Come talk books with me! Here are the 14 books I read in March 2019.
Three weeks into March I realized that I’d only read 5 books. That’s what happens when I find a new show to binge watch on Netflix at night instead of reading.
Luckily, the last week of March was Spring Break. I swore off Netflix for the week and managed to squeeze in quite a few good books before the month ended!
I didn’t read any classics this month, but I did find some great non-fiction reads thanks to reader recommendations in the comments last month. I do love your recommendations, so keep ’em coming!
If you want to see what I read in January and February, you can find those posts here.
March 2019 Reading
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro | This was the best book I read this month. I listened to the audio book read by the author and it was fantastic. I’m always fascinated by the examination of nature vs. nurture and identity and this book was so well done. It would make an excellent book club read – so much to discuss.
The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras | Loved this one! I read this aloud with my kids and we’re huge fans. Full review of this one here, and a review of the first book in the series here.
North! Or Be Eaten (The Wingfeather Saga) Andrew Peterson | This is the second book in a series that my kids and I have been reading aloud together. Every chapter is a cliff hanger, so it ends up being a pretty fast read. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Lovely War by Julie Berry | A sweet, historical fiction YA romance set in France/England during World War I. It was unique in that it’s narrated from the perspective of a few Greek gods, which was a clever twist. A clean teen read.
My Double Life by Janette Rallison | This is a super fluffy YA romance, but it was undeniably fun to read. I grinned through most of the book. I’m going to be reading more Janette Rallison. (And if you’re looking for clean reads for your teens, this one is great.)
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan | I’m an awards junkie and I love to read all the books nominated for the big awards every year. This one was a Man Booker finalist in 2018.
I’ve read a lot of books about slavery, but Washington Black was so unique. It starts on a sugar plantation in Barbados and takes you around the world, from a remote outpost in the Arctic to Nova Scotia and Africa. A fresh perspective, a riveting story, and excellent writing.
No Crystal Stair by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson | I love the unique format of this YA book. It’s a documentary novel based on the real life of the author’s uncle, Lewis Michaux, who owned the famous National Memorial African Bookstore in Harlem, New York. It’s fiction, but so carefully researched. I couldn’t put it down!
Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate by Spencer Rascoff and Stan Humphries | A look at Real Estate with a Malcom Gladwell type perspective. Fun to read and would be helpful if you’re looking at buying or selling a house any time soon.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou | This book was CRAZY! I can’t believe this all really happened. I listened on audio and it was so gripping, from beginning to end. Everyone is reading this right now and I see why.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes | This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story tackling issues of racial bias, bullying, and gun violence. I thought it was extremely well done. Excellent read for 12 and up.
Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine | Well, it wasn’t as good as Ella Enchanted, but it was fun to read. My girls read this one too and loved it.
Annerton Pit by Peter Dickinson | I just discovered Peter Dickinson, a popular British author, and I’m ready to read everything he’s ever written. This one, about a blind boy and his brother who set out to find their missing grandfather, a skeptical ghost hunter, was fantastic.
The Gift by Peter Dickinson | Another excellent book from Dickinson about a boy with a strangely unhelpful gift that allows him to see people’s thoughts (but not all people and not all the time).
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer | This is an incredible book! Kimmerer is a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, a botanist, and a beautiful storyteller. She weaves science, Native American history, and her own stories together in this book and the combination is stunning. I was hooked from the very first chapter.
I loved Kimmerer’s gentle voice in this book, even as she speaks with such authority and knowledge. I need to buy my own copy because I want to read it again slowly and savor every chapter all over again. I highly recommend this one – especially if you enjoyed Lab Girl.
Caroline says
Have you read A Woman is No Man? I loved it! 5 star read for me.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Just added to my library holds! It sounds really good. Thanks for the recommendation.
Leah says
I too enjoy Peter Dickinson’s work. He died in 2015 and was married to Robin McKinley (Blue Sword, Hero and the Crown, etc). Check out their Tales of Elemental Spirits if you haven’t read them.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I didn’t realize they were married! How interesting! I will definitely check the series out – thank you!