I’m a few days late on my monthly book reviews, mostly because I’ve been using my pockets of blog time to write other posts (<–linked in case you missed them!). I’m back up to my usual three books per month quota, thanks in large part to a few relaxing weekends at the lake. Here’s what I read in May:

The Opposite of Hate by Sally Kohn

I heard about this book when the author was interviewed on NPR (pretty sure it was on 1A, my fave!). Given the ubiquitousness of hate and violence in today’s world, I thought it would be educational for me read Kohn’s research on the subject. I’ll be honest and say that I struggled to finish this book. The beginning of the book seemed redundant (how many ways do you really need to explain the fundamental attribution error?). The middle of the book was more engaging, but I almost had to skip sections on the genocide in Rwanda; reading about those atrocities made me physically ill. I’m not sure I learned a whole lot from this book, as many of the examples were straight out of my introductory psychology textbook. However, I do think the author should be commended for endeavoring to enlighten the world on why we hate, as awareness is the first step toward changing behavior.

3.5/5 stars.

Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan

I saw a friend from high school recommend this book on Instagram, and I picked it up from the library the next day. It’s difficult to explain what exactly this book is, but I suppose it’s a collection of hard-learned life lessons. I fell in love with the author’s funny and relatable writing style right away and finished the book in two days. (The section about the dog eating poop was eerily relatable and friggin’ hilarious). I experienced quite a range of emotions throughout the 12 chapters, and I always think that’s the sign of a good book. I liked it so much that I picked up two more books by this author for next month (The Middle Place and Glitter & Glue).

5/5 stars.

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

This book was mentioned on one of the food blogs I read (I guess a lot of people like both eating and reading). I enjoyed another book by this author a few months ago, so I decided to give another one a whirl. To be honest, it was very similar to the other book: both center on a young woman who has experienced some sort of personal tragedy that has estranged her from her family, so she seeks refuge in Seattle, only to discover some connections to the distant past. Formulaic or not, I still enjoyed reading this book. Jio’s books seem perfectly suited to beach reading or just travel reading in general–they’re pleasant and easy-to-read but still engaging. I’ll probably pick up another one of her books before my next vacation.

4/5 stars.

What did you read in May?