Show Us Your Books (May 2021): Hilarious World of Depression, Hollow Kingdom, and More

Posted May 11, 2021 by shooting in Book Review / 20 Comments

I’m linking up with Jana and Steph for their Show Us Your Books monthly feature

To be honest, I haven’t been reading a lot in the past month. It’s just a rough and stressful month, but I do have a few reviews to share today. I’m really hoping that my May reading will pick up because there are so many books I want/need to read.

FYI: any affiliate links just means I get a small % of any sale at no extra cost to you!


 The Truth and Other Hidden Things by Lea Geller

You can read my full review if you like (click the title), but I gave this one three stars.


Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

I gave this one 5 stars, and I would definitely read more by the author. Click the title to see my full review.


Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

This was a slower read than I would have thought, but there’s going to be a sequel and I will read it. Click the title to see my full review.


The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe

personal copy; all opinions are my own

I’m someone who has depression and anxiety, so this was definitely a relatable book for me. I haven’t felt all the same things John Moe has, or had the same experiences, but for anyone who has mental health issues, I think this will be an eye-opening book. It really shows how mental illness affects so many people, and while Moe wasn’t always great at taking medicine or going to therapy, he’s honest about how it helps him. It might not be the same things every single person needs to feel somewhat better, but there’s no stigma about getting whatever help you can.

If you recognize the name of this book, it might be because John Moe hosts a podcast with the same title, where he interviews famous names like John Green, Margaret Cho, Patton Oswalt, and more about mental illness and health. I haven’t listened yet, but after reading the book, I really think I need to check it out. This book is mostly Moe’s memoir, but it has chapters in between where he shares various thoughts from people he’s interviewed on the podcast, and I liked that aspect a lot. It was nice to get various perspectives! Highly recommend this one to those interested!


Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

personal copy; all opinions are my own

I actually chose this as my book club’s April read, and it was a great one for discussion! I only gave it three stars though, because it definitely dragged a bit. Granted, it’s narrated by a domesticated crow, so while most of the animals in the book can talk to each other, it’s probably more description than anything…and that tends to slow my reading. I found the premise fascinating though, and I loved S.T. (the crow). Forewarning, there are some sad moments and animal deaths. It can also be a bit gruesome in places. I know there’s going to be a sequel, but I’m not sure I’ll read it. I liked this one okay but it wasn’t a favorite.

I am co-hosting the monthly new book release giveaway hop. You can enter to win your choice of May 2021 book right now. International entries welcome, if The Book Depository ships to you, and all giveaways end on May 31.

I’m also hosting Spring Into King this month – all things Stephen King. More giveaways to come, but right now I have a Stephen King scratch-off poster up for grabs if you live in the U.S. This one ends on May 18!

20 responses to “Show Us Your Books (May 2021): Hilarious World of Depression, Hollow Kingdom, and More

  1. Jen

    I hadn’t heard about The Hilarious World of Depression, but that title definitely grabs your attention. I want to listen to the podcast now too!

  2. The Hilarious World of Depression sounds like an interesting read. I too, grapple with depression and anxiety so this book is definitely something I would like to check out.

  3. oh good to know about finlay donovan, i’m on hold at the library. should get it soon, yay. very curious about the depression book.

  4. I have seen so many mixed reviews on Finlay Donovan. I feel like the first round loved it and now that it has circulated more, there were a lot that didn’t care for it too. I will probably still read it to form my own thoughts.

    • shooting

      I’d recommend getting a library book so you aren’t out money, but I did like it overall. I’m just hoping the sequel will be better!

  5. Sounds like it was an off month for several of us 😉 My reading was a bit slow, but hopefully it’s just because the rest of life is picking up again! Thanks for sharing – I went and entered for the Spring into King scratch off too – sounds fun!

  6. verushka

    This is a great list, but The Hilarious World of Depression got my attention rightaway — that title and the topic, and that it so relatable.

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