The Best Paperbacks of May 2026

May is here, which means we have a fresh batch of must-read books waiting and enjoyed. This month, kick back with some coming-of-age tales, remarkable memoirs, love stories for all and so much more. Start your summer reading early with these fantastic stories.

 

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A love story, a coming-of-age tale and a war novel wrapped in one, the incomparable Isabel Allende returns with a sweeping story that reintroduces us to the Del Valle family who we met in The House of the Spirits.

 

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Could you solve your own murder before it's too late? Race the clock and catch the killer in Holly Jackson's adult debut. 

 

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The author of Dating and Dragons is back with another swoon-worthy rom-com featuring the magic and mayhem of D&D. As Dungeon Master, Hazel is forced to team up with her enemy Max, but there is nothing like a majestic quest to bring two people together

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See trees, parks and forests in a whole new way with this captivating look at how trees behave, communicate, adapt and live together in the woods.

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Get to know Tom Selleck from the man himself, finally here to tell his complete story. From his rise to stardom to what was going on behind the scenes, this is everything you ever wanted to know about the man behind the mustache.

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Al Pacino's life is massive in scope — from Michael Corleone to Tony Montana. Here he takes on the task of telling it all, from the origin of his inspiration to the man he is now.

 

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The United States government employs nearly three million people, but what do they all do? This exploration of government service is as fascinating as it is illuminating.

 

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An exciting new romance blossoms in the heart of Dream Harbor, the quaint small town filled with quirky but lovable locals. Featuring a fake relationship and returning favorites, The Daisy Chain Flower Shop is a light and breezy installment in the Dream Harbor series.

 

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A riveting story of a family in crisis, Flashlight unravels an intimate tragedy in a sweeping scope.

 

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Bringing to life the true story of twenty-five women who risked everything to aid the war effort and follow their dreams, this inspiring read soars through the daring world of the aircraft ferry pilots that changed history

 

 

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Fake-dating your enemy can’t be that hard — right? Discover the charms of city life and fall in love with Alex Aster’s sizzling summer romance.

 

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A small-town serial killer romance meets amateur sleuthing in this darkly funny, heart-racing first installment that flips the script on a traditional love story

 

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Meghan Quinn, author of Till Summer Do Us Part, returns with the latest rom-com in her sun-soaked series, Rules for the Summer. Our Exclusive Edition features a new cover, alternate edges, and bonus illustrations – perfect for any book lover.

 

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All aboard Riley Sager's latest unrelenting thriller. A story about desperate retribution during one thirteen-hour train ride, this action-packed ticking-clock whodunit will keep you guessing until the very end.

 

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After her partner is murdered, a young woman goes to great lengths to keep his memory alive in a raw, searing tale about love, death and societal expectations

 

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There’s a killer at large and all eyes are looking to the White House. With unrelenting tension, political intrigue and insight into the presidency you can only get from a former commander-in-chief, this is a thrilling, action-packed ride.

 

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Dave Barry teaches us not to take life so seriously. In his memoir, the writer celebrates the joys, triumphs and sticky situations he found himself in throughout his vibrant life.

 

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It was supposed to be a PR stunt — until it wasn’t. Sparks fly off the field in this unexpected football romance. Duffy and Connor are having fun, but will love be the ultimate touchdown?

 

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Prepare for the final battle. The supernatural world of Jujutsu Kaisen returns in Volume 30, where Yuji Itadori faces his ultimate fate. Will he survive, or will Sukuna prevail?

 

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After his life is torn apart, a young father grapples with an unimaginable tragedy in this story of redemption and forgiveness from beloved author Wally Lamb.

 

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A broadsweeping analysis of the state of AI, zeroing in on OpenAI and the lasting and dubious impact it's having on the world. With precision and grit, this is a work of exhaustive detail that's essential reading for anyone curious about the age of AI.

 

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Fascinating, fulfilling and, above all else, fun. This utterly eye-opening (and nose- and mouth-opening) exploration of the history of practically everything is an enriching and endlessly entertaining read.

 

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Saddle up for a brand-new romance series from Elsie Silver. Bull rider Emmett signs up for a dating show in an effort to save his ranch, but his heart is quickly stolen by an unexpected face behind the camera in this slow-burning romance.

 

 

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An elusive heiress, a love story and a mystery. Cathartic, romantic, tragic and charming, Emily Henry told her readers this book challenged her like no other. Grab an extra copy — you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

 

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Over a decade after their breakup, a musician and a screenwriter are forced to collaborate on a Hollywood blockbuster. But what happens when feelings from the past start to surface?

 

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You thought you knew the tale behind the Mistborn trilogy, but there is so much more. Brandon Sanderson brings you back to the Cosmere for a novella that revisits the characters from the iconic trilogy.

 

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In a mystical world of trickery, Clara Graysworth possesses tarot cards that harness a powerful—and illegal—magic. Despite her rule-breaking, her impressive talents are sought out by the prestigious Arcana Academy, and soon Clara finds herself on a life-changing mission.

 

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In a fairytale that’ll leave you in a trance, Rachel Gillig (One Dark Window) weaves together romance, magic and folklore into one dazzling story. This is perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Ava Reid.

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Armed with grief, a drive for revenge and a possessed teddy bear, a young woman embarks on a gory, fun adventure that blends horror and heart.

 

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Despite Assassins Anonymous' good intentions of helping killers recover from their violent ways, violence finds them when a member goes missing. This spirited addition to the series is just as rip-roaring and builds on the tremendous cast of characters.

 

 

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Tate doesn’t believe in the old family myth that a chosen few can see spirits trapped in the realm of the living — until something rattles his world for good. With the heart of Nicholas Sparks and the twists of M. Night Shyamalan, Remain is a one-of-a-kind read.

 

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The king of horror has returned — along with a few old friends. Holly Gibney is back to investigate a terrifying threat and serve as a bodyguard to an activist with a target on her back. Taut, immersive and chilling, this is Stephen King at his best.

 

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Three women’s lives intertwine when a charming man who seems too good to be true enters their lives in a twisty new domestic thriller from Lisa Jewell.

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Inspired by her beloved grandmother’s adventures on Martha’s Vineyard, Olivia embarks on a summer of self-discovery, romance and making memories.

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From one of the most renowned futurists alive today, this meticulous dig into the future of humanity weaves in new technologies like AI and expands on how it could be the cornerstone of a whole new era.

 

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Apple’s cutting-edge technology meets China’s unmatched manufacturing power in this eye-opening look at the consequences of the tech giant’s choices.

 

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Deeply personal and yet strikingly universal, this memoir reminds us all of what it means to make a human connection, and the range of emotions that come with any substantial relationship. It's heartfelt, humorous and honest.

 

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This groundbreaking book has influenced artists, writers and leaders and inspired millions around the world with its thought-provoking wisdom.

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After reeling from the Battle of Chicago, the past comes back to haunt Harry Dresden as a powerful old frenemy returns in this action-packed novella.

 

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Three unsuspecting strangers share a moment in an elevator that evolves into an all-encompassing bond of passion, desires and tantalizing secrets.

 

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A story about art and morality, big promises and even bigger threats, The Director chronicles the life and work of an infamous man’s complicated life in sharp and exacting prose.

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Everly can't stand her best friend's twin brother, with his brooding Irish accent, impressive rugby skills and tattoos. But everything changes when the two are forced together in this delightful small-town romance.

 

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Dark, steamy and addictive, the third installment in the Ravenhood Legacy series tells Tyler and Larissa's story in his own words.

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After matching on a dating app, Amanda and Declan suddenly find themselves in a faraway kingdom, where they must work together to find a way back home.

Explore more paperbacks here.