Without further ado, here are the books I read all the way back in March!
I didn't read too much, only six books. In actuality, I probably read around 10 to 13, but a good portion are from my internship at Algonquin books. Since I am reading prospective manuscripts, I can't talk about those manuscripts. Also, I've been doing a ton of research for papers, but I've only been reading large chunks and chapters, not a complete book, so I couldn't count anything on goodreads.
Right once I got accepted for an e-arc of There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon, I went ahead and read it. I didn't care that the novel was being published May 14, I was so read a YA romance with fat rep! As a person who is overweight myself, There's Something About Sweetie really spoke to me. I knew I would love the book right from the introduction letter, and I was not disappointed by the rest of the novel. I laughed, I cried, and I recommend.
I was required to read The Surrounded for a class this semester. Out of all the novels we had to read for the class, this was my least favorite. I do think it shows how reservation life can be so unrelentless to Native Americans. My issue was with the writing style; I felt disconnected from the characters and didn't think there was decent foreshadowing in preparation of key plot points. However, I do think that the narrative is important and that Native Americans should be more well-read.
I also read Wild Thorns for a class, and honestly, I don't have much to say about it. It was a short, quick read, but didn't make a lasting impact on me. Since I was required to read this within a week, I did skim the novel. The situation of my reading definitely did impact my experience, but I also don't think I will go back and read this again. Wild Thorns was a solid read: not exceptionally great, but it wasn't bad at all, and provided a nuanced look into the Palestine occupation.
Consumed was my first audiobook of the month. It followed the trend of March: it was just all right. The novel is part romance, part murder mystery, and part fire-fighter drama. My main issue with Consumed were the characters. I didn't empathize with anyone outside of Anne Ashburn. I thought most of the other characters were grating, quick to jump to assumptions, and sexist. Time was taken to expand upon secondary characters, but to the point that it was obvious that Ward was setting up other books and it felt more like a marketing tactic rather than a way to round of the plot. I won't be continuing the series.
I read Tracks for class. I don't have much to say about it, as is the case with many books I read for school. I did enjoy Tracks quite a bit, but I have discussed this book for over a week with my classmates, so I'm a bit tired out from it. I did like the take on who is your family and how you can make your own family.
Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
Goodreads
Many a moon ago I read Nuts by Alice Clayton. It wasn't my favorite romance, but it was pretty entertaining. Cream of the Crop is the same. When I was reading it, it had my attention, but it didn't stay with me after I finished the end of the audiobook. The main character, whose name I no longer remember, was pretty immature at times, and I couldn't connect with her until about halfway through the book. I think I will continue on with the series, just because Clayton's writing is solid and so are the romances, even if they aren't my favorite.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads
I started off March with a new favorite, and I ended the month with the same. Red, White, & Royal Blue was on my radar after seeing it on Netgalley. I requested it after seeing it several times on the site, and I'm thrilled that I was accepted. Red, White, & Royal Blue left me (literally) laughing out loud, holding back tears, and making my heart warm. This one will go down in the books as one of my favorites of the year. To be honest, I kind of want to reread it!
So those were the six books I managed to complete in a very busy month for me! Have you read any of them? What did you think?
Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!
Happy Reading!
Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!