Everything I Read in March 2023
Wow, March was a great month! With daylight savings, I feel like I am thriving with the extra daylight and warm weather. I definitely was affected by winter this year, and can tell that I am much more energetic and happy now that the days are longer and brighter. This has given me the boost to tackle gym classes or grab a drink with a friend more often after work. In addition, March also brought Spring Break- 11 days that I packed full on fun. Since I don’t have a lot of flexibility to travel during the school year or even get a little time off, I did not want to waste a moment of this time. I started the break by flying out to LA to see friends, where I was able to hike, run, and soak in some California sun. When I got back, I did tea service at the new Salamander Hotel in DC to see the cherry blossoms and spend time with a friend. After that, I jetted home to Virginia Beach to visit my parents and see a traveling production of Hamilton (nothing beats seeing it on Broadway to be honest). Needless to say, I had a blast, but this girl is quite tired. Is it possible to get a break to recover from this break?
Despite my nonstop month, I read four books this month that kept me company as I have been running, walking, and traveling all over. Let’s take a look at these reads…
Remarkably Bright Creatures- Shelby Van Pelt
I am not going to lie, the premise of this book sounds a bit weird! However, Remarkably Bright Creatures had amazing reviews, so I gave it a try. The book centers around a woman, who has experienced great tragedy when she lost her son. Through an unlikely source, an octopus at the aquarium where she works, she forms a friendship that helps her heal from the past. If you are looking for a book with well-developed characters and depth, this is a great choice for you!
Really Good, Actually- Monica Heisey
Breakups suck, but Monica Heisey finds a way to take a heartbreaking situation, and create a book that is messy, vulnerable, and yet oh-so funny! Maggie finds herself divorced in her late 20s after a very short marriage. She explores dating, therapy, and most importantly finding out she is as a single adult. It reminds me of the raw and cringey moments from Bridget Jones mixed with the witty lines of Lorelei from Gilmore Girls (if that makes any sense)! You don’t have to be going through a breakup to enjoy this book. To me, it was more a book of self-discovery and appreciating who you are/accepting the place you are in-just in a funny package!
The Social Climber- Amanda Pellegrino
While this book is very similar to Stone Cold Fox, which I read last month, I can’t resist a suspense thriller! Hey, why fight it?! The Social Climber follows Eliza, who is engaged to a man from a wealthy, prominent New England family. With any true great suspense book, it is full of lies, intrigue, deceit, and revenge, making this book a fun read!!
Woman on Fire- Lisa Barr
Before you come after me for another suspense book, Woman on Fire sets itself apart in this genre, because it intertwines art and history in an elaborately developed story! I am a sucker for WW2 fiction books with strong female protagonists, and this book hit all of those marks. While it took me a few days to get into the story (travel had me scatterbrained), I got hooked once I was able to sit down and focus on it. This was another book that is just fun to read!
THANK YOU for reading these book posts, which I look forward to writing each month! I hope my reading and recommendations allows you to find something that either inspires you or gives you enjoyment. One of my love languages is sharing my book recs, so always feel free to share these posts, comment below, or send a quick hello. This book nerd would love it :)
xoxo,
L