I really enjoyed most of the books I read this month. They were inspiring, insightful, and overall very enjoyable — even the ones I didn’t particularly love. As we close out the first quarter of 2021, I’m still on track to finish 60 books this year — how are you doing with your Reading Challenge?
Books I Read in March
Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
I really enjoy Samantha Irby’s writing. She’s raunchy, hilarious, and disgusting in the best possible way. I loved her previous book We Are Never Meeting In Real Life, so I had a feeling I’d enjoy Wow, No Thank You as well. Irby did not disappoint! I laughed and chuckled too many times to count. And for that, four stars!
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
YES YES YES! Another fantastic murder within murder pulled off with flying colors by Anthony Horowitz. Moonflower Murders is the sequel to Magpie Murders, but I suppose it could work as a standalone novel. But if you haven’t read Magpie Murders, I’d probably start with that one, it’ll give you a taste of Anthony Horowitz’s magic and everything will make a lot more sense to you. Highly recommend both books! (Magpie Murders review here).
More Than Enough: How One Family Cultivated A More Abundant Life Through A Year of Practical Minimalism by Miranda Anderson
Another excellent novel that was incredibly inspiring, this was the minimalism book I’ve been searching for. It was wholesome and I encourage you to read it. I’m trying to implement my own version of this for the remainder of 2021, though I won’t get any gold stars. Mainly because we still have a handful of smaller renovations going on, which all require time and attention and shopping and money and everything else this book encourages you to move away from. Other than whatever our renovations require purchase-wise, we have more than enough, and my non-consumable purchases are slowly winding down. More experiences, less physical stuff.
There There by Tommy Orange
I’m not really sure what to say about this book. On one hand, it was raw, intense, and very sobering. On the other… it… just wasn’t good. There were a lot of aspects I enjoyed, like learning a bit more about Native American culture, but it didn’t really work for me as a novel. The flow was awkward, stilted, and it didn’t a cohesive message. I’m sure I missed the point, and for that, it just wasn’t for me.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
A modern day take on Jane Eyre that fell a bit flat. Enjoyable in the way that a popcorn thriller is, but it left much to be desired. I didn’t care for any of the characters and the twists were so boring and predictable. Fun enough to read (I guess), but three stars, and that’s being generous. Pass!
Books My Toddler Loved This Month
Happiness is a Warm Puppy by Charles M. Schulz
Nomesie is very into Snoopy, Charlie Brown & the gang, so this book has been a huge hit. A gift from my MIL that’s been a daily staple all month long.
Oscar Otter by Nathaniel Benchley
We found this at my MIL house, so we took it home with us. Mainly because the book is illustrated by Arnold Lobel, who is the writer and illustrator of Frog and Toad, which we LOVE. Naomi is really into reading Oscar Otter too even though the story is pointless, but it’s cute enough. She learned how to make moose calls, which is adorable.
Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman
Falls under the Dr. Seuss umbrella that isn’t too painful to read. A gift from my dad, it was his favorite to read to me and my brothers when we were little. It helps with a few concepts (up vs. down, in vs. out, colors, numbers, etc.).
Road Builders by B.G. Hennessy
Our girl loves trucks and dirt, so this Imagination Library book is a big hit. It’s kind of impressive that she can now point out a backhoe and a digger whenever we see them.
Parent Tip: Dolly Parton’s Imgaination Library sends your child one free book per month, from birth through age five. It’s a wonderful program and we’ve received a handful of gems that both our kids absolutely love reading. Highly recommend registering if you have small kids or expecting. We started Naomi at birth. (not sponsored, I’m just a huge fan of this program and believe all families should have free access to wonderful children books!)