May means the final stretch of the school year! What better way to finish the semester off than with a new book? Learn something new going into the summer; whether it’s about innovative technologies, philosophies, habits, romance or queer explorations, these books are sure to pique your interest.
“Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism” by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025)
Newly published on March 11, Wynn-Williams’ memoir follows her time working as a Facebook executive under Mark Zuckerberg. Opening with a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” (1925), the book reads, “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy — they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money,” which perfectly sums up the tone of her experience.
What first started for Wynn-Williams as an opportunity to be part of revolutionary technology that changed the world soon devolved into something bitter, ironic and almost satirical. From Zuckerberg’s reaction to Facebook’s role in President Donald Trump winning the 2016 presidential election, to personal challenges with work-life balance and “the truth about the leaders of Facebook,” the book is a rollercoaster of a read. With Meta forcibly stopping its promotion, readers can’t help but wonder what might be true.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl (1946)
“Man’s Search for Meaning” documents Frankl’s recount as a Holocaust survivor, as well as his psychological and philosophical outlook he adopted through finding purpose in suffering. The book is famous for introducing his idea of logotherapy, an idea asserting that humans are driven by search for purpose, and that even in suffering, one can find meaning.
Frankl’s themes of renewal, growth and transformation align perfectly with symbols of spring. The book conveys a beautiful message of resilience and finding purpose that leaves the reader thinking that everything will be alright.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear (2018)
For those who need motivation to get through final exam season, perhaps it is finally time to pick up the famous self-help book, “Atomic Habits.”
With over 20 million copies sold, Clear’s book is recognized for its wide range of applicability to improving one’s productivity and achieving set goals. In 20 chapters, he dives into easy-to-understand strategies that will likely benefit anyone who struggles with procrastination.
“The Princess Bride” by William Goldman (1973)
Many people know the 1987 movie, but few have read the book it is based on. Filled with action, great dialogue and passionate romance, this fantasy is a must-read that is great for a sunny day out on the quad.
“The Princess Bride” is about a beautiful woman named Buttercup who falls in love with the farm boy Westley who is employed by her family. When Buttercup is forced into a marriage with the evil Prince Humperdinck, Westley goes on a quest to save her. Through a series of events, including a kidnapping, fencing, a “Zoo of Death” and more, the reader is introduced to a vibrant cast of characters and led through a fun story with a satisfying conclusion.
“Stag Dance” by Torrey Peters (2024)
Peters’ “Stag Dance,” a combination of one novel as well as three novellas, approaches gender-related topics with a variety of plot settings. Peters’ narration follows a lumberjack through an interesting story meant to focus on the nature of transition.
In the first novella, the reader is quickly dropped into a sci-fi future where everyone chooses their gender, with three trans-femme characters at its center. In the second, two roommates at a boarding school engage in a secret romance. In the third novella, a crossdresser on the Las Vegas strip is forced to choose between a man who “objectifies her in thrilling ways” or a veteran trans woman offering “unglamorous sisterhood.”
In between a month riddled with stress over finals but also excitement for the summer, May can be bittersweet. Hopefully one of these books will make this May one to remember with a new exciting read to get through the last stretch of the semester!
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, Emma Brown and Ella Rousseau.
