if they kill enough opponents. The novel employs an effective series of rotating narrators to tell all sides of this story, forcing us to look at how we dehumanize prisoners."

Laura Bovee, Chicopee Public Library
NoveList read-alike: Bitch Planet by Kelly Sue DeConnick
The Guest: A Novel
by Emma Cline

"Alex is coasting through life on the grace and credit card of her older boyfriend for the summer. She can't return to the city now that her roommates want nothing to do with her, and her friends have all disappeared. There is nothing she won't do, and no one she won't manipulate, to get what she needs: a bit more time. Perfect for fans of The Talented Mr. Ripley."

Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library
NoveList read-alike: Luster by Raven Leilani
The Half Moon: A Novel
by Mary Beth Keane

"What happens when your current life doesn't match your expectations? That's what's happening with Malcom and Jess. The married couple thought things would be easier, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them. Over the course of a blizzard, they are forced to reckon with their decisions and to determine if they can move forward on a different path."

Melissa Tunstall, Charleston County Public Library
NoveList read-alike: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Killing Me
by Michelle Gagnon

"Amber has very strong opinions about people who fall prey to serial killers and is sure that being savvy and street smart will keep her safe. Until she is taken by a serial killer, and her life becomes a hot mess. This quirky, snarky book reads like Janet Evanovich teamed up with Stephen King."

Linda Quinn, Fairfield Public Library
NoveList read-alike: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
Practice Makes Perfect
by Sarah Adams

"A sweet Kentucky florist looking for love asks her sister-in-law's bodyguard to help her sass up after a date accuses her of being too boring. With wonderful characters, this cute romance is a great second installment in the When in Rome series."

Sonya Skibicki, Bartlett Public Library District
NoveList read-alike: The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas
Quietly Hostile: Essays
by Samantha Irby

"If you haven't already read Irby: 1) Who are you and how do you live? 2) This is a perfect time to start. Reading her relatable essays feels like hanging out with an older sister who doesn't sugarcoat the awkward parts of life and helps you recognize you're not the only one faking your way through adulthood."

Rebecca Hayes, Highland Park Public Library
NoveList read-alike: She's Nice Though by Mia Mercado
The Secret Book of Flora Lea
by Patti Callahan Henry

"A poetic tribute to the power of story. Exploring the lifelong effects of the horrors of war, the richly developed characters endure loss that haunts them into adulthood. When a mysterious book appears, it sets in motion a search for answers, making sense of the past, and healing of broken hearts."

Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library
NoveList read-alike: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
The Wishing Game: A Novel
by Meg Shaffer

"In this magical tale, a beloved children's author announces a tantalizing game: four fans can compete to win the only copy of his new book. All the contestants are intriguing, but readers will root for Lucy, a teacher's aide desperate to find the money needed to adopt an orphaned boy."

Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library
NoveList read-alike: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Witch King
by Martha Wells

"Kai, the eponymous (and erroneously named) Witch King, traverses two timelines as he helps overthrow an empire and then has to deal with the descendants of heroes who live long enough to become villains. A very fun, tightly plotted epic fantasy with spectacular worldbuilding and pacing."

Veronica Koven-Matasy, Boston Public Library
NoveList read-alike: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Find more great reading recommendations in NoveList!
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