May is full of stories worth exploring, from heritage and identity to mental well-being. This month’s picks highlight culture, history, and everyday experiences in a way that feels approachable and meaningful.

Identity & Belonging

Book: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Summary: A Chinese American family is shaken by the sudden death of their daughter, revealing hidden pressures around identity, expectations, and belonging.
Key Insights: A strong fit for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this story explores how identity is shaped within families, and how silence can affect connection.

Culture & Beliefs

Film: Rocks (2019, directed by Sarah Gavron)
Summary: Set in East London, the film follows a teenage girl navigating family responsibility, friendship, and identity after her mother disappears.
Key Insights: While not tied to one specific culture, it reflects the lived reality of diverse communities, showing how cultural background, friendship, and resilience shape everyday life.

Abilities & Perspectives

Book: The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang
Summary: A series of essays exploring the author’s experience living with schizoaffective disorder, blending personal narrative with cultural analysis.
Key Insights: A thoughtful contribution to Mental Health Awareness Month, offering clarity on a complex condition while challenging stigma in a grounded, human way.

Mind & Well-Being

Podcast: The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Summary: Hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, this long-running podcast features honest conversations about mental health, trauma, and coping.
Key Insights: Raw but relatable, it helps normalize conversations around mental health, especially useful during a month focused on awareness and openness.

Enjoy the journey, and stay curious!