What I Read — March 2022
This month did not go as expected. After two years of avoidance, I finally tested positive for COVID halfway through March. With Germany’s 10-day isolation requirement, one would think I had ample time to read and I would soar through quite a few books. This was not the case. One of the primary symptoms I had, in addition to a fever and a runny nose that wouldn’t quit, was a serious case of brain fog, which I’m unfortunately still dealing with a little bit. Unable to concentrate on much of anything, I binged a bunch of TV shows recommended by friends and family (check out Severance if you have Apple TV). Alas, prior to and after recovery, I discovered some great reads and most of them are nonfiction.
In 2019, I inadvertently completed the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge and have decided to attempt the same challenge from here on out… mainly because my to-read list is out of control! Normally, I’ll have a physical book and audiobook going at the same time, so for review clarity, I will put either duration or pages for the stats based on how I completed the book.
Here’s everything I enjoyed this March:
How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question
Michael Shur
Stats: Nonfiction, 9 hours 13 minutes
Quick summary
The creator of The Good Place and Parks and Recreation explores ethical and moral dilemmas that arise from us trying to be “good” humans by applying different ideological and philosophical perspectives.
What I thought:
The Happier podcast interviewed Michael Schur about this book so I added it to my list. Not only did I learn so much about different philosophies (everything from Aristotle to Kant), the way it was written was extremely accessible and laugh-out-loud funny at times.
Who should read it:
Honestly think most people will enjoy this one.
Shit, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema
Lindy West
Stats: Humor, 7 hours 16 minutes
Quick summary
Originally a standalone essay about Love, Actually, Lindy West rewatches a score of popular movies within the past few decades and points out why they aren’t as great as we remember.
What I thought:
This was recommended to me by both my brother and sister-in-law and was highly entertaining. At multiple points, I literally laughed out loud, and not just a polite chuckle either… a full-on guffaw. My personal favorite chapters were: Harry Plot Holes (Harry Potter); Dude, You Gotta Stop Listening to Your Mom (Forrest Gump); Never Boring, Always Horny (Twilight); and Know Your Enemy (American Pie). If you do read this book, it’s very important to note that it does not matter if you haven’t seen the movie; West covers the plot (or lack thereof) thoroughly in each chapter. That said, you’ve probably seen most of them… unless you’ve been living in a cave from 1980 to present.
Who should read it:
People who can’t enjoy a movie when the details are all wrong.
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead
Elle Cosimano
Stats: Mystery, 360 pages
Quick summary
This is the sequel to Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Author Finlay Donovan is still struggling to meet her writing deadlines, but this time for good reason—someone is trying to kill her ex-husband. Along with her child’s babysitter and best friend, Vero, she’s determined to keep him and her children safe, even if it means getting involved with the Russian mob.
What I thought:
As I stated last month, I was eagerly awaiting the sequel and it didn’t disappoint. Finlay is as inept as ever, but I just don’t care. These books are fun and easy to read. And there’s a third one coming… at some point.
Who should read it:
People in a reading rut.
Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different
Chuck Palahniuk
Stats: Nonfiction, 5 hours and 52 minutes
Quick summary
Bestselling author Chuck Palahniuk gives advice and practical writing exercises to author-hopefuls, sprinkling in examples from his books and other authors. He also includes stories from book signings and anecdotes from his time on the road.
What I thought:
Whoa. This book is definitely not for everyone, but since it’s my goal to write a book this year, I found this to be invaluable. I had picked it up expecting a memoir from one of my favorite authors and walked away with so much more. I did borrow this from the library for my initial read, but I’m definitely buying a hard copy so I can reference it again and again.
Who should read it:
People hoping to write a book someday. People who enjoy learning about process in a variety of fields.
Verity
Colleen Hoover
Stats: Thriller, 333 pages
Quick summary
Lowen is a struggling author and has been given the opportunity to ghost write the remainder of a popular book series for Verity Crawford, a bestselling author tragically injured in a car accident. Lowen moves into the Crawford’s house to conduct research on the series and learns there’s more than what she’s been told about the Crawfords and their family’s tragic history.
What I thought:
As you’ve (probably) come to know and expect from my book reviews, I read some dark stuff from time to time. That’s this book for this month. This isn’t for the tender-hearted. There are vivid descriptions of child abuse and neglect, so if you’re sensitive to that, you may want to skip this one. With that warning, this book was highly readable and I finished it within two days because I just couldn’t stop.
Who should read it:
People looking for a dark thriller.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It
Ethan Kross
Stats: Psychology, 5 hours and 44 minutes
Quick summary
All of us have an inner voice, but depending on how it manifests, it can either hurt or help us in accomplishing our goals, living a happy life, and possessing good mental health.
What I thought:
I think I’m getting near the point where I’ve sought out too many books with a similar subject matter. There was nothing wrong with Chatter; it just didn’t say anything new for me. Also, I think I need to just read Kahneman at this point since every single one of these books reference his.
Who should read it:
Given its length comparative to Kahneman, this is a great book for people who haven’t read a lot about psychology and need tools for reframing and distancing.