Amanda Reads: Monthly Overview for May 2023

New book releases and Tarot guidance for the month of May 2023

Happy Monday and a very happy May 1st, my friends! Since the start of the month falls on a Monday, we’re jumping right in with the monthly overview to start your week.

At the start of each new month, I do a mega-edition of the newsletter that includes new book release highlights and a Tarot card for every week of the month ahead. Next week, we’ll be back with your regularly scheduled reading recs and tarot reading for the week ahead. For now, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever your drink of choice) and let’s check out what we’ve got for May!

This month’s tarot pull comes from the Llewellyn Tarot. This is the second deck I ever owned, and it is also one that I haven’t used very much. I was surprised to feel drawn to it for the May overview because, aside from that brief moment in the aisles of Barnes & Noble, I don’t generally feel a strong connection to this one. But apparently the deck wanted to let us know that May is coming up swords (read: we’re all in our thoughts).

Week 1: April 30th-May 6th

Card of the Week: Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords is all about the ways in which our thoughts can drag us down. This first week in May may see an uptick in worry or anxiety, so remember to be gentle with yourself.

New Release of the Week:

Super Bloom by Megan Tady, out May 2nd. This is one of those books where the cover drew me in—it’s bright purple with a woman who has cucumber slices on her eyes. This story centers on a woman reeling from grief while trying to stay afloat at her spa job. Then she meets a famous romance novelist, strikes up a deal with her, and shenanigans ensue. This book sounds like good fun with a dose of heart, and I’m here for it. It is Tady’s debut novel.

Moon Phase: Full Moon on May 5th

Week 2: May 7th-May 13th

Card of the Week: Six of Swords

The Six of Swords is all about forward momentum. As we come through the thick web of thoughts from the first week in May, this card suggests that some clarity has emerged and you’re ready to take action, big or small. You’ve got the tools you need and a renewed sense of direction.

New Release of the Week:

No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby, out May 9th. I’ve been seeing this one around the book blogging sphere, and it sounds like good fun. It’s about a historical mystery about a woman who would rather be a detective than get married—if only she could get anyone to agree that was an okay pursuit for a lady. Side note: This is a weirdly slow week for new book releases so there weren’t as many as usual to pick from.

Moon Phase: Last Quarter Moon on May 12th

Week 3: May 14th-May 20th

Card of the Week: King of Swords

I wasn’t kidding about all these swords for May! The King of Swords is an effective, if straightforward and cutting, leader. To me, this card is a reminder to step into your convictions and hold firm. The King knows what he’s about and he isn’t going to waver just because someone else might disagree. There is a warning here not to become so caught up in your sense of rightness that you tread on others. Don’t lose yourself in your ambition, but do stick up for what you believe in and what you need.

New Release of the Week:

Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby, out May 16th. This is the latest collection of essays from the hilarious writer whose books always feature adorably oddball animals like porcupines and hedgehogs. This collection features a skunk on the cover, which feels appropriate to the title. Irby’s humor and openness make for excellent essay collections, and I’m excited to give this latest one a read.

Moon Phase: New Moon on May 19th

Week 4: May 21st-May 27th

Card of the Week: Nine of Cups

We’ve spent a lot of May in our thoughts and figuring out the way forward. This last full week of the month invites us to take time to rejoice. It’s summer (at least, it is in my hemisphere). Things are blossoming and blooming, and after all the month’s growth and reflection, so are we! The Nine of Cups is a reminder to find the small joys and relish them, just a bit. The work will be there even after a quick dip into joy.

New Release of the Week:

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler, out May 23rd. Okay, this book’s synopsis is wild and I am here for it. Our protagonist promised her elderly best friend she’d help reunite her with her former lover… only apparently that now means travelling across the country with Mrs. Nash’s ashes. After some travel related mishaps, she finds herself hitching a ride with a man who doesn’t believe in love, who happens to have been in her ex’s MFA program. Forced proximity romance, here we come! This is another debut.

Moon Phase: First Quarter on May 27th

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That’s it for the month of May, my friends! We’re headed into summer in earnest, and I am ready for sitting on the porch with a glass of lemonade and a good book.

(Full disclosure: This post features Bookshop.org affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. You’re supporting local bookstores and this newsletter if you do!)

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