For my May reading wrap-up, I knew I would struggle as the school year tumbles toward the end and work gets even busier. My goal was at least three, so I was glad to meet that. For the most part, and I’ll admit to it, this is a boring wrap-up!
I have yet to finish reading A Little Sin by Rawnie Sabor, but I expect to return to it in the summer months. Instead, I spent May seeking out comfort in re-reading some Warriors Super Editions that I haven’t touched in a long, long time.
3. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Published January 22, 1953
Rating: 3 stars
Genres: Plays, Historical Fiction, Drama
Summary: Arthur Miller’s classic play dramatizes the real-life events of the Salem witch-trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Based on real people from 1692, the play highlights the problems with mass hysteria and mob mentality. Rumors that women in Salem are practicing witchcraft explode in Salem, revolving around the rebellion of teenage girls led by Abigail Williams. John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, get caught in the cross hairs of Abigail’s plot as the Salem village feeds on fear.
Is this the oldest book I’ve read so far for my reading wrap-ups? Yes. Did I choose to read it? No. As with The Glass Castle, The Crucible is the next book I taught to sophomores this year. I read it myself in high school, so it is technically a re-read. While I don’t particularly like the play itself—it is generally one of the most frustrating books to read because of everything that happens—making high school students read it out loud has been entertaining. I’ve surprisingly had fun reading it with them. I’ve also been to Salem and enjoy the lore around it, despite how angering the whole situation was. Still, if I didn’t have to read this to teach it… I wouldn’t.
2. Warriors Super Edition #2: Bluestar’s Prophecy by Erin Hunter
Published June 1, 2009
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Fantasy, Cats, Children’s
Summary: In a time of uncertainty in ThunderClan’s lives, with prey shortages and failed battles, Bluekit is born. A prophecy promises she will blaze through the forest as fire, rising in the ranks of her Clan. Yet, she suffers through hardships and struggles to outrun one enemy that may be the destruction of ThunderClan entirely. As secrets build and try to catch her tail, Bluefur must sacrifice the most to become Bluestar and protect her Clan.
Early era Warriors‘s Super Editions were simply the best. They were character-driven with deep dives into the past of well-known supporting characters in their arcs. Bluestar’s is no exception. While slow at times, and not as action-packed, readers are able to have a full understanding of her character. It shows her actions in The Prophecy Begins in a different light. She goes through so much grief and turmoil, struggling with it and lashing out. A lot of weight settles on her shoulders which makes for an interesting narrative.
1. Warriors Super Edition #4: Crookedstar’s Promise by Erin Hunter
Published July 5, 2011
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Fantasy, Cats, Children’s
Summary: Read the fantastical story of Crookedstar, legendary leader of RiverClan. As Crookedkit, he is visited by a strange dead cat Mapleshade, who makes him promise to put his Clan above anything and everyone. Unknowingly, this promise thrusts his life into a whirlwind of terror and grief.
I can’t say enough good about Crookedstar’s Super Edition. It is genuinely my favorite and packs such a punch. Crookedstar, like Bluestar, goes through many traumatic events. He loses a lot of loved ones and struggles with a disability. His perseverance and courage is admirable, making the book enjoyable to read. His relationships were properly complex. This book also gave birth to the only star female villain of the Warriors series, Mapleshade, who is easily a fan favorite. In fact, this was the book that got fellow Fandom writer, Gabby, into Warriors.
2026 monthly wrap-ups: January, February, March, April
2025 monthly wrap-ups: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
