What I read in March
Each month I share short and sweet book reviews of the books I’ve finished. March was a great reading month for me since I was recovering from hand surgery for most of the month. Click on the titles or images below to see more detail on each book.
I discovered while putting this blog post together that many of these books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited. If you’re not already signed up, now would be a great time to try it out! Grab your free trial here.
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
Historical fiction about a brilliant woman who wants to be a physician but is forced to keep her ambition a secret because it’s illegal for women to work in the medical field. (4 stars)
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
Absolutely incredible. A very accurate look at drug addiction and the heartbreak it leaves in its wake.
This book is definitely going to be on my top 10 of the year. It absolutely broke my heart. This may be due to family circumstances and our work with foster families but the portrayl of the love in this broken family is absolutely beautiful. A wholehearted five stars from me.
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
This was just fine for me. My kids loved it, but I had a hard time caring about the characters, plot or storyline. A little silly and a little bit of a life lesson. (3 stars)
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Finally got to this after having it on my list for a long time. It was very interesting! I loved most of the book, especially learning about the clients’ histories and outcomes. I do feel like it dragged in places, but not often.
A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly
Well researched fictionalized account of the sinking of the Titanic. It was more Christian than I was expecting, but I don’t feel like it was over done. The story focused on the faith of the captain of the boat that rescued Titanic survivors hours after the disaster as well as some specific victims and survivors. The cover is gorgeous, as well.
A Woman in the Polar Night by Christiane Ritter
Absolutely fascinating classic memoir of a woman who spent a year in the Arctic in the 1930s. (4 stars)
The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg
Spooky middle grade. Very propulsive and just creepy enough for my sensitive soul. Side note, have you ever heard of a Rat King? I never had but there’s one in this book which freaked me right now. (4 stars)
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
Enjoyed this middle-grade dystopian story with a strong, smart and kind female protagonist. (3.5 stars)
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
This is going to be a lifetime favorite, I think. It’s beautiful.
Incredibly powerful and inspiring while also completely devastating.
An 100 year old Auschwitz survivor shares his life story and the lessons he learned in horrible times.
(5 stars)
The Only Girl in the World by Maude Julien
Oof. This was an incredibly hard book. I found I had to read it slowly at first because it was so heartbreaking. But there’s a happy ending! I felt like the author’s reaction to trauma was a very accurate representation. (4 stars)
TW: child abuse
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose
My kids were begging me to read more of this story, especially toward the end.
It’s a great look at the Alaska Gold Rush plus a gentle mystery. (3 stars)
Girl at War by Sara Novic
Engaging story about two young sisters who escape Croatia during the war in 1991. I loved that the outcome was complicated. Its not like all of their problems were solved once they left, and I appreciate how that was depicted in this novel.