May wasn’t a great reading month for me – both the amount and what I read. I only managed six books, and half of those were for my three book clubs. I also decided I’d better start one of my reading challenges: 12 books recommended by 12 friends. Last year, I read a different one each month, so I’m behind with this one already!

Five out of six of the books I read in May were audiobooks, and the other was an e-book ARC. I read only one nonfiction book, too. Storygraph tells me I physically read 359 pages and listened to 51.05 hours.

All The Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman 3.5*

This was the only book I physically read in May. After reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it as I’ve often felt the same as this title! However, it wasn’t one I was dying to pick up all the time, so it took me a while to get through it after it was easy to get into. I felt like it started to drag around a third of the way through, particularly because I didn’t feel for the main character too much.

Saying that, there was a lot of mystery and intrigue as to what was happening with the interwoven storylines, and it all came together in the end. I did feel empathy for the mfc by then, but it’s a shame it took so long! I will probably try another book by the author, but in audiobook format.

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher 4.5*

This was the first book of my 12 reads recommended by 12 friends reading challenge. It’s not a book I would have come across or chosen myself, so I was slightly dubious going into it. However, I LOVED it. The first third or so had a lot of world and character building, so I thought it was going to be yet another fantasy I couldn’t fully get into, but it started picking up once the main character started on her journey.

The characters were very likeable and I especially loved Bonedog, and Finder, the demon-possessed chicken! Humour crept in once these characters were introduced; it picked up the pace and enjoyment, and from then on, I struggled to put it down. I was disappointed to discover this isn’t a series, as I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn 4*

This is the third book in the Bridgerton series, and I listened to this in my effort to continue and finish, series I’ve started and then abandoned! (I have a habit of doing that, then forgetting what happened.) I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this series as I’m not a fan of regency romance. I’m finding it addictive, though! This book focuses on the second Bridgerton brother, Benedict.

I found it to be a mixture of the insta-love/slow-burn tropes, and of course, it begins at another season ball, giving off Cinderella vibes! The books are getting a bit predictable now, but there is enough difference in the storylines to still be enjoyable. Though there were some more tender themes in this, the humour is still sprinkled throughout. I’m finding Lady Whistledown more and more intriguing, too…

Circe by Madeline Miller 3*

Circe was my first book club read of the month for May. It had been highly recommended to me at my in-person book club, too, so I had high hopes for it, although I don’t tend to gravitate to mythology books (unless it’s a fun kids one!) It was easy to get into, and I thought I might end up liking it. Unfortunately, the feeling didn’t last for me. From halfway through, I found myself constantly checking how long was left and sighing when I saw. If I had been physically reading it, I don’t think I’d have finished it.

Saying that, it was excellently written and immersive. When I was focused on it, it was easy to picture the characters and scenes. I didn’t really care for any of the characters which was disappointing; I was hoping perhaps Circe would appeal more, being a feminist, witchy figure. Personally, I didn’t get the hype but I can see how it would be enjoyable if you’re a fan of mythology.

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell 3.5*

This was the second of my book club reads for May, this time for my in-person book club. I did let out a little groan when I saw it was the book choice, as I’ve read a couple of his fiction books, but I wouldn’t have chosen this one even though I enjoy memoirs. Saying that, I found it intriguing right from the beginning.

Most of it was pretty grim – living in poverty in Paris and London in the early 1900’s – but Orwell found humour in his situation too, with his stories. It did start to drag in the last third or so as it became repetitive and began to feel like anyone could have written it from personal experience. Overall it felt part factual, part storytelling.

Making Money by Terry Pratchett 2.5*

This was the second book club pick in a row that I let out a groan for when it was revealed. This time it was because the last Terry Pratchett book I listened to in January, I didn’t get on with. I decided to give it a go anyway. It was ever so slightly better and easier to keep up with, but I still struggled. I did consider DNF’ing it around halfway through, but decided to push on as it was for a book discussion.

Saying that, it did make me chuckle a lot and I grew fond of Mr Fusspot (insert crazy dog lady here.) The storyline in general was easier than Hogfather to keep up with, but I felt it ended abruptly. I just don’t think Terry Pratchett is an author for me. (I say, with one of his witchy books still on my Kindle!)

Nettle & Bone was my favourite read in May. Have you read any of these? What was your favourite book of the month?