Best New Books May 2022

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With a bumper set of bank holidays to contend with over the coming weeks, we’re looking at our calendar with a dizzying sense of exhaustion. What is it about a few extra days off work that makes us feel equipped to attend that many brunches? If you’re starting to think that quieter breaks might actually be the thing you’re looking for this summer then you’ll be glad to know that we have the perfect reading material to keep you entertained.

Last month Team R29 jumped headfirst into a range of exciting reads including Anonymous Sex by Hillary Jordan and Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, which R29 entertainment editor Maybelle Morgan described as a "uniquely horny" collection of short stories exploring desire and sensuality. The theme of self-discovery also appeared in Maps of our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer, which was described as a "symphonic journey through one woman's body".

This month we're switching gears with a series of pop culture-inspired stories, a spine-tingling tale of science and spirituality, and much, much more.

To take a look at everything we're reading this May, click through the slideshow ahead...

Refinery29's selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.

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