May Musings

What I consumed in May 2026: books, movies, tv, music, and travel.

Books:

I read 14 books in May. My top reads were:

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Fiction)
The Intentions of Thunder by Patricia Smith (Poetry)
Kin by Tayari Jones (Fiction)
Solito by Javier Zamora (Memoir)

I decided to finally watch The Summer I Turned Pretty, so I gave the first two books a re-read and read the final book in the trilogy. Before the controversy surrounding the Daggermouth artwork for Fae Crate, I finished the book. I loved the book, but am so disappointed in the author’s response to the character art. I finished making my way through Rachel Reid’s backlog and can’t wait for Unrivaled next year!

For book reviews, follow me on: Goodreads, Storygraph, and Fable.

Movies:

My watches were all over the place this month. I started the month off with two book adaptations: The Stranger (book by Albert Camus) and Turtles All The Way Down (book by John Green). My favorite watch this month has to be The Stranger. It was beautifully filmed and Benjamin Voisin did an incredible job at portraying Meursault as indifferent and nihilistic like to the point that I was aggravated at this fictional man!

My husband has never seen the Scream films so we are making our way through them and it’s so fun to bite my tongue while he guesses who the murderers are. We also watched Zombie, directed by Lucio Fulci, the movie that heavily inspires a metal band my husband likes called Fulci. Two very cute romances include: You, Me & Tuscany and Love You to the Stars and Back. I watched Love You on the plane ride to the Philippines, and it was in Tagalog.

With my family in the Philippines, I watched 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, The House Bunny, and Roommates.

For movie reviews, follow me on: letterboxd.

TV Shows:

My friends were telling me that filming for the film and conclusion of The Summer I Turned Pretty began and it made me realize that I had never finished the books nor started the show. I began watching and reading somewhat in tandem. It’s fun noting the changes and I think the show really expanded on the side characters well.

I tuned into Off Campus after seeing so much discourse on the show on Threads and Instagram and I have to admit it sucked me in. I don’t have any desire to read the books, but the show was great. Speaking of great shows, I’m rewatching Interview with the Vampire before The Vampire Lestat begins. The promos have me pumped for the new season. Lastly, I decided to once again put on Criminal Minds, this time season 12. I’m eager to start the new season (19).

Music:

I’m still very into Noah Kahan’s newest album and cannot wait to see him on tour in August. Kacey Musgraves released her new album and it reminds me so much of Golden Hour, but with more groove and new perspectives. Sleep Token and Vitamin String Quartet are top artists this month because I’ve been listening to a lot of instrumental music while reading. I saw Demi Lovato in concert and teenage me was so stoked to see an artist I’ve loved for so long. Adult me was equally amazed; her voice is spectacular.

Activities:

May was so fulfilling! I attended a climbing workshop called Brave Beta to help me build confidence and face my fear of getting hurt during climbing and I was able to put what I learned into practice during Climbing in Color’s monthly climb night. I’ve been committed to going to pilates at least twice a week and just reached my 85th class with In Balance Pilates.

I’ve been catching WNBA games when I can (let’s go Las Vegas Aces!), sang karaoke, and saw Demi Lovato and ADÉLA on the It’s Not That Deep tour.

I ended May with a family trip to the Philippines. It was my sister’s and my first time back since we were kids and my brothers first time ever. We met our extended family, heard stories of my mom, and ate so much Filipino food! I already can’t wait to visit again.