Best New Books for All Reader Types May 2026
Looking for the Best New Book Releases This Month?
Our May 2026 Reading Guide highlights noteworthy debut novels and bestsellers for every Reader Type. At Bookfinity, we make it easy to find fresh picks that match your reading preferences and personality. Whether you're looking for historical romance, true crime, memoirs, thrillers or books about health, wellness or hobbies, these new releases are organized to help you discover the right titles faster.
Our in-house editorial team hand-picks every new release based on presales data, librarian recommendations and reviews from industry experts. This way, you know that you're getting the best of the best new releases, including picks that were selected just for you. Explore some of our top book picks for your Reader Type below. Make sure to log in to Bookfinity to add them to your reading list.
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Beach Reader
by Kristy Woodson Harvey
After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life — and possibly new romance. On her first day at her "simpler" job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and his batty Aunt Tilley.
Bookworm
by Matt Haig
When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop?
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there. The chance to re-live the moments that meant most. To see what kind of person you really were.
A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
Dragon Slayer
by Mai Corland
Starred Kirkus Review, Library Journal Review
Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down. With traitors closing in and a nation on the verge of shattering, Kerasea and Torren must risk everything to find a killer ... even if it means trusting their sworn enemy.
Galactic Guru
by Tom Lin
From the author of the Carnegie Medal in Fiction winner The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu comes a tantalizing, American West saga about a Chinese American family trying to survive on their Dakota farm as a powerful, mysterious, and morally dubious military secret shapes their lives.
The Hobbyist
by Émilie Penou
Build skills and create seven adorable crochet friends in 21 days! Learning through hands-on projects, this approach helps you master essential techniques, especially those used in amigurumi. You'll quickly gain confidence with single crochet, increases and decreases, the magic ring, stitch markers and more.
Game Day Hero
by Tim Brown
The definitive biography of Nolan Ryan, arguably the greatest pitcher in the history of baseball, from New York Times bestselling sportswriter Tim Brown. Nolan Ryan was the hero to two of America's biggest institutions: Texas and baseball. Nolan is an exploration of God, family, baseball and America.
Leading Lady
by Jamie Lynn Sigler
The star of the legendary HBO series The Sopranos and podcast co-host, Jamie Lynn Sigler opens up about the vicissitudes of life, from early stardom to heartache and love, motherhood and illness, offering readers an unflinchingly vulnerable exploration of the experiences that have transformed her life.
Lifelong Learner
by Gwenna Laithland
Will AI truly make life better? To find out, award-winning journalist Joanna Stern surrendered her life to artificial intelligence for one year. The results are both hilarious and unsettling. I Am Not a Robot is like a time machine trip to the very near future.
Maverick
by Tom Clavin
A dramatic new look at Custer's Last Stand in time for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, by the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Heart of Everything That Is. Vengeance is a thrilling read, filled with action, legendary characters and poignance for the impact this two-day battle had on Native Americans and the shape of the American West.
Modern Romantic
by Olivie Blake
The devil has come to town. And he wants a library card. New York Times bestselling author Olivie Blake and fan-favorite artist Little Chmura kick off a deliciously dark graphic novel romance series that explores artistry and power through the temptation of the seven deadly sins
Self-Starter
by Manoush Zomorodi, Keith Diaz
In today's world, a normal day means sitting in front of a screen for eight to 10 hours. From the award-winning journalist and NPR TED Radio Hour host comes a timely investigation in how screens and sitting are reshaping our bodies. Discover how a simple shift can change everything.
Serial Reader
by Gillian McAllister
How far would you go to rescue your child? A mother races against the clock — and finds herself on the wrong side of the law — in a desperate fight to save her teenage daughter in this pulse-pounding thriller from the author of Reese's Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller, Wrong Place Wrong Time.
Spiritual Seeker
by Kathryn Krick
Kathryn Krick was not preaching to thousands when revival broke out. She was faithful in small rooms, pressing into the gifts of the holy spirit, doing the quiet, unglamorous work of someone who actually believed God would show up. And He did.
God is not looking for the most talented. He is looking for the most surrendered. Are you ready?
Stunt Double
by Craig Johnson
A masterful new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.
When one of the most hated men in Absaroka County is found murdered on his ranch, suspects aren't in short supply. But Sheriff Walt Longmire's attention is on those who had gathered for a family meeting that evening.
Time Traveler
by Christina Baker Kline
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline comes a boldly original reimagining of the astonishing true story of two sisters in 19th-century North Carolina — Kline's own distant relatives — who married world-famous conjoined twins from Siam.
The Trendsetter
by Clint Black
The long-awaited memoir from country music legend Clint Black — a raw, intimate and unflinching story that traces his rise from struggling songwriter to chart-topping superstar and enduring music legend.
Woke Up Like This
by Chad Anderson, Remy Burke
Gay Mormon Dad is the story of one man learning to love himself in a complicated world. This inspiring autobiography unfolds in two parts, "Then" and "Now," woven together in a way that will hit you right in the heart. Illustrated by artist Remy Burke, this moving graphic memoir sheds light on the dangers of spiritual abuse and illuminates the path to healing.
World Traveler
by Scott Davis
The Last of the Old Breed is an unprecedented oral history of the final living U.S. Marines from World War II, featuring over 130 veterans, ranging in age from 90 to 103. Told in harrowing detail, the witnesses reveal the brutal reality of combat against a fanatical enemy and the heavy toll it took on their post-war lives.
Young at Heart
by Soman Chainani
From the New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders — until one of them is murdered and he's the prime suspect.
Cool Mom/Dad
by Alexandra Elle
With her trademark wisdom and storytelling, New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Elle invites us not only to celebrate but to examine the relationships in our lives, from the ones that matter most to those we should reevaluate.
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