Since I have been a little behind on my reading goals this year, I knew I needed to step my game up in March. After all, for the first time ever I am actually being held accountable by others participating in the 50 book challenge.
In my last post, where I detailed your Spring 2019 reading list I listed a handful of the books I intended to read in March. I’m proud to say I accomplished my goals, though it did take me until 4/2 to finish Pachinko. Which, by the way, is one of the greatest books ever written. In general, it was an outstanding month for reading. A few of the books I read will go down as consistent suggestions to the many DMs I get about recommendations. As always, please use the links on this post to purchase as i’ll receive a tiny commission for each sale.
What I read in March:
First, I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo– which I already reviewed. Then I attempted to read We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. The story is about a post-post racial South (US) and a (black) father who wanted to pay for his bi-racial son to have surgery that would make him look more white. The concept was interesting, and it was given a nice review by Roxane Gay, but the book was trash and I shelved it after 100 pages.
My Recommendations:
1.) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – This book feels like an extension of my heart. It has made me second guess any other 5 star review I have ever given. I might even go so far as to say it’s the best book I’ve ever read.
Though I must advise, I don’t recommend reading the last 25% of the novel in a public place. I finished it on a plane ride to Miami, where I am certain my neighbors thought I was heading for a funeral. The story takes place in France during WW2; it’s a story about two brave sisters and their heroism in the midst of evil.
2.) The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand – I bought this book in the airport immediately after finishing The Nightingale. I was spending the next few days in Miami, so I needed a book— but I had a serious emotional hangover after bursting into tears on the airplane. The Perfect Couple was exactly what I needed– a cheesy pool read that actually had some substance. A Nantucket wedding that results in the Maid of Honor’s murder. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a pure-pleasure read by the pool.
3.) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Look, I don’t think hype does any book a service. That said, there is absolutely a reason this debut novel has sold more than a million copies worldwide. In 1969 when a handsome young man is found dead, Kya Clark, the mysterious “Marsh Girl” is an obvious scapegoat. But Kya is far from who they think she is– an abandoned child who learned to live alone in nature and fend for herself. This is a beautiful, timeless story that I believe will be read for generations.
4.) Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Full disclosure, this book was gifted to me by Random House– alongside a cool Daisy Jones band tee that I LOVE. Okay, I reviewed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo last month, and I said it was a new favorite for me. So obviously I was pumped to read Daisy Jones. I very much enjoyed the book, which was written in a unique documentary-style layout about a fictional 1970’s rock band. That said, considering TJR’s last book was next-level amazing, this one fell a little flat for me.
5.) Pachinko by Min Jin Lee – I want to cry just thinking about this book.
Pachinko is an outstanding work of fiction that deserves every bit of praise it has received. I learned so much about a part of history what I was completely ignorant of. This is the story of four generations of a Korean family, starting in the early 1900’s with a unmarried teenager pregnant by a rich foreigner. Even as I’m writing this my heart feels as though it’s being tugged. If you’re looking for something fast-paced, this isn’t for you. If you’re into historical fiction and long reads; order Pachinko immediately.
LET’S READ TOGETHER:
1.) My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite – I’m currently experiencing an extreme emotional hangover from Pachinko. Thus, I knew it was time to choose something fast-paced and mindless. I picked up My Sister, the Serial Killer at my local book shop last month. Now seems like the perfect time to read a book about murder (+ strong women, of course.)
Buy My Sister, the Serial Killer
2.) This is How it Always is by Laurie Frankel – I’m SO excited to read the Bad Bitch Book Club book of the month for April. This is our first book with a transgender story-line, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. Claude is five years old, the youngest of five brothers, and loves peanut butter sandwiches. He also loves wearing a dress, and dreams of being a princess. Reese Witherspoon shared this book with her book club last year, and i’m excited to read it with mine.
3.) The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – Initially I was hoping that The Alice Network would be the Bad Bitch BOTM. However, after surveying my club I realized that pretty much ever big-reader I know has already read this one. Additionally, they all rate it super high on their lists of great books. Based on Goodreads; two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption. I loved The Nightingale + have high hopes for this one as well.
4.) Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – I’m visiting my best friend in North Carolina towards the ends of the month, and both of us recently purchased this book. Where’d You go, Bernadette has been massively popular over the last few years, so I feel like it’s about time I read it! I suspect the story of Bernadette’s daughter’s insistence that they go to Antarctica as a reward for her perfect grades will be the light read i’ll need after The Alice Network.
Buy Where’d You Go, Bernadette
What are you reading this month? I hope to read a couple more than this list, but I want to keep my options open 🙂
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