March 2024 Reads
March has rolled around, and despite feeling like I've been stuck in a bit of a blogging funk lately, I couldn't let the month slip by without sharing some of the standout reads that have kept me company over the past month.
As usual, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy, from the thought-provoking essays in The Anthropocene Reviewed, John Green’s debut nonfiction; to the twists and turns of First Lie Wins; and the contemplative depth of The Collected Regrets of Clover. Whether it was laughing out loud or wiping away tears (a rarity for me!), these reads reminded me of the power of storytelling and the diverse ways it can resonate. So, let's get started!
As always, I clarify in my reviews whether I listened to or physically read the book. I also link all of the book cover images to Goodreads so you can click on them to read more reviews if you’re so inclined.
The Anthropocene Reviewed
John Green
Stats: Essays, 10 hours and 42 minutes
Quick summary
The Anthropocene is the current geological age in which humans have shaped the planet. When John Green started his career at Booklist, one of his main job duties was to critically rate literature. This was before user review sites, before anything and everything existed on a five-star system. Borrowing from his past, the author reviews different facets of the human-centered world on a five-star scale, from the mundane to the monumental in his first work of non-fiction. Through essays that are at once funny, poignant, and thought-provoking, Green explores what it means to live in a world that's more touched by humanity than ever before. This collection serves as a unique blend of criticism and memoir, inviting readers to reflect on the paradoxes of modern life.
What I thought:
Given my lukewarm feelings towards John Green’s fiction, I was highly skeptical when my brother suggested this book. Friends, I loved this collection of essays. There were parts that made me laugh out loud (“Googling Strangers”), and many that brought me to full-on tears (“Kauaʻi ʻōʻō”). At times I felt overwhelmed with the state of our world, worried for the future, and others where I saw the hope that unites us all.
Who should read it:
Everyone. I loved it that much. Let’s talk about it when you do.
First Lie Wins
Ashley Elston
Stats: Thriller, 384 pages
Quick summary
Evie Porter is living the perfect life with her boyfriend, Ryan… except that it isn’t her life at all, Ryan is simply her current target. First, she receives an identity from her boss, the mysterious Mr. Smith, who she has never met in person. Then, she learns everything she can about the mark so she can get the information her boss needs before it’s on to the next target. Needing this assignment to succeed due to her past failures, Evie finds herself unexpectedly falling for Ryan.
What I thought:
This book was wild. Every single character was shady and you have no idea who you can trust. Once again, I found myself staying up way past my bedtime to see what happens next.
Who should read it:
Fans of Gillian Flynn.
The Book of Doors
Gareth Brown
Stats: Fantasy, 413 pages
Quick summary
Cassie works in a New York City bookstore. While closing up one night and chatting with a favorite elderly customer, she's distracted by the falling snow outside. When she turns around, she notices the customer has died. Shocked she gathers up his belongings and calls the police. Back in her apartment, she sees that one of the books in the stack from the deceased customer has strange writing in it, stating that any door is every door. Thinking nothing of it, she walks down the hall to her bathroom and when she opens the door, she’s transported back to a little street in Italy that she stayed at years prior. Fully realizing the book is magical, Cassie, along with her roommate, Izzy, begin exploring, unaware of the dangerous world they're about to step into.
What I thought:
Goodreads routinely publishes articles with their editors’ most anticipated books of the coming season and The Book of Doors was named by multiple editors who listed The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue as some of their favorites. Given these ringing endorsements, I knew this would probably be my kind of book, and I was correct. I haven’t gotten lost in a good fantasy book for a minute. What I loved most about this book is there wasn’t much of a love interest, which almost feels unique in the fantasy realm.
Who should read it:
People who like books about books. People who liked The Ten Thousand Doors of January or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
The Collected Regrets of Clover
Mikki BRammer
Stats: Contemporary, 320 pages
Quick summary
Since witnessing her kindergarten teacher die during a lesson, Clover has felt drawn to the dying process. Following the loss of her beloved grandfather while she was out of the country, she is determined to right her wrongs as a death doula, accompanying the dying in their final moments and paying witness to their humanity. After a client has passed into the afterlife, she returns home, alone, to her apartment to record their final words. Upon her shelf, she has three books: Advice, Confessions and Regrets. Her life is dull, lonely and predictable until she meets Sebastian at a death cafe, who is hoping to help his dying grandmother.
What I thought:
This was billed as perfect for fans of The Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, so of course I knew I would enjoy it. Despite the heavy topic, I found the story fairly light and thought-provoking.
Who should read it:
The description wasn’t wrong; if you loved The Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you’ll probably enjoy this one.