This month’s choices:
Fiction
Fourth Wing
By Rebecca Yarros
For May’s fiction pick, I’m spotlighting “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros—a book considered a classic among readers who like their fantasy with a pulse.
This one drops you into a brutal military academy for dragon riders, where survival isn’t guaranteed and trust can be a liability. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, who’s pushed into a world she was never meant to enter—one where strength, strategy, and a little bit of defiance might be the only things keeping her alive. Along the way, alliances shift, rivalries flare, and the stakes climb fast.
What makes this an especially fun pick for me is the author herself. I had the chance to emcee the Colorado Author Hall of Fame ceremony last fall when Rebecca was inducted (see the pic below), and we spent some time talking backstage. She’s thoughtful, grounded, and clearly passionate about storytelling—always a good sign when you’re diving into a new book.
So even if this isn’t your usual genre, it might be worth the ride. Between the high-stakes setting and the character-driven tension, “Fourth Wing” has a way of pulling readers in—and not letting go.
Find your copy here.
Nonfiction
Empire of AI
By Karen Hao
I’ll put a disclaimer right up front: I have not read this book yet. But it’s definitely on my “to read” list, because I’m fascinated by the subject.
And for fun, I thought I’d do something different here. Since it’s a book that dives deep into the world of AI, I asked AI to write a synopsis of it. I mean, how could I not? This is what it came up with:
* * *
The premise alone makes this book hard to ignore. Empire of AI digs into how artificial intelligence has rapidly grown from a niche technology into a global force, shaping industries, economies, and even the way we think about creativity and work. It’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people building it, the systems behind it, and the ripple effects we’re only beginning to understand.
What makes this especially compelling for a book club pick is the reaction it tends to spark. AI has become one of those rare topics that pulls strong opinions from both sides. Some see it as an extraordinary leap forward—an engine for creativity, productivity, and progress. Others view it with real concern, questioning its impact on jobs, truth, and even human identity.
If nothing else, this feels like a conversation waiting to happen—and that alone makes it worth a spot on the list.
Find your copy here.
Project Hail Mary
By Andy Weir
Forget the movie. Read this book. Or better, listen to the audiobook. You’ll thank me.
A Walk in the Park
By Kevin Fedarko
What does it take to hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon? This book shows just how brutal it is.
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Happy reading!
