Dodson Productions

I am once again back with all the books I read in May! Sharing my honest thoughts and opinions feels so freeing, I might just have to turn it into a video series… Stay tuned!!

• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1 by Beth Brower – 5 Stars (4/30/26-5/1/26)

I have never loved a historical fiction this much! I am usually not a fan of historical fiction, but somehow the storytelling within these short journal entries was enough to keep me hooked all the way through. I thought the old English language would be an issue for me, but it only adds to the enjoyment. And the comedic voice Emma has throughout the book was so enjoyable. I can’t wait to read the next one!!

• Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life by Joshua Bassett – 4 Stars (5/7/26-5/12/26)

This book was both exactly what I expected and not what I expected at all. The stories about his life and what he’s been through were very eye-opening and honestly very touching, especially to someone who has been through similar struggles. I understand that religion is a big part of his life, so while it isn’t a part of mine, I did not let the religious aspects of the book ruin the experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has had their own struggles with mental health, physical health, or addiction. You will feel less alone.

• The Coven by Harper L. Woods – 4 Stars (5/3/26-5/13/26)

I am the last person who would ever read fantasy or suggest reading fantasy. But this was my book club’s pick for this month, so I tried my best to go in with an open mind. And I am SO glad I did. This book was incredible. I loved the history of witches and how they are in our world but we don’t realize it. The secret school for witches where they harness their magic. I understand where people are coming from with parts of the story – especially Grey and just how unlikeable he really is – but it does a disservice to this book to discount it solely because of those issues. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and honestly cannot wait to read the others in the series.

• Funny Story by Emily Henry – 3 Stars (4/29/26-5/15/26)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The comedic elements were really what drew me in every time. The intense and honest conversation about difficult parental dynamics was quite refreshing when most books base their trauma on past romantic relationships. I honestly struggled between a 3 star and 4 star rating because it was a very fun read, but it did at times become somewhat bland and boring. I think any contemporary romance reader will enjoy this book if they read it themselves.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney – 2 Stars (5/2/26-5/16/26)

This book was decent. The title tells you exactly what you’re gonna get, a story about the normal lives of normal people. It doesn’t shy away from the heavier parts of life. It shows that sometimes those that are made for each other aren’t necessarily meant for each other. Sadly, I think it’s just too long. There were definitely lulls in the story where it’s obvious they’re trying to show the mundane nature of life, but it genuinely just ruins the attention span for me as a reader. The heavy conversations and intense moments and realizations are really the bread and butter of this story.

• Love Song by Elle Kennedy – 5 Stars (5/15/26-5/18/26)

Honestly, I would give this book all the stars if I could. I have never read a book that made me so utterly obsessed with it that I couldn’t do anything else but read it. The reviews for this book are extremely disheartening. Maybe because I went in and read it as a standalone (which can definitely be done without missing anything important) I am able to appreciate it more without already having all these preconceived ideas of who the characters should be. The depth of these characters and their arcs to finding themselves were so beautifully done. It felt like someone who was actually that age was talking, not like it was written by someone trying to sound that way. I do think the trigger warning page should’ve been at the front, since the topic of pregnancy loss in this book is intense and could be triggering for people (it made me insanely emotional as someone who has been through similar situations). I will probably never find a book that makes me as happy as this one did and that is genuinely terrifying. I really don’t know what to do with myself now that it’s over…

• Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte – 2 Stars (5/17/26-5/25/26)

I understand why people are obsessed with this book. It gives a raw, unfiltered view of what society is like today and how certain aspects of our society seem one way but are actually another. I do think it is worth a read for these reasons, but that doesn’t mean I liked it. I saw another review say something along the lines of “I higly recommend this book, but I hated it” and I think that explains my thoughts exactly. Some stories were well written, made you really think abut things, and had you interested in what would happen next. Others felt gross, overly dramatized in order to be disturbing, and just kind of unnecessary. Take from that what you will.

• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides – Did Not Finish (5/19/26-5/31/26)

I wanted to give this book a chance since I’ve heard that there are possible connections between it and Olivia Rodrigo’s new album. It has also been sitting on my shelves for a while and this felt like a good excuse to pick it up. But by the end of the first chapter, I knew it wasn’t for me. I don’t like women written in a male perspective and that is what this book reeks of. I just couldn’t do it.