Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small compensation to help support my blog if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
I’m still trying to find the sweet spot for these prediction lists. In the past, I was writing both new release posts and Book of the Month prediction posts, but I wanted to focus on the prediction lists for my readers.
However, there’s been some slight complaining about the length of the lists lately. I know, I know. Who would ever complain about a list of books being too long?!
So I tried to be a little pickier with my predictions since some people have said my lists are too long or feel more like new release posts.
Please let me know which you prefer. I personally like the longer lists and don’t feel like my predictions posts are in any sort of competition to be more correct than others or even at all! I just find it fun to research the new books and share what I feel will show up. I actually leave off tons of books each month if the author is too well known or if it is a repeat author whose last book wasn’t a Book of the Month pick.
The first book in each genre section is my top prediction for May’s Book of the Month picks.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know Book of the Month (BOTM) is my favorite book subscription service. I love the anticipation of finally seeing their monthly picks and always have fun trying to guess what may show up on the app on the first of every month.
If you aren’t familiar with BOTM, you can check out my full review of this subscription service. The basic idea is BOTM chooses 5-7 books from different genres every month and members can choose their pick when the books go live. You can also add on up to two more books for only $10.99 each.
If you don’t like any of the picks, you can choose to skip and save your credit for the next month, which is honestly the best part of this service to me. I don’t like subscription boxes that only offer one book selection that you don’t know ahead of time. If you are interested in trying BOTM, you can use my link to get your first book for only $5!
As usual, these are just my opinions and my predictions. It is fine if you disagree or think the predictions are terrible-we all have different reading tastes. Please remember to be kind in comments or messages because we are all readers with different tastes!
Table of Contents
Thriller/Mystery Predictions
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Debut Author
Emma Rosenblum’s Bad Summer People is a whip-smart, propulsive debut about infidelity, backstabbing, and murderous intrigue, set against an exclusive summer haven on Fire Island.
The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis
Release Date: May 23, 2023
A dream girls trip to a luxurious French chateau devolves into a deadly nightmare of secrets and murder in this stylish, twisty thriller for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell.
I was sold when I saw the Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell comparison!
The New Mother by Nora Murphy
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Possible June pick/add-on
From Nora Murphy, author of The Favor, The New Mother is both relatable and nerve-wracking, sympathetic and bone-chilling― a fresh new twist on motherhood and murder in suburbia.
This book is giving major The Push vibes, so I would like to see it as a pick but I do think it is an unlikely pick.
Romance Predications
Love Buzz by Neely Tubati Alexander
Release date: May 2, 2023
Debut Author
In this spectacularly enjoyable and serendipitous adventure, a chance romantic encounter during a wild night at a Mardi Gras bachelorette party sends strait-laced Serena Khan’s carefully constructed life into chaos.
I’ve been to NOLA more times than I can count, so I know this book has potential to be extra chaotic and full of drama!
Planes, Trains, and All the Feels by Livy Hart
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Fans of Christina Lauren and Tessa Bailey will adore this witty and unforgettable rom-com about skyways, highways, and all the perfectly wrong ways to fall in love.
Contemporary Fiction Predictions
The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
Release date: May 2, 2023
Debut author
A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.
The Garnett Girls by Georgina Moore
Release date: May 16, 2023
Debut author
In this brilliant debut novel full of heart and warmth, three very different sisters—and their free-spirited mother—must grapple with life, responsibilities, and family secrets.
Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews
Release date: May 23, 2023
In a sisterly P.S. I Love You for the digital age, when an outgoing social media influencer leaves crippling medical debt behind after her tragically young death from leukemia, her final wish is for her introverted younger sister to take over her accounts and complete her bucket list while her millions of fans follow along.
No Two Person by Erica Bauermeister
Release date: May 2, 2023
One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. New York Times bestselling author Erica Bauermeister’s No Two Persons is “a gloriously original celebration of fiction, and the ways it deepens our lives.”
Historical Fiction Predictions
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Release date: May 2, 2023
When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.
A History of Burning by Janika Oza
Release date: May 2, 2023
This epic, sweeping historical novel full of “wondrous complexity” spans continents and a century, and reveals how one act of survival can reverberate through generations (Rachel Khong, author of Goodbye, Vitamin).
