I’m SO behind with my book review posts! I mean, I still need to share my best books of 2024, and I’ve yet to recap January and February. But, when you’re this far behind it’s best to just start where you are, right? That’s what I’m telling myself at least. I read 8 books in March, and on a 5-star rating scale my worst rating of the bunch was 3 stars. So I’m calling last month’s reading list a total win!
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Series by Holly Jackson – 4 stars
Skipping this series solely based on its young adult category would be a mistake, in my humble opinion. I devoured this young adult mystery thriller series in just two weeks! This trilogy follows Pip, a teenage girl who starts investigating a closed murder case for a school project and slowly loses herself in the process of searching for the truth. It’s smart, dark, twisty, and addictive. And the Netflix adaptation hits the mark! I can’t wait for season two. This trilogy and show are perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Only Murders in the Building. I listened to this series, and the audio is so well done! If you have a road trip on the horizon, add this to your cue.
I’ve yet to read Kill Joy, the prequel to this trilogy, but it’s on my list!
2. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes – 4.5 stars
While everyone in my Instagram book club @4readingwomen didn’t agree with me, I loved this fictional family drama about 3 generations of family unexpectedly finding themselves living under the same roof amidst the chaos of a recent divorce. We All Live Here is the kind of story where nothing really happens, and yet so much is happening, you know? The cast of characters is quirky, messy, and oh-so-real, and I found this story delightfully honest, slightly funny, and even a bit cathartic. If you’re a Bridget Jones fan, give this book a go!
3. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler – 4 stars
This quiet, introspective novel felt reminiscent of Sandwich by Catherine Newman. While Sandwich takes place over a week long summer vacation, Three Days in June is told over a long family wedding weekend. This character-driven story is a gentle, reflective read about how much can change, or not change, in just three days. If you appreciate slow-moving, emotional family dramas, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain – 4 stars
I only reread Huck’s adventures to re-familiarize myself before diving into James. And while James is a stand alone story, I’m so glad I revisited this book first. If you haven’t read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn since you were a kid and are planning to read James, I highly recommend a reread. There were so many themes that went over my head as a child. Reading with adult eyes was a wildly different experience.
5. James by Percival Everett – 5 stars
This brilliant remix of a classic American story, retells Huck’s Adventures from Jim’s (Jame’s) perspective. Everett both honors and challenges the classic tale, giving a strong voice and sharp intellect to a character originally denied both. I found James deeply moving, thought provoking, and stunningly written. “With my pencil, I wrote myself into being.” I may never forget this one powerful sentence.
6. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Posten – 3 stars
This was a great palette cleanser after reading James. Light, easy, fun, and quick is just what you need sometimes. It has a bit of a Hallmark movie vibe, which has it’s place, right? Basically, A Novel Love Story is about a book nerd who somehow stumbles into her favorite fictional romance series in real life. It’s quirky and a little chaotic, but in a good albeit somewhat cheese-y way. This is a fun one to pick up on a rainy weekend at home or while sitting poolside with an iced coffee.
Your turn! What have you been reading lately?!