Literary Fiction Predictions
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Repeat author
White lies. Dark humor. Deadly consequences… Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American—in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author R. F. Kuang.
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
Release date: May 2, 2023
Repeat author, possible add-on selection
From the bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, a masterful novel about a couple in a small town who must navigate the complexities of marriage, family, and longing.
*According to a screenshot floating around social media, the author has confirmed this as a Book of the Month selection.
The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
Release date: May 23, 2023
Repeat Author
The widely acclaimed author of Real Life and Filthy Animals returns with a deeply involving new novel of young men and women at a crossroads.
The Guest by Emma Cline
Release date: May 16, 2023
A young woman pretends to be someone she isn’t in this stunning novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Girls.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Release date: May 30, 2023
A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises—especially to ourselves—by the bestselling and beloved author of The Guncle.
I feel like this is an unlikely choice but wanted to include it since I know a lot of people loved The Guncle.
Paper Names by Susie Luo
Release date: May 2, 2023
Repeat Author
Fantasy/Magical Realism Predictions
The Enchanted Hacienda by J. C. Vervantes
Release date: May 16, 2023
Debut Author
With unforeseen twists, romance, and a heavy sprinkle of magic, The Enchanted Hacienda is a captivating coming-of-age debut exploring identity, unconditional family love, and uncovering the magic within us all.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Release date: May 30, 2023
Possible June pick
Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
Release Date: May 2, 2023
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn’t what it seems.
Sci-Fi/Dystopian Prediction
Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Debut Author
Two top women gladiators fight for their freedom within a depraved private prison system not so far-removed from America’s own in this explosive, hotly-anticipated debut novel.
**Chain Gang All-Stars ended up being an Aardvark Book Club Pick! You can grab it for $4 using my link.
Do you agree with my predictions? What are some of your May Book of the Month predictions? Let me know in the comments!
Shop my bookmarks, stickers, and digital journals on Etsy!
Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook so you never miss a new post from me! You can also join my book club on Facebook!
Just felt compelled to leave a comment and say that I actually genuinely look forward to browsing your prediction lists every month, and I don’t even subscribe to BOTM! You always have some that jump out at me, and I mark them down on my list to watch for on their release. I vote to keep your post with as many book predictions as your heart desires 🙂
I believe your list are what lead me to eventually get botm. I really enjoy your prediction blog and knew obviously that one maybe 2 from a genre would be picked. But I really enjoy looking for your blog once a month and finding other read to get along with botm and. Be you, and thank you for all your time on this!!!!
Thank you! These lists definitely take time, but I love sharing new books with others.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy the lists even if you aren’t a BOTM subscriber!
I love your lists! Please continue to do the long lists. I get my best book suggestions from your list.
I LOVE the longer lists. I always wind up buying or checking out several from your lists every month and look forward to the predictions every month! I appreciate you putting in the work to post the longer lists, so I would love to see them as long as possible. Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much! Definitely a lot of work but so worth it to share books that might otherwise not get tons of attention!
I adore your prediction posts and I will read a long booklist any day!! Please continue doing whatever you enjoy the most!!! Thank you for creating these posts each month and for all your research!!!
Thank you! I enjoy the longer lists personally because I like sharing a variety of “under the radar” books with others!
I love longer lists and read your post every month!
Thank you so much for reading each month!
I enjoy the longer lists! The BOTM picks don’t always align with my taste, so it’s nice to have other new releases on my radar.
I LOVE your lists!! The more books the merrier!!! I get sooo many good book recommendations from your prediction lists! I think I probably look forward to your prediction lists more than the actual BOTM lists! Thank you for all the work you put into these lists!!
I check your lists out each month and look forward to them. I agree that you should do the lists the way that makes you happy, Im on board either way (I do prefer the longer lists though). I thank you for taking the time to put together the information, I wouldn’t know where to start and appreciate your time on this!
Allison as a fellow teacher and lover of books I say Bravo! Keep the lists just as they are. You are doing a spectacular job;)
Make your list as long as you like (please) – I love seeing what new books to put on hold at the library. And the division makes it nice so I can just skip the genrs I don’t like but still have a nice amount to peruse in the ones I do!